Loading...
Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat
Assam Agricultural University is the first institution of its kind in the whole of North-Eastern Region of India. The main goal of this institution is to produce globally competitive human resources in farm sectorand to carry out research in both conventional and frontier areas for production optimization as well as to disseminate the generated technologies as public good for benefitting the food growers/produces and traders involved in the sector while emphasizing on sustainability, equity and overall food security at household level.
Genesis of AAU -
The embryo of the agricultural research in the state of Assam was formed as early as 1897 with the establishment of the Upper Shillong Experimental Farm (now in Meghalaya) just after about a decade of creation of the agricultural department in 1882. However, the seeds of agricultural research in today’s Assam were sown in the dawn of the twentieth century with the establishment of two Rice Experimental Stations, one at Karimganj in Barak valley in 1913 and the other at Titabor in Brahmaputra valley in 1923. Subsequent to these research stations, a number of research stations were established to conduct research on important crops, more specifically, jute, pulses, oilseeds etc. The Assam Agricultural University was established on April 1, 1969 under The Assam Agricultural University Act, 1968’ with the mandate of imparting farm education, conduct research in agriculture and allied sciences and to effectively disseminate technologies so generated. Before establishment of the University, there were altogether 17 research schemes/projects in the state under the Department of Agriculture. By July 1973, all the research projects and 10 experimental farms were transferred by the Government of Assam to the AAU which already inherited the College of Agriculture and its farm at Barbheta, Jorhat and College of Veterinary Sciences at Khanapara, Guwahati.
Subsequently, College of Community Science at Jorhat (1969), College of Fisheries at Raha (1988), Biswanath College of Agriculture at Biswanath Chariali (1988) and Lakhimpur College of Veterinary Science at Joyhing, North Lakhimpur (1988) were established. Presently, the University has three more colleges under its jurisdiction, viz., Sarat Chandra Singha College of Agriculture, Chapar, College of Horticulture, Nalbari & College of Sericulture, Titabar. Similarly, few more regional research stations at Shillongani, Diphu, Gossaigaon, Lakhimpur; and commodity research stations at Kahikuchi, Buralikson, Tinsukia, Kharua, Burnihat and Mandira were added to generate location and crop specific agricultural production packages.
Browse
7 results
Search Results
ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF FEEDING DISTILLERS DRIED GRAIN WITH SOLUBLE (DDGS) WITH OR WITHOUT MULTI-ENZYMES ON THE GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF INDIGENOUS CHICKEN(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati, 2019-07) SAIKIA, ASHIM KUMAR; Bhuyan, RobinThe present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of dietary incorporation of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) with or without multi-enzyme supplementation on the growth performance of indigenous chicken. A total of one hundred and eighty (180) day-old indigenous chicks were procured from a few villages of Dhemaji district. The chicks were reared together for a period of 21 days, up to the point when the sex of the chicks could be identified, by feeding standard chick feed. On 22nd day, after knowing the numbers of male and female chicks, they were weighed and randomly divided into six groups viz. T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6 containing 30 chicks with 3 replicates of 10 chicks in each group. The chicks were wing banded and reared under deep litter system of management throughout the experimental period following standard and uniform managemental practices. The birds of T1 group (control) were offered the standard chick, grower & layer feeds as per BIS, 2007. The birds of T2 group were fed with the same standard chick, grower and layer feeds as per BIS, 2007 with supplementation of multienzyme (Xzyme). Maize DDGS was incorporated at 10% level in all the rations for T3 and T4 groups and the rations for T4 group was supplemented with