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Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Wayanad

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2011 - 201922
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Subject: Poultry Science × End date: 2019 × Start date: 2010 × Type: Thesis ×
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    SELECTION FOR EGG PRODUCTION IN NATIVE CHICKEN AND PERFORMANCE OF ITS CROSSBREDS WITH WHITE LEGHORN
    (COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES MANNUTHY, THRISSUR, 2019-12-30) HARIKRISHNAN S
    A study was conducted at All India Co-ordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Poultry for Eggs, Mannuthy centre, to evaluate the phenotypic and production characteristics of native chicken of Kerala and to improve its egg production through selection. From the base generation (G0) of native chicken, 775 female and 200 male native chicken (G1) were produced through a pedigreed hatch and the pullets were evaluated till 40 weeks of age for their production performance. Based on egg number 40, selection was carried out in the population using Osborne’s index and 300 dams and 50 sires were selected for producing G2 generation through a pedigreed hatch. The pullets were evaluated for their production performance till 40 weeks of age. Heritability and correlation estimates were also worked out for egg production and various correlated traits of native chicken in both G1 and G2 generations. The native chicken of Kerala had a hen housed production of 69.83 eggs, hen day egg production of 70.72 and survivor’s egg production of 70.97. Based on the selection for egg number 40 in G1 generation of native chicken, the hen day egg production (4.56 eggs) and survivor’s egg production (5.90 eggs) was significantly (p<0.05) improved but the improvement in hen housed egg production was not evident due to higher mortality occurred in G2 generation as a result of incidence of neoplastic disease of infectious origin in the flock. However, a positive phenotypic response of 2.26 eggs was obtained on hen housed basis as a result of selection for egg number 40 in G1 generation. The age at sexual maturity of native chicken was significantly (p<0.05) improved in G2 generation. Improvement was noticed in the clutch size of the birds in G2 generation while per cent broodiness was reduced as a result of selection for egg number 40. The majority of egg shell colour noticed in native chicken of Kerala was tinted followed by medium brown, white and light brown. The performance of egg quality, fertility and hatchability percentage were comparable in both generations. The sire+dam component of heritability (h²s+d ) for ASM was 0.464 in G1 generation and 0.238 in G2 generation. For the trait egg number at 40 weeks of age, the values observed were 0.364 and 0.218 in G1 and G2 generation, respectively. The realised heritability worked out was 0.19. The h²s+d estimates for egg weight in G1 and G2 generation had no much variation among generation, consequent to selection. The phenotypic correlation (rp) between body weight 16 and egg number 40 was of low magnitude while egg number and egg weights were nearing zero. The rp between ASM and egg number was negative. Genetic correlation (rg) between body weight 16 and egg number, between egg weight 28 and egg weight 40 were positive with high magnitude while ASM with egg number was strong negative. The rg between egg number and egg weights was not significant. Upon estimating genetic correlation, it was evident that correlation between most of the traits was higher in G1.The average effective selection differential for egg number 40 in the generation was 12.03 and the selection intensity was 0.45. The genetic parameters and phenotypic response for egg production and various correlated traits revealed that there is further scope for selection in native chicken of Kerala to improve its egg production. The study was also aimed at evaluating the production performances of the selected native chicken in G1 and G2 generation with improved ‘N’ strain of White Leghorn (IWN). Based on the results of crossbreds (Native x IWN), significantly (p<0.05) higher number of eggs with early sexual maturity in birds was observed for the progeny of the birds with IWN as sire and native chicken as dam (ND) than its reciprocal cross (DN). The performance of the crossbreds with respect to egg weight and egg quality traits was comparable. The feed intake was higher for ND birds compared to DN, while livability, broodiness and presence of fawn colour plumage was higher for DN birds compared to ND. Based on the study of the crossbreds, it could be observed that ND birds were better in egg production while DN birds were better in terms of livability, broodiness and plumage. However, field trials have to be conducted to confirm the present results under backyard conditions.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    DEVELOPMENT OF A MEAT LINE OF KUTTANAD DUCKS (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus)
