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National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal

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  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    INCLUSION OF TASTE AND AROMA IN THE TOTAL MIXED RATION AND THEIR EFFECT ON DIETARY PREFERENCE AND GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF CALVES
    (ICAR-NDRI, KARNAL, 2023) NALIYAPARA HARDIKKUMAR BHUPATBHAI; RAMAN MALIK
    The present investigation was conducted to evaluate the inclusion of taste and aroma in the total mixed ration (TMR) and their effects on dietary preference and growth performance of calves. The study was divided into two phases. In Phase 1, three different levels of five tastes and five artificial feed aromas were added in paddy straw-based TMR’s and their effects on dietary preference and feed intake of growing KF calves were studied using a sequential elimination trial. Tastes include sweet (sucrose), umami (MSG), salty (NaCl), bitter (urea) and sour (citric acid). Whereas aromas include lacto-vanilla, maize, guar korma, green grass and silage. At inclusion level 1, TMR was mixed with i. Sucrose, ii. MSG, iii. Sodium chloride, iv. Urea, and v. Citric acid at rates of 50, 10, 15, 5 and 10 g/kg DM, respectively. However, rate of artificial feed aromas inclusion was 2.5 g/kg DM. Ingredient dose rates for tastes and feed aroma were further increased by 25% and 50%, respectively, at inclusion levels 2 and 3. All taste ingredients and feed aromas were dissolved in water and sprayed on paddy straw-based TMR (the ratio of roughage to concentrate was 70:30). For the animal trial, six healthy growing KF calves were selected and each kept in an individual pen. The sequential elimination trial was conducted in five slots. The duration of slots 1,2,3,4 and 5 was six, five, four, three, and two days, respectively. During the sequential elimination trial on tastes, six paddy straw-based TMR’s were offered to each calf, in which five TMR had a different taste and one was without taste. After completing slot 1 of six days, the most preferred diet with the highest DMI was eliminated. Likewise, the remaining five feed was fed for five days in 2nd slot, four feed was fed for four days in 3rd slot, three feed was fed for three days in 4th slot and two feed was fed for two days in 5th slot. The same trial was conducted for three different levels of inclusions of aroma. It was found that among the taste, sweet was the most preferred (p<0.01) taste, followed by umami, salty, bitter, sour and control. While, in inclusion level 3, DMI (kg/100kg BW; g/kg BW0.75) was decreased (p<0.01) and TMR without taste was more preferred than sour and salty in the 4th and 5th slot. Among the feed aromas, preference ranking, lacto-vanilla and maize were comparable, followed by guar korma, green grass, silage and control. In contrast, the level of aroma inclusion did not affect the DMI (kg/100kg BW; g/kg BW0.75). In Phase 2, a growth trial on 24 healthy KF calves was conducted to know the effects of the inclusion of sucrose as a sweet taste and lacto-vanilla aroma on feed intake, digestibility, blood biochemical parameters, and growth performance of animals. The selected animals were divided into four treatment groups based on their body weight. Each group had six animals. T1 was kept as a control, T2 was fed TMR having additional 62.5 g sucrose per kg DM, T3 was fed TMR by adding 3.125 g lacto-vanilla aroma per kg DM, and T4 was fed TMR with the combination of both sucrose and lactovanilla. The study revealed that net weight gain and average daily weight gain were higher (p<0.001) in the taste and aroma-supplemented groups. Significantly higher dry matter intake (kg/100kg BW; g/kg BW0.75) was observed in T2 and T4 groups, and DMI in T3 was at par with other groups. At the same time, digestibility and nitrogen balance were not affected by the taste and aroma supplementation. Significantly higher (p<0.01) ghrelin concentration in blood plasma was observed at 0 hr before and 4 hr after feeding, whereas leptin concentration was increased (p<0.01) 2 hours after feeding. Glucose, total protein, albumin and globulin level did not differ significantly among the groups. Creatinine, BUN, AST and ALT level were found within the normal range and also did not differ significantly among the groups.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    EFFECT OF SILICON SUPPLEMENTATION ON THE MINERAL METABOLISM AND GROWTH PERFORMANCE IN CALVES
    (ICAR-NDRI, KARNAL, 2023) LAMELLA OJHA; Raman Malik
