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Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Wayanad
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ThesisItem Open Access VILLAGE LEVEL LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY PRODUCTION UNDER THE INDUSTRIALIZATION SCENARIO(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2007) V. RAJAGANAPATHY; Francis XavierAn in depth assessment and analysis of two villages, one aji industrial area and the other an agrarian hamlet, was taken up. The effect of industrialization and pollution in village level livestock and poultry production and toxic heavy metals content as an indicator of pollution in water, soil, fodder and in biological samples were studied. Based on the observation and scientific validations, changes in livestock farming system and methodologies to alleviate the extent of pollution were sorted out. This study was conducted in Plachimada village - industrial area - in Perumatty Panchayat and in Nallepilly village- control area in Nallepilly Panchayat in Chittoor taluk in Palakkad district. A detailed survey of the existing husbandry systems was done in the selected study area using a schedule. Collection of samples of water, soil, fodder and biological samples milk, meat, egg, blood and dung samples were collected and examined from both industrial and control area. The samples were analyzed for presence of heavy metals like copper, cadmium, lead and arsenic by using Atomic absorption spectrophotometer. A detailed survey was done among fifty farmers from the Plachimada (industrial area) and Nallepilly (control area) villages respectively. The farmers were interviewed with a schedule and the data was obtained. The socio-economic status of the farmers indicated that the middle aged persons were more involved in the agricultural and animal husbandry activities. Most of the farmers had an average monthly income per family of Rs. 2000 in the study area. Cultivation of crops and plantations were less in both industrial and control area. The study revealed that majority of the fanners possessed dairy cattle with major source bf income from livestock fanning in both these study areas. Economic viability of rearing cattle was better in control area than that of industrial area. Most of the farmers jsurveyed stayed very near to the industry in the industrial zone. The study revealed that nearness of the industry to the grazing lands may be affecting their livestock farnjing system. The presence of heavy metals cadmium and lead in drinking water and soil samples of industrial area was more than that of the control zone and the WHO (1995) recommendations. The presence of copper and cadmium in meat samples was higher whereas cadmium and lead in blood samples of the industrial more than that of the control zone and the permitted levels as recommendations. The level of copper, cadmium and lead in fodder, milk, egg and dung samples of the industrial area was found more than that of the control zone and the permitted levels as per the WHO recommendations. This study aimed also to find out the relationship between watej-, soil, plant and area was found per the WHO other biological ghly significant animal system. Correlation of fodder and blood heavy metals with samples was done in industrial area. Fodder lead showed a hi|; correlation with milk lead content. Correlation between fodder alsenic and milk arsenic concentration was also significant. Correlation between fodder cadmium with blood cadmium was significant. Correlation was observed between fodder lead with dung lead values. Correlation existed between blood copper with dung copper at a significant level. Similarly correlation of fodder and blood heavy metals with other biological samples was done in control area also. Blood and fodder cadmium was significant and positively correlated. Correlation of fodder lead with milk and dung lead were significant. Fodder arsenic and milk arsenic were significantly correlated. In blood the copper content of milk and dung showed a positive significant colrelation. The heavy metals lead, cadmium, arsenic and mercury pollution arc of high environmental concern due to their toxici from industrial ty even at low concentrations. These metals may persist in the system for seveial days due to cumulative nature and may cause severe health effects in man and animals. Bioaccumulation of toxic heavy metals, especially lead, cadmium and arsenic in milk, meat and in egg have evoked great concern during the recent years. Heavy metals contaminants may enter the animal system through pollution of air, water, soil, feed polluted by industrial sources. | hid contamination permi From the present study it was found that the industrial area water, soil, and fodder under observation. The heavy metal copper, cadmium and lead whereas arsenic was almost within the The biological samples milk, meat, egg, blood and dung collected frdi zone were also contaminated with copper, cadmium and lead when the control area samples. The level of heavy metals in the biolog industrial area was above the WHO permissible limits. Arsenic waj> the maximum permissible level in all the biological samples. It is also industrialization may add pollutants to the area thereby causing an livestock production systems and in turn to the human beings. recommendations may be suggested. contaminated was from ssible limits. m the industrial compared with ical samples of present within concluded that indirect effect on The following 1. Monitoring the level of pollution in water, soil, plants anjtl fodder crops, animals and in man in industrial zones at regular intervals. 