multi-enzymes. In the same way, the birds of T5 and T6 groups were fed with rations containing 20% DDGS without and with enzymes, respectively. The maize DDGS used in the rations was procured from Brahmaputra Biochem Pvt. Ltd., Jambari, Guwahati. The feeding trial was conducted for a period of 182 days (13 fortnights) using chick feeds for first 3 fortnights (0-42 days), grower feeds for next 7 fortnights (43-140 days) and layer feeds for last 3 fortnights (141-182 days). A metabolic trial was conducted for a period of 8 days after the completion of feeding trial. During the experiment, average fortnightly and total feed consumption, fortnightly and total body weight and body weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), various blood bio-chemicals constituents, balance of nutrients, survivability rate, carcass characteristics like dressing percentage, relative organ and giblets weight, organoleptic evaluation, egg quality parameters and economics of production were studied and recorded. The average final body weight of indigenous chicken was highest in T2 group (1643.93±25.22 g) followed by T1 (1607.86±16.29 g), T4 (1603.21±13.88 g), T6 (1596.07±11.78 g), T3 (1589.26±13.83 g) and T5 (1580.00±14.50 g) groups. The average total feed consumption per bird for different experimental groups was highest in T6 group (11748 g) and lowest in T1 group (11653 g). The overall FCR of the birds for entire period was least in T2 group (7.37) followed by T1 (7.51), T4 (7.51), T3 (7.62), T6 (7.64) and T5 (7.69) groups. The per cent survivability of birds was 93.33 in T1, T2, T4 and T6 groups and 90.00 in T3 and T5 groups. No significant difference (P>0.05) was observed in respect of final body weight, total and mean daily gain in body weight among the groups and total feed consumption as well as overall FCRs were found to be comparable among the treatment groups. Positive balances were observed in N, Ca and P utilization and significant difference (P0.05) were observed among the groups in respect of the blood constituents viz. Hb., blood glucose, total serum protein, blood lipids, blood cholesterol, AST and ALT levels and serum calcium and significant difference (P0.05) differences among the experimental groups. The average proximate principles (%) of breast meat of experimental birds of different groups for moisture, protein, fat and total ash contents were estimated and no significant difference (P>0.05) was found among the groups in respect of these proximate principles. Non-significant (P>0.05) difference was found in colour, tenderness, flavor, juiciness and overall acceptance of the breast meat among the treatment groups. Comparable values were also observed among the experimental groups in respect of both the external as well as internal egg quality parameters of the eggs laid by the birds of different groups. The costs of feeding and production were highest in group- T2 i.e. ₹284.48 & 405.67 and lowest in group- T5 i.e. ₹ 245.28 & 366.47, respectively.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF FERMENTED LIQUID FEED ON THE PERFORMANCE AND GUT HEALTH OF GROWER-FINISHER LARGE WHITE YORKSHIRE PIGS(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati, 2019-07) BURAGOHAIN, RAJAT; Saikia, B. N.A 180-days feeding trial was conducted on 24 weaned Large White Yorkshire pigs (11.45±2.42 to 11.46±2.37 kg body weight, 42-days of age) to investigate the effect of feeding fermented liquid feed on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, gut health and immunity, carcass characteristics, blood haemato-biochmical parameters and economics under intensive management. Basal rations (NRC, 2012) were assigned as dry feed (DF), non-fermented liquid feed (NFLF), fermented liquid feed prepared with Lactobacillus acidophilus (FLF-LA) and fermented liquid feed prepared with Enterococcus faecium (FLF-EF) to 4 homogenous groups of pigs (3 males and 3 females in each group). NFLF was prepared by mixing basal ration with drinking water at 1:2 (w/w) immediately before feeding. For preparation of FLF-LA, from stock culture of Lactobacillus acidophilus, a loop full of culture was transferred aseptically to 100 ml of De Man, Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) broth and was incubated for 24 hours at 37oC in an automatic incubator shaker. Ground yellow maize mixed with water (1:1, w/w) was fermented with 24 hr. old culture of Lactobacillus acidophilus at 37oC for 24 hr. The fermented maize was then mixed with basal ration mixed with water at1:2 (w/w) and fermented for 48 hrs. to prepare FLF-LA (1-2 109 cfu/g). 