    The present study was carried out to see the effect of silicon supplementation on the mineral metabolism and growth performance in calves. The study was conducted in two phases. In the phase first, determined the silicon (Si) content of various feeds and fodders and analyzed their bioaccessibility (%) and also estimated the solubility (%) of 4 different Si containing salts at different pH. Results showed that dry as well as green fodders contained more silicon than concentrate feedstuffs, however, the highest percentage of bioaccessibility was seen in grains and grain by-products followed by unconventional feedstuffs and forages. The mean solubility was significantly higher for orthosilicic acid and the lower values were observed for sodium zeolite A while metasilicate and tetraethyl orthosilicate are intermediate. In 2nd phase two animal trials (pre ruminant and ruminant) were conducted in Karan Fries calves. In 1st animal trial, 24 calves (5-7 day) were selected on the basis of their BW and divided into 4 groups (T1, T2, T3 and T4) and fed as per ICAR (2013) feeding standards except that these were additionally supplemented with 0, 50, 100 and 150 ppm (as orthosilicic acid) in four respective groups for 90 days. Results revealed that growth performance, DMI were significantly increased in T2, T3 and T4 groups, whereas DMI (% BW), nutrient utilization, digestibility coefficient, N and minerals balance (P, Mg, Zn,Cu, Mn and Fe), haemato-biochemical parameters, immune response and antioxidant profiles were not altered due to Si supplementation. Silicon increased the balance as well as plasma levels of Si, Ca and B, concentration of plasma growth hormone, vitamin D3, bone alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin in T3 and T4 groups, but the levels of calcitonin, PTH and hydroxyproline were remain similar among all the groups. Thus, the inclusion of 100 and 150 ppm of Si was effective in improving the growth performance, mineral balance (Ca and B), growth hormone, vitamin D3 and bone health status in pre ruminant calves. In trial second, 24 calves (3.5 months) were randomly distributed in 4 groups (T1, T2, T3 and T4) and fed basal diet as per ICAR (2013) feeding standards. Silicon was additionally supplemented with 50, 100 and 150 ppm in T2, T3 and T4 groups for 120 days. Results revealed that BW, DMI, nutrient utilization, digestibility coefficient, N and minerals balance (P, Mg, Zn,Cu, Mn and Fe), haematobiochemical parameters, immunity, antioxidant status and hormonal profile were not influenced due to Si supplementation. However, Si increased the balance and plasma Si, Ca and B concentration, plasma levels of bone biomarkers (BALP and osteocalcin) in T3 and T4 groups, but hydroxyproline levels was not altered among all the groups. The results indicated that supplementation of Si at 100 and 150 ppm had increase the mineral balance (Ca and B) and bone biomarkers in ruminant calves. However, supplementation of 150 ppm had no additional benefit, therefore 100 ppm is the optimum level of Si supplementation, particularly in both pre-ruminant and ruminant calves.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF FARM WOMEN IN ASPIRATIONAL DISTRICTS OF KERALA AND TAMIL NADU
    (ICAR-NDRI, KARNAL, 2023) DITTY MARIA DOMINIC; H. R. Meena
    About two third of the labour in farming is constituted by women. Irrespective of their degree of affluence, they provide 14 to 18 hours of productive physical labour every day. Nutrition has notifying significance in case of farm women, because they have to bear and rear children along with carrying out agricultural production activities. Hence the present study focused on the nutritional status of farm women in aspirational districts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The study was conducted in Wayanad, Virudhunagar and Ramanathapuram districts, which were listed as aspirational districts by NITI Aayog. From each aspirational district, two blocks were randomly selected. Two villages were selected from each block randomly and 30 households having at least 2 milch animals and cultivating in at least one crop season were selected from each village as respondents. Thus the total sample size was 360 households. Nutritional status of farm women was measured using Body Mass Index (BMI) (anthropometric measure). Household food security was measured using Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (USAID, 2007), the factors affecting nutritional status was determined using exploratory factor analysis followed by multinomial regression. Behavioral intention to consume nutritious food was studied using Likert type scale based on theory of planned behavior (Ajzen, 1985) and structural equation modeling was used for theory testing. A multi-lingual education module (folder) was developed on diet and nutrition of farm women and its perceived effectiveness was measured using the scale developed based on Guidelines for Pretesting and Evaluating Communication Materials given by Ministry of Health, Zambia and USAID, as it is cross country validated and reliability was high. Major findings of the study were as follows: Majority of the households (~67%) experienced various levels of food insecurity (moderate [35.83%] –mild [25.83%]-extreme level [5.28%]) and only 33 percent of the households were food secure. Majority of the respondents (59-95%) did not experience severe food insecurity. There is a significant but weak relationship between food security and nutritional status. All the three identified factors had significant influence in the nutritional status of farm women in both the states and cumulatively explained the variance in BMI up to 59 percentage. In both the states majority of the respondents had medium intention to consume nutritious food, followed by high intention. The model fit indicators shows that theory of planned behavior adequately predicts behavioral intention. The effectiveness of the module was perceived as high by the respondents in general. Hence the study reinforces the need for nutrition sensitive extension approaches.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    FARM DIVERSIFICATION IN HARYANA: AN APPRAISAL FOR FUTURE FARMING