    (COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES MANNUTHY, THRISSUR, 2016-12-30) STELLA CYRIAC; Leo Joseph
    A selection experiment was conducted in Kuttanad ducks at University Poultry Farm, Mannuthy under Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University with the objective of developing a meat line. One thousand and eighty eight day-old Kuttanad ducklings procured from progressive farmers of Kerala formed the base generation (S0). Based on body weight at eighth week, top ranking 150 females and 25 males were selected through individual selection method. From the 25 sire families, 979, 969 and 1610 ducklings were produced by artificial insemination in S1, S2 and S3 generation in pedigreed hatches. Body weight, feed consumption and mortality were recorded at fortnightly intervals till 12th week of age in each generation. Genetic parameters for body weight at 8, 10 and 12 weeks were estimated using full sib correlation method. Selection differential, intensity of selection and response to selection were calculated for body weight at 8 weeks. Carcass characteristics were evaluated at 8, 10 and 12 weeks of age in four generations. The body weight at 18 and 40 weeks, feed consumption from 13 to 40 weeks, age at first egg and age at 10 and 50 per cent production, duck housed egg production and egg weight at 30 and 40 weeks were recorded in the selected parent stock of S0, S1 and S2 generations. The mean body weight at 8 weeks was 1103.38 g in the S0 generation. An improvement of 270.51 g could be recorded at 8 weeks in S3 generation. The period of active weight gain was shifted to 4th and 6th week in S3 generation whereas it was 8th week in the previous generations. The total per cent of observations above 1200 g weight increased over generations and the increase is more pronounced at 8 weeks of age. The results also indicate that a compensatory growth mechanism is present in ducks wherein the lower body weight in the early stages of growth are compensated in the subsequent weeks and they attain 90 per cent of the adult body weight by 12 weeks of age. The heritability estimates for body weight at 8 weeks of age based on sire plus dam components (h2 s+d) were 0.251, 0.313 and 0.243 in S1, S2 and S3 generations. The realised heritability was 0.60. High values were observed for phenotypic correlation between body weight at 8 and 10, 8 and 12 and 10 and 12 weeks of age. The genetic correlations were higher than the environmental correlations except in the sire component in S1 generation. The regression coefficients indicate that higher increase in body weight per generation was obtained for body weight at 8 weeks (94 g) rather than for body weight at 10 (56 g) and 12 weeks (55 g). S3 generation showed the lowest cumulative feed conversion ratio of 2.39 up to 8 weeks. The carcass characteristics of male and female Kuttanad ducks at 8, 10 and 12 weeks of age showed that there was improvement in the eviscerated yield of carcass over generations and S3 generation attained the highest yield at 8 weeks. The performance of parent stock indicated that selection had not altered their egg production performance. Artificial Insemination at 5 days interval could achieve 89 per cent fertility in the parent stock. The results of the selection experiment indicate that selection for body weight at 8 weeks was effective in improving the body weight and a line of Kuttanad ducks with meat characteristics could be developed. The higher body weight, body weight gain and the distribution of birds in the higher weight groups reveal that the S3 generation of Kuttanad ducks possess the characteristics of a meat line. The trend observed in body weight gain, frequency distribution, response to selection and correlated responses as well as the high heritability and phenotypic correlation for body weight at 8 weeks establish that the criterion for selection (8th week body weight) employed in the present study was appropriate. The carcass characteristics especially the eviscerated yield and yield of cut-up parts over generations indicate that the meat producing potential of Kuttanad ducks has improved as a result of selection. It could be concluded that Kuttanad ducks could attain its optimum meat production characteristics at 8 weeks and hence it could be considered as the ideal age for processing.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    INFLUENCE OF ENERGY LEVEL AND PARTICLE SIZE OF FEED ON PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE OF ATHULYA LAYER CHICKEN