50% of the fermented feed was utilized for feeding and rest was used for backslopping for another 7 days after which the process was started from the beginning. The same procedure of preparation was followed for FLF-EF, except Brain Heart Infusion broth was used instead of MRS. The feeding trial was conducted for 180 days. Two digestibility trials were conducted 1st at the end of 17th week of age (growing phase) and 2nd at the end of 29th week (finishing phase). Faeces and blood samples were collected from three randomly selected pigs from each treatment on day 0, 60, 120 and 180 for estimation for faecal metabolites and faecal microbial counts, and evaluation of haemato-biochemical parameters. For carcass characteristics study, three pigs from each treatment were slaughtered at the end of the feeding trial. The cell-mediated immune response was assessed through in vivo sub-cutaneous delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction against phytohaemagglutin-p and humoral immune response by micro-hemagglutination assay. Study revealed improvement in feed consumption in the growing phase and significantly in (P<0.05) higher feed consumption in the finishing phase in pigs fed FLF than pigs fed NFLF than DF. Apparent digestibility co-efficient (ADC) of all the nutrients was comparatively higher in FLF fed-groups than DF and NFLF in growing phase. ADC of CP was significantly (P<0.05) higher in FLF-LA and FLF-EF with improved digestibility of other nutrients than DF and NFLF in the finishing phase. The average daily body weight gain (ADG) was significantly higher in FLF fed-groups and resulted significantly (P<0.05) higher total gain and final body weights than pigs fed DF and NFLF. Diarrhoea score and incidence was significantly reduced on feeding of FLF. Higher faecal lactic acid bacteria count with low faecal counts of E. coli and Salmonella; and high faecal pH, less faecal lactic acid and NH3-N level were recorded in FLF fed-pigs compared to DF and NFLF. ii Significantly higher villi height, crypt depth and apparent villi surface area were found in FLF fed-groups than DF and NFLF. More numbers of mononuclear and glandular epithelial cells and presence of lymphoid follicles were observed in the duodenal and jejunal sections of small intestine of FLF fed-groups. No such infiltration and lymphoid follicles were observed in duodenal and jejunal sections of DF and NFLF groups. Pigs of FLF-LA & FLFEF showed more skin indurations and high antibody titre post-inoculation to phytohaemagglutinin-p and 20% sheep RBC, respectively as the measure of cell-mediated and humoral immune response. No significant difference was observed for carcass traits, physico-chemical and nutritional properties of meat and sensory attributes on feeding of FLF compared to DF and NFLF. All blood haemato-biochemical parameters were within the normal range in all the treatment groups. No pathological lesions were found in the liver and spleen on feeding of FLF. The FCR at the end of feeding trial was calculated as 3.82±0.07, 3.64±0.05, 3.36±0.04 and 3.46±0.07, respectively for DF, NFLF, FLF-LA and FLF-EF indicating significantly better FCR in FLF fed-groups. The feed cost/kg gain in body weight (Rs./kg) was calculated as 128.36±2.82, 120.43±1.67, 112.87±2.26 and 115.51±1.96, respectively for DF, NFLF, FLF-LA and FLF-EF, respectively, which indicated significantly reduced feeding cost/kg body weight gain in FLF fed-pigs compared to DF and NFLF. Findings of the study revealed that feeding of FLF-LA and FLF-EF significantly improved growth performance, digestibility of nutrients, gut health and immunity and gain: feed ratio of the grower-finisher LWY pigs than the DF and NFLF. Thus, feeding of FLF prepared with either Lactobacillus acidophilus or Enterococcus faecium may be recommended to LWY grower-finisher pigs for remunerative and sustainable profit. Key words: Liquid feed, fermented liquid feed, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Enterococcus faecium, grower-finisher LYW pigs, growth, gut health, economics.