2. Treatment of waste water and other discharges/effluents front industries with implementation of strict rules and regulations 3. Safe disposal of the discharges, effluents and waste materials from the industries and factories. Efficient waste management to be adapted. 4. To create awareness among farming community to adopt better management practices. 5. Encouragement of organic farming. 6. Recommendation of rearing indigenous animals and adoptjion of Mixed farming - system to improve economic status of farmers. 7. Phytoremediation may be done to decontaminate soil and watejr to reduce the soil heavy metal content. 8. Identify and growing of trees/ plants to reduce the level of jtoxic elements from the industrial zones.ThesisItem Open Access COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF PORCINE PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE IN TERMINALLY SIRED AND PUREBRED PROGENIES UNDER DIFFERENT MANAGEMENT CONDITIONS(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2007) M. MURUGAN; JOSEPH MATHEWA study was conducted to evaluate the production performance of terminally sired and purebred progenies under different management conditions. Twenty gilts were selected from Large White Yorkshire and also each combination of Large White Yorkshire x Landrace, Landrace x Desi and Large White Yorkshire x Desi . After attaining maturity, they were bred to terminal sire (Duroc). Large White Yorkshire was maintained as pure line. Litter performance of LWY and three breed combinations viz., D x (LWY x LR), D x (LR x Desi) and D x (LWY x Desi) were comparatively evaluated. Twenty four weaned piglets were selected at random from each genetic combination and they were divided into four groups having six animals in each group. Piglets T1 were fed with concentrate feed and T2, T3 and T4 from each genetic group were fed with left over food from hotels, restaurants, slaughter house waste and waste available from agricultural fields. In addition to this, T3 group were supplemented with inorganic minerals and T4 group were supplemented with organic minerals @ one per cent level on dry matter basis from third month to ten months of age. The crossbreds viz., D x (LWY x Desi) and D x (LR x Desi) had highly significant (P<0.01) difference in litter size at birth, litter weight at birth, birth weight, litter size at weaning, litter weight at weaning and weaning weight compared to LWY and D x (LWY x LR) pigs. There was no significant difference between LWY and D x (LWY x LR) ; D x (LWY x Desi) and D x (LR x Desi) pigs in all these litter traits. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in maximum and minimum temperature and relative humidity between farm and field. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in mean rectal temperature, pulse and respiration rate between treatments and genetic groups. Significant difference (P<0.01) were observed between morning and afternoon pulse and respiratory rates irrespective of treatment and genetic groups. At the time of feeding, majority of the pigs in different treatments and genetic groups showed eating greedily with drooling of saliva and ear biting, belly nosing and tail biting very frequently. Quantity of faeces voided had a highly significant (P<0.01) difference between treatment in all four genetic groups. LWY pigs voided significantly lesser quantity of faeces than other genetic groups within the treatment. Frequency of defaecation had no significant difference, between treatments and genetic groups. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in the faecal cortisol level between the treatments and genetic groups of pigs. The proximate composition (percentage) of pooled swill feed samples are comparable to farm concentrate except ether extract (24.56; 6.05 and 4.13) which was very higher in swill feed. Total ash content was higher in the farm concentrate (10.91, 10.13; 6.61). Availability of minerals was higher in inorganic form compared to organic form. Mineral assay revealed that chicken waste showed higher levels of minerals followed by hotel waste and vegetable waste. There was no significant difference between genetic groups within the treatment in serum mineral concentration. The feeding system had highly significant (P<0.01) effect on the mineral concentration. It was highest in T4 followed by T3 and T1 and least in T2. It was comparable between T3 and T2. There was no significant