    (COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES MANNUTHY, THRISSUR, 2015-12-30) BINOJ CHACKO; P. Anitha
    An experiment was carried out in Athulya layer chicken (Single Combed White Leghorn) from 17 to 64 weeks of age to evaluate the influence of ME levels (2200, 2400 and 2600 kcal/kg) and particle size (3.0, 5.0 and 7.0 mm) of feed on production performance, nutrient utilization and economics in a 3x3 factorial design. There were nine experimental diets and each diet was fed to five replicate groups constituted 10 birds each. All experimental diets were identical in calorie protein ratio as per BIS, 1992 specifications. The hen housed and hen day egg production from 17 to 64 weeks of age were comparable among birds fed diet containing different levels of ME and particle size. Daily feed intake and FCR was significantly (p<0.000) lower in birds fed diet containing ME level of 2600 kcal/kg than in birds fed diet with lower ME levels (2400 and 2200 kcal/kg). The effect of particle size of feed was not significant for daily feed intake and FCR. The egg weight and egg shell thicknesses of birds were not influenced by either dietary ME levels or particle size from 17 to 64 weeks of age. The body weight and body weight gain at 40 and 64 weeks of age was significantly (p<0.05) higher in birds fed diet containing ME level of 2600 kcal/kg than in birds fed diet containing lower ME levels (2400 and 2200 kcal/kg). The effect of particle size of feed was not significant for body weight and body weight gain at 40 and 64 weeks of age. The livability of birds was not influenced by either dietary ME levels or particle size from 17 to 64 weeks of age. The birds fed diet containing lower ME level of 2200 and 2400 kcal/kg had significantly (p<0.05) lower dry matter, gross energy, zinc and manganese utilization than birds fed on 2600 kcal/kg diet. The crude protein, crude fat, total ash, phosphorus and copper utilization were comparable among birds fed diet containing different levels of dietary ME. The birds fed diet containing lower ME level of 2200 kcal/kg had significantly (p<0.00) lower calcium utilization than birds fed diets containing higher dietary ME levels of 2400 and 2600 kcal/kg. The calcium utilization was significantly (p<0.016) higher in birds fed feed particle size
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    STANDARDISATION OF FINISHER RATION FOR GRAMASREE COCKERELS FOR MEAT PURPOSE
    (Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences Mannuthy, Thrissur, 2019-09-30) SHINDE VAIBHAV JYOTIRAM; P. Anitha
    An experiment was carried out to standardise the finisher ration for Gramasree cockerels for meat purpose. Three hundred and thirty-six, Gramasree male birds of six weeks age were procured from University Poultry and Duck Farm, Mannuthy and allotted to six dietary treatments having four replicates of 14 birds each and the experiment was conducted from seven to fourteen weeks of age.The six dietary treatment comprised of two levels of metabolizable energy and three levels of crude protein in a factorial design. The dietary treatment T1, T2 and T3 were 20:3000, 19:3000 and 18:3000, respectively and T4, T5 and T6 were 20:3200, 19:3200 and 18:3200, respectively. The growth parameters were studied from seven to fourteen weeks of age and slaughter studies were carried out at the end of 10 th , 12 th and 14 th weeks of age using two birds from each replicate.The results revealed that the mean body weight at fortnightly intervals was significantly (p<0.05) higher in T1 and T2 group at 14 weeks of age. The difference in mean cumulative body weight gain was not significant at different periods among the treatments. The effect of energy on cumulative body weight gain was significant at seven to ten and seven to twelve weeks period but effect of protein and their interaction did not influence the cumulative body weight gain.The mean cumulative feed consumption of birds was significantly (p<0.05) higher in T3 group during seven to ten weeks period while it was significantly (p<0.05) higher in T1, T2 and T3 group during seven to twelve weeks period. The individual effect of energy showed significantly (p<0.05) higher feed consumption in birds fed with diet containing 3000 kcal/kg ME compared to 3200 kcal/kg ME at seven to twelve and seven to fourteen weeks period. The effect of protein on