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF VITAMIN E AND SELENIUM FEED SUPPLEMENTS ON PERFORMANCE, OXIDATIVE STRESS, IMMUNITY AND HEAT SHOCK PROTEIN EXPRESSION IN BROILER CHICKEN(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati, 2019-07) BORA, SUBHALAKSHMI; Ahmed, H. F.The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of vitamin E and Selenium on the growth performance, oxidative stress, immunity and heat shock protein expression in Broiler chicken. Two hundred and forty (240) day-old commercial Vencobb 400 broiler chicks were randomly divided into four experimental groups viz. T0 (unsupplemented control), T1 (Vitamin E @ 100 mg/kg and Selenium @ 0.2 mg/kg), T2 (Vitamin E @ 125 mg/kg and Selenium @ 0.25 mg/kg) and T3 (Vitamin E @ 150 mg/kg and Selenium @ 0.3 mg/kg) groups of 60 chicks each subdivided into 3 equal replicates. The experimental birds were offered ad libitum quantities of four experimental rations either without supplementation or with supplementation of different levels of vitamin E and selenium from 0 to 7 days, 8 to 21 days, and 22 to 42 days of age. During the experiment, weekly body weight and daily feed intake, total body weight gain, total feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), survivability rate, BPEI, various blood haematological and bio-chemicals constituents, antioxidant enzymes, heat shock protein, immunity, cortisol, carcass characteristics like dressing percentage, cut up parts percentage, relative organ and giblets weight, physicochemical properties of breast meat were studied and recorded. The mean total body weight (g) was 2120.0±33.5, 2292.9±14.7, 2219.0±16.4 and 2179.9±9.08 and mean total weight gain (g) was 2077.7±14.5, 2250.6±14.7, 2176.6±14.3 and 2137.6±9.08 for T0, T1, T2 and T3 groups, respectively. The mean total feed intake (g) was 4062.75±0.08, 4156.53±0.77, 4151.91±0.35 and 4117.85±11.67 and the average feed conversion ratios was 1.92±0.04, 1.81±0.01, 1.88±0.04 and 1.87±0.04 for T0, T1, T2 and T3 groups, respectively. T1 group attained significantly higher (P0.05) with T3 group; but, had a significantly higher (P0.05) in mean total Feed Conversion ratio. BPEI was found to be significantly (P0.05) difference was observed among T0 (110.67±4.67), T2 (118.00±0.58) and T3 (116.33±0.33) groups. Economics of production showed that difference in the total feed cost (Rs.) and the total cost involved per bird (Rs.) were highly significant (P0.05) among the experimental groups. Overall mean haematological values was, for Hb (%) 9.75± 0.50, 11.22± 1.56, 10.56±1.11 and 10.50±1.19; for PCV (%) 25.7±0.60, 28.22±1.67, 27.20±1.01 and 27.23±0.86 and for WBC (thousand mm3) 28.03±2.95, 24.13±0.47, 25.13± 0.75 and 25.14±0.83 for T0, T1, T2 and T3 groups respectively. Hb (%), PCV (%), WBC (thousand mm3) level in T1 treatment group was significantly higher (P0.05) but, were significantly higher (P0.05) but, were significantly higher (P0.05) AST (U/L) and ALT (U/L) level than rest of the groups. The overall mean values of serum superoxide dismutase (SOD, unit/mg protein) was 2.03±0.39, 3.46±0.64, 2.94±0.68 and 2.69±0.45; serum GPx (microgram/mg protein) was 2.37±0.27, 3.61±0.18, 2.99±0.27 and 2.83±0.30 and serum GSH (mg/g protein) was 0.90±0.07, 1.36±0.53, 1.21±0.41and 1.17±0.36, respectively in T0, T1, T2 and T3 groups, respectively. SOD, GPx and GSH levels in T1 group were significantly higher (P0.05); but, were significantly lower (P0.05). The carcass parameters like dressing percentage with giblet in T0, T1, T2, T3 groups was 77.42±0.21, 80.13±0.59, 78.64±0.09 and 78.54±0.21, respectively. The dressing percentage without giblet in T0, T1, T2, and T3 groups was 71.86±0.25, 74.79±0.53, 73.12±0.05 and 72.87±0.24, respectively. Dressing percentages were significantly higher (P0.05). The abdominal fat % in T1 (2.09±0.50) group was significantly lower (P0.05). In breast meat the pH was 5.47±0.19, 6.14±0.09, 5.79±0.06 and 5.74±0.19; WHC(%) was 58.17±1.83, 72.38±1.25, 65.08±1.70 and 67.95±1.45; drip loss (%) was 6.96±0.48, 4.71±0.45, 6.08±0.46 and 5.70±0.39; SFV (Kg/cm2) was 3.80±0.10, 2.77±0.38, 3.23±0.15 and 3.30±0.10 and TBARS (mg MDA/Kg) was 3.30±0.10, 1.18±0.04, 3.23±0.15 and 2.77±0.38 in T0, T1, T2 and T3 groups, respectively. PH and WHC (%) level in T1 group was significantly higher (P0.05) but, were significantly higher (P0.05).ThesisItem Open Access GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND NUTRIENT UTILIZATION OF