difference in monthly body weights (kg), body measurements viz., body length, girth and height (cm), average daily weight gain and average daily feed intake (g) of pigs between concentrate (Tl) and swill feeding (T2). T4 significantly (P<0.01) better than other treatment groups. T3 was significantly (P<0.01) better than T2 and Tl. Crossbred pigs had significantly (P<0.01) higher monthly body weight, linear body measurements, average daily weight gain and average daily feed intake than LWY pigs within the treatment. Among the three crossbreds there was no significant difference observed in monthly body weight, linear body measurements, average daily gain and average daily feed intake except in concentrate feeding. In concentrate feeding, D x (LWY x Desi) crossbred consumed significantly (P<0.01) less feed than the other crossbred pigs. There was significant (P<0.01) difference in feed efficiency between T1 and T2. No significant difference was observed between T2, T3 and 14. There was no significant difference between LWY and crossbred pigs within the treatment. T4 attained significantly (P<0.01) higher slaughter weight (kg), hot carcass weight (kg) and carcass length (cm) than the other treatment groups. T3 group attained significantly (P<0.01) higher slaughter weight, hot carcass weight and carcass length than the T2 and T1 treatment groups. No significant difference between T1 and T2 was noticed. T1 had significantly (P<0.01) higher dressing percentage than other treatment groups. T1 had significantly (P<0.01) lesser back fat thickness. There was no significant difference between T2, T3 and T4 in dressing percentage and back fat thickness. T2 had significantly (P<0.01) lesser loin eye area and meat-bone ratio than other treatment groups and there was no significant difference between T1 and T3 and T4. Gut weight was significantly (P<0.01) lesser in T1 than other treatment groups. There was no significant difference between T2, T3 and T4. There was significant (P<0.01) difference between LWY and crossbreds in terms of slaughter weight, hot carcass weight, carcass length, back fat thickness and loin eye area, within the treatment. There was no significant difference noticed between dressing percentage, meat-bone ratio and gut weight within the treatment. Cost of production per kg live weight on feed basis was high in T1 followed by T4, T3 and T2. It was inferred that swill feed supplemented with minerals can increase the profit margin provided a cheaper substitute for the organic minerals presently available in the market is absolutely essential for the field fattener pig production. Swill feed was found to be equally effective compared to concentrate feed in promoting growth of the fattener pig production existing under field conditions. Growth performance and carcass characteristics can be improved by supplementation of minerals in the diet of fattener pigs. Crossbred pigs excelled over pure LWY in terms of post weaning growth performance and carcass characteristics under terminally sired pigs. The crossbreds viz., D x (LR x Desi) and D x (LWY x Desi) had better litter performance than D x (LWY x LR) and LWY pigs. Considering both litter performance and post weaning growth performance, the recommendation is that D X (LR x Desi) and D x (LWY x Desi) crossbreds are best suited for the field fattener pig production in the hot-humid climatic conditions.ThesisItem Open Access MEDROXYPROGESTERONE ACETATE AS AN AID TO BIRTH CONTROL PROGRAMME IN STRAY DOGS(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2005) D, K. DEEPAK MATHEW; Joseph MathewThe utility of Medroxyprogesterone acetate as an aid in the birth control programme of stray dogs was studied. Eighteen early proestrus bitches were randomly allotted to three equal groups (Group A Group B and Group C). Group A animals were administered with a single subcutaneous injection of 50 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate. Group B animals were administered medroxyprogesterone acetate orally at the rate of 10 mg per day for four days followed by 5 mg per day for another 12 days starting from the end of anoestrus. Six bitches of Group C acted as control animals. All animals in Group A and Group B responded to the treatment though one animal in Group A had returned to cycle in about 50 days. Reproductive cycle was controlled in all six animals of group A at a mean of 3.17 days and a mean of of 2.67 days in group B. Group A animals had a mean duration of control of 83.3 days while in group B it was 90 days. Vulval edema, vulval discharge, tail deviation reflex and interest in male decreased following treatment in Groups A and B while it seemed to be not changed or high in Group C animals. Detailed vaginal cytology was studied using Wright- Giemsa's stain. Cellular changes was characterized by a change from predominance of parabasal cells following treatment in Groups A and B while changes characteristic of oestrus cycle occurred in the control animals. There was significant difference in the mean percentage