cumulative feed consumption showed that it was significantly (p<0.05) higher in 18 per cent CP group than 20 per cent CP group. The effect of energy and protein on mean cumulative FCR was significant (p<0.05), but not their interactions. The effect of energy, protein and their interaction on eviscerated yield and ready-to- cook yields was significant at 10, 12 and 14 weeks of age. Effect of energy on abdominal fat per cent was significant at 12 and 14 weeks of age, but the effect of protein and interaction was not significant.The mean cumulative livability from seven to fourteen weeks ranged from 98.93 to 100 per cent among treatment groups. With respect to economics of cockerel rearing up to 10, 12 and 14 weeks period, the highest net profit per kilogram live weight was obtained with T1 (20% CP with 3000 kcal/kg ME) and T2 (19% CP with 3000 kcal/kg ME) groups compared to other treatments groups. Among the three periods cockerel rearing was found to be more profitable up to 10 weeks of age, thereafter profit was reduced due to the decline in body weight gain and poor FCR. Based on the overall performance of cockerels and the findings on the economical parameters assessed, it could be concluded that finisher diet with 19 per cent CP and 3000 kcal/kg ME is found to be optimum for Gramasree cockerel rearing for meat purpose. This study also reveals that the age of introduction of finisher ration may be fixed at eight weeks instead of six weeks for rearing Gramasree cockerels for meat purpose. If consumer preference is for birds with higher body weight at slaughter, then rearing of Gramasree cockerels can be extended further.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    EFFICACY OF CITRIC ACID, NON STARCH POLYSACCHARIDE DEGRADING ENZYMES AND THEIR COMBINATION AS ALTERNATIVES TO ANTIBIOTIC GROWTH PROMOTER IN BROILER DIET
    (College of Veterinary and animal Science,Mannuthy, 2019) HARSHA Y.S.; P. Anitha
    An experiment was conducted in Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy to study efficacy of citric acid, non starch polysaccharide degrading enzymes (NSPDE) and their combination as alternatives to antibiotic growth promoter in broiler diet from zero to six weeks of age. One hundred and sixty, day-old chicks were randomly divided into five dietary treatment groups viz., T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 each with four replicates having eight chicks, in a completely randomized design. The birds in T1 (control) group was fed with standard broiler ration (SBR) formulated as per BIS (2007). Standard broiler ration supplemented with 10 per cent oxytetracycline (0.5 g/kg) was fed to birds in T2, SBR supplemented with citric acid (10 g/kg) in T3, SBR supplemented with NSPDE (0.1 g/kg) in T4 and SBR supplemented with combination of citric acid and NSPDE for birds in T5. The results of the study showed that the mean body weight of birds at weekly intervals and the cumulative body weight (0-6 weeks) was not significantly different between treatments. Mean daily feed consumption of birds (0-6 weeks) was significantly (p<0.05) higher in antibiotic group (T2) and other treatment groups was statistically comparable with control group. Overall, mean feed conversion ratio from zero to six weeks was not significantly affected by dietary treatments. The data on slaughter studies of birds did not show any significant difference among the five dietary treatments. The significantly (p<0.01) less Escherichia coli count and coliform count in intestinal content of broilers was found in all treatment groups compared to control group. The mean Enterococcus faecalis count was significantly (p<0.01) lower in antibiotic (T2), citric acid (T3) and enzyme group (T4) than control (T1) and citric acid plus enzyme (T5) group. The birds in T5 had significantly (p<0.01) higher ileal villi height followed by those in T4, T1 and T3 and significantly lower villi height was obtained in the T2 treatment group. The mean crypt width of ileum in T2, T3 and T4 were having significantly (p<0.05) higher value than the combination and control groups. Goblet cell count was lower in all growth promoter supplemented groups compared to control. The mean pH value of small intestinal content of broiler was significantly (p<0.01) lower in growth promoter supplemented groups compared to control group. The cumulative per cent livability of T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 was 93.75, 96.88, 100, 100 and 90.63, respectively. The net profit per kg body weight at six week of age was Rs. 12.36, 8.66, 14.10, 14.65 and 12.28 for the treatment groups T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5, respectively. The