    (ICAR-NDRI, KARNAL, 2023) ELIZABETH JOSE; K. Ponnusamy
    Continuous mono cropping system threatens the sustainability of future agricultural production in terms of soil, water, climate and market parameters which warrants diversified farming system enabling farmers to use their resources efficiently with its ecological benefits. The present study was undertaken to explore the potential of farm diversification in the state of Haryana. The study was carried out during 2020-2022 in three agro ecological zones of Haryana state. One district from each agro-ecological zone was chosen followed by two blocks each in every district and two villages of selected block. With the help of expert opinion and progressive farmers, 15 farmers from each village were selected. Ex-post design and case study approach were followed. The data were collected using structured interview schedule with the sample size of 240 comprising 180 farmers and 60 experts. Data were analysed by frequency, percentage and Cumulative Square Root Technique. Two Delphi surveys were organized with 60 experts to identify future drivers of Haryana agriculture sector for the year 2030. The study revealed that Crop Diversification Index of the Haryana state was found to be decreasing (0.272(2010) to 0.262(2018)), while Farm Diversification Index of the state was found to be increasing (0.509(2010) to 0.546(2019)). Proximity to NCR (0.896), increased road density (0.857) and improved access to market information (0.801) were found to influence farm diversification extensively. Market uncertainties (0.876) and climate induced factors (0.796) were perceived to hinder the farm diversification considerably. Farm diversification with enterprises such as sheep (3-3.8), piggery (2.4-2.66), apiary (2.55), mushroom (4.8), ber (5-6) and cauliflower (2.6-5) provided better income in comparison to the traditional field crops. Kaithal district (2.46) reported the highest farm diversification efficiency followed by Bhiwani (1.88) and Hisar (1.64) districts. Availability of fertile soil, increased area under irrigation, better marketing and transportation facility were the major reasons for Kaithal to score the highest BC ratio compared to Hisar and Bhiwani. The study suggests the need for modification in government schemes (MPMV and BBY), making provision for adequate attractive incentives and timely payment of the compensation amount. Extension efforts should be fine-tuned for accelerating the adoption of enterprises such as poultry, piggery, fishery, apiary, mushroom, ber and cauliflower and sheep farming due to their potential for higher income generation and suitability for farm diversification. R and D efforts should be strengthened to enhance the income from dairy farming. Scenario forecasting on future farming of Haryana for the year 2030 reveals that if government policy support and technological up-gradation moves in an accelerated way (Shining future), there is a high chance of large scale production of food and non-food crops, milk, egg and meat. In addition, government policies are also focusing on the production of less water requiring crops, which in turn decelerate growth of paddy in this scenario. Study concludes that area based planning (based on SWOT analysis of different agro-ecological zones of Haryana) is the prime strategy to achieve farm diversification in the state. Farmer Producer Companies, Public Private Partnership, ICT tools, entrepreneurship and advanced farm machines should be the areas of attention for developing farming sector of Haryana state in a sustainable fashion.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    EXPLORATORY ANALYSIS OF INTEGRATED FARMING SYSTEMS OF KERALA
    (ICAR-NDRI, KARNAL, 2023) VANI CHANDRAN; Ritu Chakravarty
    The present study was conducted in Kerala. Three districts were selected randomly each from Southern, Central and Northern Kerala. The respondent groups of the study were comprised of Farmers and Extension Personnel. The total sample size was 240, among that 180 were IFS farmers and 60 were officials. Data were collected through a well structured interview schedule. The collected data were analyzed by using appropriate statistical tools in order to draw meaningful conclusions. Most of the IFS farmers in Kerala belonged to old aged category and had completed education up to higher secondary. The primary occupation of the majority of the respondents were farming only and they were marginal farmers with small family size and herd size. Most of the farmers had medium level experience in IFS activities and had high mass media exposure with medium extension agency contact and extension participation. In the study area, nine IFS components were identified. Component analysis in terms of extent of adoption, integration of practices and contribution to household income revealed that, extent of adoption of identified components and contribution to annual household income varied from low to medium