of parabasal cells between Groups A and B after treatment and during different stages of the oestrus cycle of the Group A up to end of dioestrus. Serum progesterone was estimated in all animals at fortnightly intervals. Animals in group A, B and C showed mean serum progesterone concentrations of 0.53 ng/ml, 0.57 ng/ml and 0.45 ng/ml during the beginning of proestrus. The mean progesterone in serum following treatment elevated in Group A to 27.83 ng/ml, while it maintained a low level of 0.55 ng/ml in group B and had a value of 4.43 ng/ml in group C which indicated oestrus phase. The progesterone level reached maximum concentration of 31.17 ng/ml on day 42 in group A and 49.00 ng/ml during dioestrus in group C. The values remained low in group B. Towards the end of experiment all animals had basal concentration of progesterone. It is concluded that reproductive control can be achieved effectively in bitches treated with medroxyprogesterone acetate by both oral and parenteral routes. Oral administration demand less technicalities and hence is more suitable for use in the field.ThesisItem Open Access MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND UTILISATION PATTERN OF CAPTIVE MALE ELEPHANTS {Elephas maximus) KERALA(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2004) CIJO K. JOSEPH; K.S. AnilThe utilization pattern, management and nutrition of the elephants of Kerala under different ownership conditions were studied between June-2003 and July-2004 using survey method. The credibility of the information so collected was checked using triangulation method where, the information about an animal was collected from the owner, mahout, and also by physical verification of the claims in all possible cases. It was seen that the elephants of private owners with one elephant (25.2years) were significantly younger than the elephants of private owners with more than one elephant and elephants of temple trusts with one elephant (32.7 and 35.4 years respectively). The comparison of the height of the elephants revealed that the average height of elephants of forest department (245cm) was significantly lesser than the average height of elephants of private owners with more than one elephant and elephants of temple trusts with one elephant (278.7cm and 283.9cm respectively). The group wise variations in the frequencies of bath given to the elephants were insignificant but the duration of bath in elephants of forest department was significantly lesser than the average duration of bath in all other groups. It was also seen that most of the elephants in Kerala did not have proper housing facilities, and that majority of them were tied under tree on sandy floor. Studies on the utilization pattern of the elephants revealed that the elephants irrespective of their type of ownership were idle for most of the time in the year and that the elephants idled for the maximum number of days in a year (322.3 days). Further, the elephants of group-2 attended the maximum number of festivals in a year (82.9 ±6.92 days). Proximate analysis of the feed fed to the elephants revealed that the nutritional status of elephants of temples with one elephant was the highest. The study also revealed that all the elephants of group-4 were given restorative therapy and the elephants of group-5 were not given restorative therapy.ThesisItem Open Access PRODUCTIVITY AND FEASIBILITY OF FIG PRODUCTION SYSTEMS IN RURAL SECTOR(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2001) S. HARIKUMAR; Joseph MathewThe productivity and feasibility of pig production systems were studied in the rural sector of Kerala, The study on feasibility of pig production and problems and prospects associated with pig farming was conducted in Kaiparambu and Kuzhoor Panchayaths in Thrissur district of Kerala. The performance of Large White Yorkshire pigs in organized farms and field units was compared. Majority of the pig farmers were having higher educational and economic status and were equipped with potential and facilities for economic pig production. The management practices were cost effective and suited well for pig production in rural sector. Problems and constraints faced by the pig farmers were minimum in two Panchayaths. It was observed that the feasibility of the pig production was higher in two Panchayaths studied. The resource utilization efficiency of the existing pig production was only 40.95per cent and I9.53per cent, respectively in Kaiparambu and Kuzhoor Panchayaths. In the comparative study between pigs in the organized farm and field units, the pigs reared in small field unit on 40per cent chicken offal and 60per cent restaurant waste recorded a significantly higher (P<0.01) slaughter weight of 73.66 + 3.15kg than that of 60.00 ± 2.79kg in pigs reared on hostel food waste in the farm. In the case of body measurements, pigs in small field unit group recorded maximum values. The feed efficiency (3.221 ±0.15) was better in pigs fed on 40pcr cent chicken offal and 60pcr cent restaurant waste. The mean daily