present findings, indicated that supplementation of antibiotic, citric acid, NSP degrading enzyme and the combination of citric acid and NSP degrading enzymes did not significantly influence the growth performance and carcass characteristics of broilers. However, the parameters related to gut health such as ileal histomorphology, microbial count and pH of ileal content were significantly (P<0.01) better in all the growth promoter supplemented groups than control. Highest net profit per kg body weight was obtained in NSP degrading enzyme supplemented group. Based on the overall results of this study, it can be concluded that NSP degrading enzymes (xylanase + glucanase) at 0.1 g/kg can be effectively used as growth promoter for broiler diets with complete elimination of antibiotic usage in feed.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    INFLUENCE OF FISH OIL ON PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE AND FATTY ACID PROFILE OF EGGS IN ATHULYA AND NATIVE CHICKEN
    (College of Veterinary and animal Science,Mannuthy, 2019) ARSHA V. S.; Binoj Chacko
    An experiment was conducted in Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy to evaluate the influence of fish oil on production performance and fatty acid profile of eggs in Athulya and native chicken. Two breeds of hen (sixty Athulya and native each) with three dietary treatments were tested in a randomized block design. The dietary treatments included 0, 1.5 and 3.0 per cent sardine fish oil and were replicated four times of five birds each. The trial lasted for three periods of 28 days and commenced on 29 weeks of age. The overall feed consumption per bird per day, hen day and hen housed egg production per cent was not affected in Athulya hen whereas a negative impact was noticed in native hen in relation with dietary fish oil level. Egg weight, body weight and overall body weight gain of birds were not influenced by dietary fish oil level. However, the breed effect was significant (p<0.01) for the above production traits. Feed efficiency, livability per cent and egg quality parameters such as albumen index, Haugh unit, yolk index, shell thickness, specific gravity, shell weight, yolk weight and albumen weight were similar among dietary treatment groups whereas breed effect was significant (p<0.05) for egg quality traits except yolk index and specific gravity. Omega-3 fatty acid contents in the egg yolk increased markedly in accordance with the fish oil level. Diets with 1.5 and 3 per cent fish oil increased content of docosahexaenoic acid by four and five fold compared to control eggs in Athulya and native hen, respectively after four weeks of trial. The ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 ratio was 6 and 8 times lower with 3 per cent fish oil diet in Athulya and native hens, respectively than in the control. Significantly (p<0.05) lower scores were found for hard boiled eggs from fish oil added diet for fishy taste and aftertaste but, not for scrambled and raw egg and it was moderately acceptable (score>6). TBARS numbers of egg yolk stored under room and refrigeration temperature increased significantly (p<0.01) in response to dietary fish oil level. The cost of production of egg in native hen is higher compared to Athulya hen due to lower egg production in native hen. Egg production in Athulya hen was at optimum in 1.5 and 3.0 per cent dietary fish oil level whereas in native hen egg production reduced in 1.5 and 3.0 per cent dietary fish oil level. Omega-3 fatty acid enrichment in egg was highest in 3.0 per cent dietary fish oil level both in Athulya and native hen. The native hen eggs showed higher levels of omega-3 fatty acid compared to Athulya hens eggs
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    COMPARISON OF PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE OF KUTTANAD, WHITE PEKIN DUCKS AND THEIR CROSSES FOR MEAT PURPOSE
    (COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2018) ANCY.M; P. Anitha