whereas extent of integration of available components varied from medium to low. Based on various combinations, eight different dairy based IFS systems were identified and dairy and crop were the dominant component in all systems both in terms of adoption as well as integration. The findings also pointed out that for establishing and maintaining various components in a unit, farmers were experiencing different technological needs and constraints. IFS farmers perceived the need for value addition technologies more than production technologies. In general, they preferred socially accepted low cost technologies with high income generation capacity, efficiency, flexibility, easy accessibility and permitting sustainable and maximum utilization of local resources. Lack of remunerative prices for farm produces and high cost of production were the top ranked constraints experienced by the farmers. Majority of the IFS farmers had a neutral to favourable attitude towards IFS. IFS offers multiple sources of income and guarantees supply of balanced and nutritious food to families which were the most important factors that influenced the attitude. The findings highlight the need for revamping of the existing policies, schemes, programs, to support institutional strengthening and capacity building of the farmers. This will help the farmers to expand their existing units by adding more components and technologies to their units. Further, this would overcome many constraints faced, thereby improving the productivity and profitability.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    INDIGENOUS CATTLE-REARING AMONG THE DAIRY FARMERS: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY IN KARNATAKA
    (ICAR-NDRI, KARNAL, 2023) CHETHAN PATIL N. D.; K.S. KADIAN
    The present study entitled Indigenous cattle-rearing among the dairy farmers: An exploratory study in Karnataka was taken up with the aim of exploring livelihood of indigenous cattle keeping farmers, document existing management practices in rearing cattle, production performance, preferential traits of breeds, attitude towards rearing indigenous cattle, constraints in cattle-rearing and efforts of different agencies in conservation of indigenous cattle. Exploratory and ex-post facto research design with case study method was employed. The study was purposively conducted in six districts of Karnataka which is having three registered indigenous cattle breeds namely, Amritmahal, Hallikar and Malnad Gidda. One hundred twenty indigenous cattle owners from each breed were selected thereby making a total of 360 respondents. Data were collected using semistructured interview schedule by personal interview method. Respondents with a mean age of 42.96±0.45 years with primary to secondary school level education, nuclear family type with small to medium family size, having annual income of medium to the low, land holding of semi-medium to small, mass media exposure of very poor to poor and low to medium social participation, medium to low extension agency contact, low to medium level of risk orientation, innovative proneness and economic motivation. From indigenous cattle, each household earned an average of ₹16876 per annum, with a mean share of 24.82% in annual family income. Annually, around 198 man-days of employment were generated from indigenous cattle. The average daily consumption of indigenous cow milk was 1.22 liters/household. The annual mean FYM production was 5.98 tons per household. Around 56.67% of the respondents considered rearing indigenous cattle as the security against uncertainties and 63.33% symbolized social status. High adaptability was first ranked preferred trait in indigenous cattle followed by multi-utility, easy maintenance, traction power and religious/cultural sentiments. Significant differences were found between the breeds with respect to age at first calving, lactation length, dry period, inter-calving period and service period. Majority of the respondents using both natural service and artificial insemination in indigenous cattle breeding. Grazing cum stall feeding was commonly practiced feeding method in all the breeds except in Malnad Gidda, wherein 95% depend on open grazing. Most of the respondents feed concentrates and green fodder to indigenous cattle on seasonal/ production basis. Mixed type of cattle shed was commonly seen, located adjacent to farmers’ residence. Vaccination of indigenous cattle was widely practiced with occasional deworming. Cent per cent of respondents feed colostrum to new-born but only after expulsion of placenta. Knuckling and stripping were common milking methods being followed. Producer-Brokers-Buyers link was the common marketing channel for trade of indigenous cattle under unorganized local livestock market. Four separate case studies were also done including a Math, a goshala, a government cattle breeding farm and a progressive farmer, all of whom are working for conservation and development of indigenous breeds of Karnataka. The study concluded that indigenous cattle keeping happened to be one of the important livelihood sources for the farmers. Along with supplementing family income, they also play a major role in achieving the nutritional security, enriching land through FYM, providing employment opportunity around the year for better utilization of family labour and act as security during uncertainties. Majority of the respondents had neutral attitude towards rearing indigenous cattle and pluralistic agencies like SDAH, religious institutes, NGO and progressive farmers working for conservation of indigenous cattle; but it needs extension interventions for convergence of their efforts.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    OPTIMIZATION OF SPRAY DRYING CONDITIONS FOR PREPARATION OF PROBIOTIC DIRECT VAT SET STARTERS