CROSSBRED CALVES ON FEEDING OF PADDY AND STOVER BASED FEED BLOCK(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University Khanapara, Guwahati-781022, 2016-07) Terangpi, Sangmirlin; Bhuyan, R.Eighteen male cross bred calves of about 9 to 10 months of age weighing average 72.2 kg body weight were randomly distributed into three treatment groups as T1, T2 and T3 respectively with 6 animals in each group by using randomized block design (RBD). T1 was fed with 100% paddy stover, concentrate mixture in the ratio 60:40 and green roughage as total mixed ration (TMR), T2 was fed with feed block consisting of 100% paddy stover, concentrate mixture and molasses in the ratio 60:30:10 and green roughage separately and T3 was fed with feed block consisting of 50% paddy stover, 50% paddy straw, concentrate mixture and molasses in the ratio 60:30:10 and green roughage separately. The three treatment groups were fed the same concentrate mixture containing 17.07 per cent DCP and 79.04 percent TDN for 90 days. Towards the end of the experiment a metabolism trial was conducted for 5 days. The average daily gain and FCE of different treatment groups were 94.44±3.18, 140.0±1.07 and 250.4±2.38 g; 19.32±0.74, 14.46±0.18 and 8.69±0.16 in T1, T2 and T3 groups respectively. Highly significant (P<0.001) difference were observed among the treatment groups in respect of gain per day and FCE. DM intake was highest in T3 followed by T2 and T1 (P<0.001). Digestibility coefficient of OM, CP and NDF were higher in T2 and T3 groups when compared with T1 (P<0.01). The digestibility coefficient of DM, CF and ADF in T2 and T3 higher (P<0.01) when compared with T1, however, no significant difference were observed between T2 and T3 groups. Digestibility coefficient of NFE was highest in T3 and lowest in T1 group (P<0.05) but no significant difference was observed between T1 and T2 and T2 and T3 groups. The EE digestibility were 62.99% in T1 and 67.91% in T3 and differences were non significant (P>0.05). All the animals of different treatment groups were in positive nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus balance. The blood constituent viz. serum glucose, serum total protein, serum albumin, serum globulin were within the normal range for crossbred calves but were highest in T3 followed by T2 and T1 (P<0.001). The serum cholesterol level was highest in T1 (P<0.001). The albumin/globulin ratio which was non significant (P>0.05) among the treatment groups. Plane of nutrition revealed that protein and energy received by the different treatment groups of animals (T1, T2 and T3) were adequate for maintenance on the basis of metabolic body weight. The cost per kg gain in body weight was lowest (Rs. 91.96) in T3 group in comparison to T1 (Rs. 133.40) and T2 (Rs. 137.42). The result suggested that crossbred calves can be reared on feeding of complete feed block having 50% paddy straw, 50% paddy stover (out of 60% roughage) and concentrate with molasses in the ratio 60:30:10, plus ad lib green roughage with economic advantage.ThesisItem Open Access COMPARATIVE EFFICACY OF PROBIOTICS (SWINE AND DAIRY ORIGIN) ON GROWTH AND NUTRIENTS UTILIZATION IN GROWING PIGS(Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara,Guwahati, 2017-07) JOYSOWAL, MAMATA; Saikia, B.N.An experiment was conducted to investigate the comparative efficacy of probiotics of dairy origin (Lactobacillus acidophilus NCDC15) and swine origin (Pediococcus acidilactici FT28) on growth, feed conversion efficiency, nutrient utilization and intestinal microflora and carcass yield of (HD-K 75 (75%H) crossbred pigs. Twenty four weaned crossbred piglets of above two months of age having average body weight 18.33±0.98 kg randomly divided into three groups i.e. C, T1 and T2. A pig grower ration was prepared as per ICAR (2013) (for medium to high growth rate). In the control ration (grower ration) probiotics of dairy origin (L. acidophilus NCDC 15) and probiotics of swine origin (P. acidilactici FT28) were added as feed additives and designated as T1 and T2 ration. The feeding trial was conducted for the entire growing period (84 days). The dry matter intake per 100 kg body weight did not differ significantly (P>0.05) among the treatment groups. The rate of mean daily gain in body weight and feed conversion efficiency of pigs were 358.6±12.3, 418±8.61, 429.4±13.1 and 4.06±0.09, 