    An experiment was carried out at Department of Poultry Science, Mannuthy to compare the production performance of Kuttanad, White Pekin ducks and their reciprocal crosses for meat purpose for a period of 12 weeks of age. Experimental ducks were produced using male and female parents of Kuttanad and White Pekin ducks maintained at University Poultry and Duck Farm, Mannuthy. The experiment was carried out with a total of 192, day-old ducklings of Kuttanad, White Pekin and their crosses which formed the treatment groups T1 (KxK), T2 (PxP), T3 (PxK) and T4 (KxP). Forty-eight, day-old ducklings from each treatment group were divided into four replicate of twelve birds each. All the ducklings were reared on slat system under uniform conditions of management. Birds were fed with ad libitum standard broiler starter ration as per BIS (2007). Data on mean body weight at fortnightly intervals, body weight gain, cumulative body weight gain, mean daily feed consumption, cumulative feed consumption, mean feed conversion ratio (FCR) at fortnightly intervals, cumulative FCR, processing yield and losses at eight, ten and twelve weeks of age, livability and economics of production were used to compare the production performance of treatment groups. The mean body weight of ducks was significantly (p<0.05) higher in Pekin (PxP), intermediate in crossbreds (PxK and KxP) and lower in Kuttanad (KxK) groups in all the fortnight periods. Mean daily feed consumption of ducks was significantly (p<0.05) higher in Pekin (PxP), intermediate in crossbreds (PxK and KxP) and lower in Kuttanad (KxK) groups in all the fortnight periods. Significantly (p<0.05) better FCR values were shown by White Pekin and the crossbred ducks than the Kuttanad ducks. The plumage pattern of the ducklings in Kuttanad group and crossbred groups were almost similar up to first week of age. From the second week onwards, a white colour patch on neck region was noticeable in some birds of crossbred groups which became more evident from fourth and sixth week onwards. Some crossbred ducks were having similar plumage pattern as that of Kuttanad ducks. Kuttanad ducks were having a brownish black plumage pattern. Two ducklings from each replicate were randomly selected and slaughtered humanely to study the carcass characteristics at 8, 10 and 12 weeks of age. Pre-slaughter weight and dressed weight during eight, ten and twelve weeks of age were significantly (p<0.05) higher for White Pekin ducks than all other groups. On calculation of techno economics, net profit/kg body weight obtained was highest at eighth week of age. Based on the findings on growth performance in terms of feed conversion ratio of ducks, both crossbred groups were found to be equally good with their parent pure breeds. At the same time, these birds showed significantly (p<0.05) higher body weight than indigenous Kuttanad ducks, but almost similar body weight with that of meat type Pekin ducks. The net profit per bird and per kilogram body weight was highest in Pekin ducks, intermediate in crossbreds and lowest in Kuttanad ducks. Among the different age groups, net profit was found to be maximum at eight weeks in all treatment groups. There was no considerable increase in body weight gain of ducks in all four genetic groups after eight weeks of age which indicate that rearing ducks for meat purpose beyond eight weeks of age is not economical. Based on the overall performance of ducks belonging to different genetic groups evaluated in this study and consumer preference for duck meat in Kerala it could be concluded that the crossbreds between White Pekin and Kuttanad ducks are more suitable for meat purpose up to eight weeks of age.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    STANDARDISATION OF FINISHER RATION FOR GRAMASREE COCKERELS FOR MEAT PURPOSE
    (COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2018) SHINDE VAIBHAV JYOTIRAM; P. Anitha
    An experiment was carried out to standardise the finisher ration for Gramasree cockerels for meat purpose. Three hundred and thirty-six, Gramasree male birds of six weeks age were procured from University Poultry and Duck Farm, Mannuthy and allotted to six dietary treatments having four replicates of 14 birds each and the experiment was conducted from seven to fourteen weeks of age. The six dietary treatment comprised of two levels of metabolizable energy and three levels of crude protein in a factorial design. The dietary treatment T1, T2 and T3 were 20:3000, 19:3000 and 18:3000, respectively and T4, T5 and T6 were 20:3200, 19:3200 and 18:3200, respectively. The growth parameters were studied from seven to fourteen weeks of age and slaughter studies were carried out at the end of 10th, 12th and 14th weeks of age using two birds from each replicate. The results revealed that the mean body weight at fortnightly intervals was significantly (p<0.05) higher in T1 and T2 group at 14 weeks of age. The difference in mean cumulative body weight gain was not significant at different periods among the treatments. The effect of energy on cumulative body weight gain was significant at seven to ten and seven to twelve weeks period but effect of protein and their interaction did not influence the cumulative body weight gain. The mean cumulative feed consumption of birds