    (ICAR-NDRI, KARNAL, 2023) WALDE NEHA RAVI; CHAND RAM
    Direct vat set (DVS) starters are concentrated form (1011-1014 CFU/g), available in both freezedried and frozen state. Freeze drying is most commonly used for the production of probiotic DVS on a commercial scale which is a costly and time-consuming process. On the other hand, spray drying is a low-cost, high-yield technology being explored in the food sector to prepare large amounts of dried probiotics. The present study was aimed to select protective agents and optimize spray drying conditions to prepare DVS starters of probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains. Two probiotic strains i.e. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CRD7 and Lp. plantarum HD48 were selected based on their health-promoting features and evaluated for techno-functional attributes in milk for preparation of dahi. Significance difference (p<0.05) was observed w.r.t. techno-functional (i.e. curd setting time (14.33±0.02 h), pH (4.26±0.01), titratable acidity (0.7±0.01 % LA) and total probiotic counts (8.71±0.01 Log CFU/mL), overall acceptability sensory score (9.0±0.0) and texture profile (firmness 2.30±0.0 N), of probiotic dahi prepared with Lp. plantarum CRD7 compared to Lp. plantarum HD48 respectively. Based on better techno functional performance, two Lp. plantarum strains were subjected for heat challenge experiment using to optimize spray drying parameters i.e. protective agents and inlet temperature to determine their heat tolerance for the better survivability during spray drying of probiotic for probiotic DVS powder preparation. Three protective agents i.e. lactose, maltodextrin and sorbitol were assessed at varied concentrations and temperature combinations for their heat tolerance to enhance the survivability of selected probiotic Lp. plantarum strains. Evaluation of probiotic DVS prepared with maltodextrin @ 2.5% concentration showed better survivability rate exposed to 1 min (95.27±0.03) and 5 min (95.15±0.03) at 55°C compared to sorbitol and lactose. The cell survivability of selected probiotic Lactobacillus strains was found to be affected by the type and concentration of the protective agents. Inoculum levels @ 0.002% and 0.004% (w/v) of three different spray dried probiotic DVS was optimized for preparation of dahi. Observations on storage stability of probiotic DVS packed in three packaging (aluminium laminate, LDPE and EVOH) materials and stored at -20°C and 4°C exhibited no significant difference in techno-functional performance up to two months of storage. It is concluded that optimized spray drying conditions for preparation of probiotic DVS starters of Lp. plantarum CRD7 could be utilized for preparation of health-promoting fermented dairy foods such as dahi, lassi etc.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    SCROTAL INFRARED DIGITAL THERMOGRAPHY AS AN INDICATOR OF SEASONAL EFFECT ON SEMINAL ATTRIBUTES AND PHYSIO-BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF THARPARKAR AND KARAN FRIES BULLS
    (ICAR-NDRI, KARNAL, 2022) JASKIRAN KAUR; SOHAN VIR SINGH
    In order to find out effect of scrotal temperature difference on semen quality and seminal biochemical parameters, five each of Tharparkar and Karan Fries bulls were selected from Artificial breeding research centre ICAR-NDRI, Karnal. All the experimental animal were maintained under standard conditions of feeding and management. The bulls were exercised in bull excerciser once a week to maintain sexual behavior and ensure quality semen production. The environmental variables in terms of minimum and maximum temperature, dry and wet temperature, relative humidity etc were recorded throughout experimental period for calculation of temperature humidity index (THI). Semen samples were collected from both the breeds of bulls at weekly interval during winter, spring and summer season. Just after collection semen sample were analyzed for Physical (semen volume, sperm concentration, mass motility, progressive motility, live sperm percent, HOST, acrosomal integrity and sperm abnormalities) and biochemical (seminal plasma malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species) parameters. Infrared thermography of different anatomical sites i.e. scrotum, ocular and muzzle temperature were recorded at weekly in both the breeds during different season. The physiological responses (RT and RR) of both the breeds were recorded at weekly interval during different season. Blood samples were collected at fortnight interval from both the breeds during different seasons. The plasma samples were analyzed for the levels of blood plasma testosterone and heat shock