3.51±0.14 and 3.48±0.66 in control, T1 (probiotics of dairy origin) and T2 (probiotics of swine origin) respectively. Significantly highest average daily gain in body weight and best fed conversion efficiency were found in T1and T2 group. The digestibility coefficient of DM, OM, EE CF and NFE did not differ (P>0.05) significantly between the control and treatment group. But the digestibility coefficient of crude protein of T2 (probiotic of swine origin) group and T1 (probiotic of dairy origin) differed significantly (<0.05) from control. Similarly, in case of percent retention of intake nitrogen was highest in T2 (Probiotic of swine origin) group followed by T1 (probiotic of dairy origin) group. In respect of faecal microbial count, Lactobacillus was significantly increased in T1 (probiotic of dairy origin) followed by T2 (probiotic of swine origin) group and E. coli count was decreased in T1 and T2 group. Highest (P<0.05) villi length (700.3±2.57µm) and crypt depth (123.70±81.52 µm) was observed in T2 group. Highest carcass weight was found in T2 group followed by T1 group but average vital organ weight was found to be higher T1 group followed by T2 group. Highest dressing percentage was observed in T2 group followed by T1 group. In respect of average pH value, water holding capacity and ERV, there was no significant (P>0.05) difference between the treatment groups. The concentration of blood glucose and cholesterol was found lowest (P<0.05) in T2 group followed by T1 group. There was no significant (P>0.05) difference in respect of serum protein, serum albumin level between the treatment groups. The cost of production per kg body weight gain was found lowest in T1 group (Rs. 97.69) (Probiotic of dairy origin followed by T2 (Rs. 98.94) group (probiotics swine origin). This it is revealed that supplementation of probiotic of dairy and swine origin is beneficial in growing stage in respect of growth, feed conversion efficiency and digestibility of nutrients. The supplementation of probiotic of dairy and swine origin also improves blood biochemical profile, intestinal morphology and enhances faecal microbial count in respect of lactobacillus. Hence, it may be recommended that probiotic dairy origin (Lactobacillus acdidophillus NCDC 15, 1-2 x109 cfu/g) and swine origin (Pediococcus acidilactici FT28, 1-2 x 109 cfu/g) may be used as feed additives in growing pigs as probiotic.ThesisItem Open Access PERFORMANCE OF GROWING PIGS ON CORN BASED DIET SUPPLEMENTED WITH PHYTASE AND NON-PHYTATE PHOSPHORUS(Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara,Guwahati, 2017-07) DUTTA, KONKONA; Bhuyan, RobinAn experiment was conducted to study the performance of growing pigs on corn based diet supplemented with phytase and non-phytate phosphorus with twenty four castrated crossbred (Hampshire×Assam local) pigs weaned at 42 days of age. The average initial body weight of the animals ranged from 14.84±1.19 to 15.12±1.13 kg. They were divided into four different groups of 6 animals each viz. T₁, T₂, T₃ and T₄ and allotted to four nutritional treatments following randomized block design. Pigs in each group were offered ad libitum grower ration containing 18.26% CP and 3.17 Mcal ME/kg diet by using conventional feed ingredients viz. maize, wheat bran, soya bean, and de-oiled groundnut cake as per BIS (2001) specification of nutrient requirements. All the 4 experimental diet were supplemented with 0.2% non-phytate phosphorus (NPP) in the form of dicalcium phosphate (DCP) along with different levels of phytase enzyme. T₁ ration was devoid of phytase enzyme where as T₂, T₃ and T₄ ration was supplemented with 250, 500 and 750 unit of phytase per kg diet, respectively. Feeding trial was conducted for 6 fortnights followed by 5 days of metabolism trial with 3 animals in each group. The addition of phytase enzyme increased feed consumption in all the experimental groups with the progress of age of the pigs with highest increased rate in phytase supplemented group @750 unit/kg diet. It was observed that there was significant effect (P<0.05) in the dry matter intake per 100 kg body weight and per kg W0.75. During the entire growth period, the average body weight and rate of mean daily gain was significantly higher (P<0.05) in T₄ group. The rate of mean daily gain was 355.04±7.72, 389.56±13.45, 425.95±17.43 and 470.12±11.63 g in