was significantly (p<0.05) higher in T3 group during seven to ten weeks period while it was significantly (p<0.05) higher in T1, T2 and T3 group during seven to twelve weeks period. The individual effect of energy showed significantly (p<0.05) higher feed consumption in birds fed with diet containing 3000 kcal/kg ME compared to 3200 kcal/kg ME at seven to twelve and seven to fourteen weeks period. The effect of protein on cumulative feed consumption showed that it was significantly (p<0.05) higher in 18 per cent CP group than 20 per cent CP group. The effect of energy and protein on mean cumulative FCR was significant (p<0.05), but not their interactions. The effect of energy, protein and their interaction on eviscerated yield and ready-tocook yields was significant at 10, 12 and 14 weeks of age. Effect of energy on abdominal fat per cent was significant at 12 and 14 weeks of age, but the effect of protein and interaction was not significant. The mean cumulative livability from seven to fourteen weeks ranged from 98.93 to 100 per cent among treatment groups. With respect to economics of cockerel rearing up to 10, 12 and 14 weeks period, the highest net profit per kilogram live weight was obtained with T1 (20% CP with 3000 kcal/kg ME) and T2 (19% CP with 3000 kcal/kg ME) groups compared to other treatments groups. Among the three periods cockerel rearing was found to be more profitable up to 10 weeks of age, thereafter profit was reduced due to the decline in body weight gain and poor FCR. Based on the overall performance of cockerels and the findings on the economical parameters assessed, it could be concluded that finisher diet with 19 per cent CP and 3000 kcal/kg ME is found to be optimum for Gramasree cockerel rearing for meat purpose. This study also reveals that the age of introduction of finisher ration may be fixed at eight weeks instead of six weeks for rearing Gramasree cockerels for meat purpose. If consumer preference is for birds with higher body weight at slaughter, then rearing of Gramasree cockerels can be extended further.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    INFLUENCE OF SEQUENTIAL FEEDING ON EGG PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE OF ATHULYA LAYER CHICKEN
    (College of Veterinary and animal Science,Mannuthy, 2018) SREEVEEN E.N.; Binoj Chacko
    An experiment was conducted in AICRP on Poultry for Eggs, Mannuthy to evaluate the influence of sequential feeding on egg production performance of Athulya layer chicken. At the end of 16th week of age 75 birds were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design with three treatments each having five replicates of five birds each. In the first treatment (T1 - control) birds were fed complete layer diet. In the second treatment (T2 - sequential feeding) birds were fed coarsely ground maize in the morning and balancer diet in the afternoon. In third treatment (T3 - loose mix) birds were given coarse maize combined with balancer diet. In all the treatments half of the diet was distributed in the morning at 6.00 a.m. and other half in the afternoon at 1.00 p.m. The overall feed consumption per bird per day was found to be significantly (p<0.05) lower in sequential feeding when compared with that was observed with loose mix and control. The overall hen day and hen housed egg per cent in sequential feeding was similar to that of control but significantly (p<0.05) lower to that of loose mix. The mean body weight of birds was lower in sequential feeding compared to loose mix and control during the entire experimental period. Overall body weight gain was significantly (p<0.01) lower in sequential feeding compared to loose mix and control. Feed efficiency, egg weight, livability per cent and egg quality parameters such as shape index, Haugh unit and albumen index were similar among treatment groups. The overall shell thickness of eggs was found to be significantly higher (p<0.01) in sequential feeding compared to loose mix and control. Per cent gizzard, liver and giblet weight were found to be significantly (p<0.01) higher in sequential feeding compared to other groups. Significantly (p<0.01) lower abdominal fat per cent was noticed in sequential feeding compared to other treatment groups. Feed cost per egg was highest in control group followed by sequential feeding and loose mix. In general in the present study, sequential feeding resulted in improvement in egg shell thickness of Athulya layer chicken. Egg weight, feed efficiency, livability, and egg quality parameters were not affected by sequential feeding. However, feed intake, egg production and body weight gain were negatively affected.