dry matter intake was a maximum of 1.417 ± 0.19g in pigs reared on concentrate ration. The average daily weight gain was highest in pigs fed on 40per cent chicken offal and 60per cent restaurant waste (367 .13 ± 16.64g) and lowest in hostel food waste fed pigs (287.96 ± 15.23g). Pigs fed on 40per cent chicken offal and 60per cent restaurant waste were recorded a maximum value for dressing percentage (75.52 ± 0.41). Pigs fed on concentrate ration attained a maximum of 19.36 + 2.2cm^ for loin eye area and a minimum of 28.0 + 0.22mm for back fat thickness. Meat bone ratio was the lowest in pigs fed on hostel food waste (3.53 ± 0.19). Hot carcass weight (55.66 ± 2.49kg) and carcass length (65.00 ± 0.83cm) was more in pigs fed on 40per cent chicken offal and 60per cent restaurant waste in T4 group. In proximate analysis chicken offal was recorded a crude protein content of 35.63 + 2.77per cent and ether extract of 30.9 ± 2.31per cent. Concentrate, restaurant waste and hostel waste were recorded a higher NFE content. Cost of production per kilogram live weight of pigs was the highest in concentrate t^d group (Rs 54.66) and the lowest in small field unit (Rs 12.64).ThesisItem Open Access STRESS ASSESSMENT OF PIGLETS UNDERGOING ROUTINE SURGICAL PROCEDURES RELATED TO MANAGEMENTAL PRACTICES(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2003) GEETHA, N.; Francis XavierStress in piglets undergoing routine surgical procedures related to managemental practices was assessed in the present study. The experiment was conducted at the Center for Pig Production and Research (CPPR) of Kerala Agricultural University, Mannuthy. Sixty male piglets formed ten treatments with SIX replicates. Treatments undertaken were ear notching, handling for ear notching, castration, sham castration (restrained identically but not castrated), combined handling and performance of ear notching and castration. Behaviour and vocalization were observed during four different time frames viz: 30 minutes before the treatment, during the treatment, 30 minutes after the treatment and 24 hours after the treatment respectively. Salivary cortisol concentration was determined by radio immuno assay technique. In one-week-old piglets, though the stress related behavioural scores due to ear notching was higher during the procedure, the scores got decreased after 30 minutes and 24 hours of ear notching. The scores were intermediate in the combined performance of ear notching and castration compared to individual performance at one week. Castrates at eight weeks showed fewer stress related behaviours than the castrates at one week of age. The intensity of vocalization in week old ear notched groups got reduced after 30 minutes and 24 hours of ear notching. Vocalization intensit}' persisted till 24 hours in one week aged castrates, but it got reduced after 30 minutes and 24 hours in eight weeks castrates. The groups with combined performance of ear notching and castration were intermediate in the intensit>' of vocalization compared to individual performance at one week. There was reduction in the duration of vocalization in week-aged ear notched groups after 30 minutes and 24 hours of treatment. Castrates at eight weeks of age showed increased duration of vocalization after 30 minutes and 24 hours, but the level was lesser compared to one week old castrates. The groups with combined performance of ear notching and castration were intermediate in the duration of vocalization compared to individual performance at one week. The frequency of vocalization in ear notched group got reduced in week old group after 30 minutes and 24 hours. Castrates at eight weeks of age showed increased frequency of vocalization after 30 minutes and 24 hours, but the level was lesser compared to one week old castrates. The groups with combined performance of ear notching and castration had longer duration of vocalization compared to individual performance at one week. At one week, ear notched group had lower cortisol value than the group handled for ear notching. One-week old castrates had higher cortisol concentration than eight-week-old castrates. Cortisol level was higher in combined performance of ear notching and castration than individual performance of the same. Individual performance of ear notching and castration was less stressful. Performance of ear notching at one week and castration at eight weeks of age is beneficial. This is the routine management related surgical procedure, practiced in the Center for Pig Production and Research (CPPR) of Kerala Agricultural University.ThesisItem Open Access MORPHOMETRY AND AGEING OF CAPTIVE MALE ASIAN ELEPHANTS {Elephas maximus)(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2003) SASIKUMAR, M.; Francis XavierThe collection of morphometric details from elephants of different age groups would enhance our biological understanding and management of this valuable species. A total of fifty two clinically healthy captive male Asian elephants, varying in age, under excellent management, maintained