protein 70. The temperature gradient between proximal and distal pole of scrotum was significantly (P< 0.05) lower during summer season. The TG was found to be significantly (P < 0.05) higher in Tharparkar than Karan Fries bulls during summer season. No significant variation was found in the semen volume during summer season. The sperms mass motility, progressive motility, live sperm %, hypoosmotic swelling test and acrosomal integrity was found to be significantly (P< 0.05) higher during spring season than summer season in Karan Fries bulls. All these parameters showed significantly (P< 0.05) higher values in Tharparkar compared to Karan Fries bulls during winter, spring and summer season. Whereas, progressive motility was found to be significantly higher (P< 0.05) during spring season in Tharparkar bulls. Significantly (P < 0.05) higher sperm concentration was observed in Tharparkar than Karan Fries bulls during all three seasons. Whereas, reverse trend i.e. lower total sperm abnormalities was found in Tharparkar than Karan Fries bulls during different season. The seminal plasma MDA levels were observed to be significantly higher during summer season compared to spring and winter season in both the breeds. Further the levels of MDA showed significantly (P < 0.05) lower levels in Tharparkar than Karan Fries bulls during all three seasons. The ROS positive sperm cells were observed to be significantly (P < 0.05) lower during spring season compared to winter and summer in both the breeds. The ROS positive sperm cells are numerically higher in Karan Fries bulls than Tharparkar bulls during summer season. The rectal temperature and respiration rate were significantly (P < 0.05) higher during summer season in both the breeds. These values were found to be significantly higher in Karan Fries bulls than Tharparkar bulls during all the seasons. The blood plasma testosterone levels were found significantly (P < 0.05) higher during all the three seasons in Tharparkar compared to Karan Fries bulls. The blood plasma heat shock protein 70 showed significantly higher (P <0.05) levels during summer compared to spring and winter season. Among the breeds, the levels of HSP70 were found to be significantly higher (P < 0.05) in Karan Fries than Tharparkar bulls during different season. The scrotal temperature gradient showed significant (P<0.05) positive correlation with mass motility, progressive motility, live sperms %, HOST, acrosomal integrity and significant (P<0.05) negative correlation with sperm abnormality and level of testosterone. The THI was found to be inversely correlated with TG and positively correlated with testosterone and HSP 70. Based on the result obtained it can be concluded that lower scrotal temperature gradient in Karan Fries compared to Tharparkar bulls affected semen quality negatively and summer season was more stressful to Karan Fries than Tharparkar bulls. Since scrotal surface temperature gradient was less in Karan Fries bulls and correspondingly the semen quality was deteriorated and the level of stress markers (MDA, HSP70, ROS, RT, RR) was also higher indicating susceptibility of Karan Fries bulls to heat stress compared to Tharparkar bulls.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    MILK SOMATIC CELL COUNTS OF DAIRY ANIMALS REARED UNDER FARM AND FIELD CONDITIONS
    (ICAR-NDRI, KARNAL, 2022) GORE PRATAP LAXMAN; AJAY KUMAR DANG
    The present study undertaken to study factors affecting the milk somatic cells of dairy animals reared under farm and field conditions. A total of 192 dairy animals were included from NDRI farm and adjoining villages (farm) of Karnal, Haryana and divided into 96 cows (48 Sahiwal and 48 KF), 48 buffaloes, 48 goats and further subdivided into 2 groups i.e. farm (n=24) and field (n=24). A proforma was prepared for survey on field which included different questionaries regarding managemental practices followed by farmers for clean milk production. Milk from different dairy animals was collected hygienically and evaluated for milk composition and somatic cell count (SCC). Changes in milk composition and somatic cell count were evaluated to observe the effect of different parity i.e., primiparous, and multiparous and different managemental practices. Milk somatic cell counts were significantly lower in primiparous as compared multiparous cows (Sahiwal and KF) in both farm and field conditions. While average range of milk somatic cell counts in Murrah buffaloes were significantly lower as compared to cows.Milk somatic cell counts in farm goats were higher than that of field.With increase in SCC there was no significant variation in fat percent of dairy animals. However, protein, EC and pH increased, whereas SNF and lactose decreased.Washing of animals, hands, udder and teats and collection vessels before milking were followed under field conditions, whereas washing of udder after milking, teat dipping and screening of udder for mastitis were not followed. This study indicated that milk SCC gets influenced by the different managemental practices that are being followed for lactating dairy animals. Further good health, hygiene and clean milking practices would help to maintain the quality of milk produced under farm and field conditions.