by 'Guruvayoor Devaswom Board' were utilized for predicting body weight and height from body measurements as well as determination of age from physical features. For prediction equations several morphometric parameters were measured. All possible linear regressions of weight on one, two, three and four body measurements were calculated. The equations having highest coefficient determination value (R^) with least standard error of estimation was taken for predicting body weight and height in elephants. The data were also divided into age groups (Group I (Young ones; 0-20 years). Group II (Sub adults; 21-30 years). Group III (Adults; 31-40 years), and Group IV (Old adults; 41-70 years)) and all possible linear regressions were calculated for each group. The best prediction of body weight (kg) for all age groups (G 1 to G IV) was obtained based on two parameters; the chest girth (cm) and right forefoot circumference (cm). Single and also the combination of various parameters were used for the prediction of body weight in different age groups. An equation to predict the height at the shoulders (cm) from right forefoot circumference (cm) for various age groups of elephants was also derived. Various parameters were correlated with age of the elephants and average values of these parameters were calculated for age approximation. The data were again divided into various age groups (Group A (Young ones; 0-20 years). Group B (Adults; 21-40 years), and Group C (Old adults; 41 70 years)) and comparison of parameters between two age groups was done. The parameters such as dcpigmcntation on the trunk, hair distribution, iiollow on the temple region, width of the ear, circumference of tusk base and middle, and height at the shoulders had high correlation as well as significant difference in various age group comparisons. So, these parameters could be useful for age estimation in male elephants with more precision.ThesisItem Open Access ADAPTABILITY OF CROSSBRED PIGS UNDER DIFFERENT HOUSING AND FEEDING SYSTEMS(College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy., 2005) J. ANTON ROSELINE; Dr. JOSEPH MATHEWA study was conducted to find out the adaptability of two crossbred pigs, viz., CBi (Duroc 50% and Large White Yorkshire 50 %) and CB2 (Desi 50% and Large White Yorkshire 50%) under different housing and feeding systems. Twenty-four weaned piglets from each genetic group were randomly divided into four groups of six animals each and were subjected to four treatments, i.e., group housing with wallowing facility, fed with conventional feed (Ti), group housing with wallowing facility, fed with unconventional feed (T2), individual housing without wallowing facility, fed with conventional feed (T3) and individual housing without wallowing facility, fed with unconventional feed (T4). The climatological data, rectal temperature, pulse and respiratory rate at weekly intervals, daily feed intake, fortnightly body weight and behavioural scores of the animals were recorded. The average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), total cost of production per kg of live body weight, proximate principles of the feeds and faecal cortisol level were estimated. On attaining the slaughter weight two animals from each group were slaughtered for studying the carcass characteristics. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in microclimatic variables, viz., maximum and minimum temperature and relative humidity between the treatments. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in rectal temperature between the treatments but the pulse and respiratory rates were significantly higher (P<0.05) in group housed pigs than the individually housed pigs in both the genetic groups. Significantly higher (P<0.05) growth rate in T3 and T4 groups (individually housed) of CBi and a trend for higher growth ratefin T3 and T4 groups (individually housed) of CB2 were observed. The ADG was highest in T4 followed by T3, T2 and Ti and the FCR on dry matter basis was highest in T2 followed by T4^ Ti and T3 in both the genetic groups. Though there were no significant differences (P>0.05) in the behavioural scores, the feeding behavioural score was better was higher in pigs fed with unconventional feed. The quantity of dung voided was highest in pigs fed with conventional feed. The slaughter weight and hot carcass weight (kg) were significantly higher (P<0.05) in the T3 and T4 of CBi pigs but these traits were numerically higher in T4 followed by T3, T2 and Ti of CB2 pigs. Back fat thickness (mm) was lesser in CB| than CB2, Individually housed pigs had relatively higher back fat thickness in both the breeds. The loin eye area (cm^) was numerically higher in CBi than CB2 pigs. The dressing percentage was lower in groups fed with unconventional feed (T2 and T4) and meat yield (percentage) was higher in T3 and T4 in both the breeds. The meat bone ratio was numerically higher in CB2 when compared to CBi pigs. The moisture level was more in swill (72.03%) followed by chicken waste (71.88%) and infertile egg (59.87)%. The crude protein and ether extract were highest in chicken waste followed in infertile egg and swill. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in the faecal cortisol level between the treatments of both the breeds. From this study it is concluded that both genetic combination had better performance when they were maintained on unconventional feed irrespective of their housing and feeding systems. Among these two breeds Desi 50% and Large White Yorkshire 50%(CB2) seemed to be economical under unconventional feeding in both the housing systems, considering the cost of production per kg live body weight.ThesisItem Open Access PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE AND ECONOMICS OF LARGE WHITE YORKSHIRE AND CROSSBRED (Large White Yorkshire x Desi) PIGS UNDER DIFFERENT MANAGEMENT AND ENVIRONMENT CONDITIONS(College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy., 2005) K. S. ANIL; Dr. P.C. SaseendranDetailed investigation was conducted to assess production performance and economics of Large White Yorkshire (LWY) and crossbred (75% LWY x 25% Desi) pigs under different management and environment conditions with respect to growth, carcass characteristics, biochemical parameters, serum lipid profile, serum mineral composition and the economic feasibility of farm and field level pig production systems. Twelve weaned piglets each from two genetic groups, CB (Tl) and LWY (T2) selected uniformly as far as possible with respect to age, sex and body weight maintained in the feeding and management conditions prevailing in Centre for Pig Production and Research for a period of six months constituted the control group. Thirty weaned piglets each from the two genetic groups, CB (T3) and LWY (T4) randomly allotted to ten farmers to get a minimum of three piglets from both group, formed the field unit. The field animals were maintained on swill feed for the same period of six months. The T3 and T4 groups in the field attained more body weight 66.37 kg and 72.25 kg at slaughter (P<0.01) than their counterparts Tl and T2, which attained an average slaughter weight of 55.4 and 60.1 kg. At five months,CB (T3) in the field weighed significantly higher (P<0.01) than the CB (Tl) in the farm and the trend continued in the sixth month also (P<0.05). But at the end of sixth month, LWY (T4) in the field weighed (P<0.05) more than the CB (T3). The mean average daily body weight gain of LWY (T4) in the field was 341 gram, significantly higher than LWY (T2) in the farm (P<0.01) which attained only 265 grams. Both the genetic groups in the field registered a higher feed conversion efficiency than farm animals. Body weight was well correlated with body measurements. Significant difference in length was observed from fifth month onwards and the trend continued till slaughter. Height of the experimental animals showed significant difference during the last two months. Body girth showed significant difference in the fifth month where CB (T3) and LWY (T4) had significantly (P<0.01) more girth than LWY (T2) pigs. Proximate analysis of different feed stuffs fed to animals in the field revealed a high moisture content for vegetable waste followed by hotel waste and chicken offal. Chicken offals had the highest CP followed by vegetable waste and hotel waste. The ether extract value was highest for chicken offal (40.2) followed by hotel and vegetable waste at 21.2 and 22.32 respectively. When compared with NRC requirements (1998) for growing stoek, eoncentrate feed and chicken offals had all essential amino aeids in plenty whereas hotel waste and vegetable waste fed alone was deficient in eight and five essential amino acids respectively. In the case of finishing stock, hotel waste was deficient in four and vegetable waste in three essential amino acids. Carcass characteristics did not vary significantly among the four groups with respect to carcass length, loin eye area and hot deboned meat. The field animals had a significantly higher (P<0.01) back fat thickness than animals in the farm. Maximum dressing percentage was observed for CB (T3) in the field and was higher than (P<0.01) LWY (T2) in the farm. Animals in the field also excelled in meat bone ratio. Serum mineral concentrations were within the normal range for all the four treatment groups. Serum lipid profile also showed no significant difference except for triglycerides which was significantly higher (P<0.01) for the field animals. Biochemical parameters also showed no signifieant difference except for total and direct bilirubin which was significantly higher (P<0.01) in field animals. Ill Comparison of housing pallcrn showed that all pig houses in the field under study were not provided with uncovered area, wallowing tank and manger and more than 80 per cent of them had thatched roof. The average cost of production of one kg fattener pig was Rs.64.56 and Rs.66.16 for CB (Tl) and LWY (T2) in the organised farm and Rs.21.92 and Rs.23.45 for CB (T3) and LWY (T4) maintained on swill feeding in the field