T₁, T₂, T₃ and T₄ groups, respectively. The feed conversion efficiency improved in phytase supplemented group and was found to be significantly better (P<0.05) in T₄ amongst all the groups. There was significant difference among the groups in respect of digestibility of DM, OM, CP, CF, EE, NFE and total carbohydrate. When the availability of crude protein and digestible energy was calculated against the NRC requirement, it was observed that animals received 104.32, 126.15, 143.0 and 148.68 percent CP and 145.04, 150.83, 172.31 and 180.99 percent DE in T₁, T₂, T₃ and T₄ groups respectively. No significant effects (P>0.05) of phytase addition were observed on blood biochemical constituents like glucose, total protein, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, glutathione peroxidase and lipid peroxidase. Feed cost per kg gain was Rs. 112.45, Rs. 112.57, Rs. 114.85 and Rs. 108.95 for T₁, T₂, T₃ and T₄ group, respectively. It is concluded that supplementation of phytase @ 750 unit/kg feed along with 0.2% NPP in the form of DCP is advantageous for growing pigs in terms of growth and economic return.ThesisItem Open Access GROWTH PERFORMANCES OF SEXED COMMERCIAL BROILERS AT DIFFERENT DIETARY LEVELS OF PROTEIN(Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara,Guwahati, 2016-12) DOLEY, SUSMITA; AHMED, H.F.Two hundred seventy numbers of 7 day-old commercial broiler chicks were randomly divided into 3 sexed groups of mixed sex (T1), male (T2) and female (T3) groups of 90 chicks each. Each sexed group was further divided into 3 dietary treatment groups of 30 chicks each viz. T1D1, T1D2, T1D3, T2D1, T2D2, T2D3, T3D1, T3D2 and T3D3. Experimental broilers under these nine treatment groups were offered ad libitum quantities of 3 isocaloric experimental diets containing 3 different levels of protein viz. high protein (D1), medium protein (D2) and low protein (D3) with broiler starter (CP 24.92%, 23.13% and 20.97%) broiler finisher (CP 21.79%, 19.87% and 18.15%) diets from 7 to 21 days and from 22 to 42 days of age respectively. At the end of the 6th week, the mean total body weights were 1836, 1827, 1822, 1943, 1945, 1905, 1684, 1673, 1636g and the mean total weight gains were 1640, 1630, 1626, 1804, 1742, 1645, 1445, 1434 and 1400g for T1D1, T1D2, T1D3, T2D1, T2D2, T2D3, T3D1, T3D2 and T3D3 groups, respectively. The mean total feed intake were 3287, 3252, 3303, 3391, 3380, 3368, 3042, 3039 and 3029g and the average feed conversion ratios were 1.94, 1.93, 1.96, 1.89, 1.88, 1.91, 1.97, 1.99 and 2.03 for T1D1, T1D2, T1D3, T2D1, T2D2, T2D3, T3D1, T3D2 and T3D3 groups, respectively. The percentage retention of nitrogen were 56.33, 60.95, 59.60, 61.78, 66.73, 64.73, 50.77, 56.85 and 54.97, calcium were 46.25, 50.83, 48.19, 51.78, 56.18, 54.85, 42.17, 56.85 and 45.14 and phosphorous were 46.02, 49.12, 47.26, 50.72, 54.91, 53.29, 41.26, 44.72 and 43.16 for T1D1, T1D2, T1D3, T2D1, T2D2, T2D3, T3D1, T3D2 and T3D3 groups, respectively. The mean total dressed weight were 1584, 1580, 1489, 1763, 1748, 1661, 1429, 1403 and1208g, mean total dressing percentage were 71.09, 71.39, 70.76, 72.37, 72.21, 72.12, 71.15, 71.06 and 69.17% and mean total giblet weight were 122.6, 116.1, 103.2, 112.9, 127.1, 106.7, 104.6, 113.4 and 86.50 for T1D1, T1D2, T1D3, T2D1, T2D2, T2D3, T3D1, T3D2 and T3D3 groups, respectively. The mean weight of different cut parts were, neck (110.5, 105.5, 103, 117.5, 120, 112.2, 81.50, 78.50 and 69.0g), wing (183.5, 176.5, 164.0, 193.0, 222.5, 179.4, 160.5, 156.0 and 131.5g), breast (571.0, 564.0, 507.0, 583, 581.5, 538, 484.5, 499 and 437g), thigh (272.5, 276, 265, 314, 314.5, 303, 279.5, 254 and 215.5g), drumstick ( 222.5, 236.5, 227.5, 266.5, 251.5, 261.8, 211, 219 and 184g) and back (224, 221, 220.5, 288, 257.5, 266.4, 211.5, 196.5 and 171g) for T1D1, T1D2, T1D3, T2D1, T2D2, T2D3, T3D1, T3D2 and T3D3 groups respectively. Overall mean serum total protein level were 6.24, 5.76, 5.39, 6.29, 5.86, 5.43, 6.13, 5.64 and 5.20 g/dl, serum albumin were 2.47, 2.59, 2.60, 2.45, 2.77, 2.61, 2.67, 2.62 and 2.39 g/dl and serum globulin were 3.77, 3.18, 2.79, 3.84, 3.09, 2.82, 3.46, 3.02 and 2.81 g/dl for T1D1, T1D2, T1D3, T2D1, T2D2, T2D3, T3D1, T3D2 and T3D3 groups respectively. The body weights were found to be uniform in all the experimental treatment groups at a variation level of 10%. The mean broiler performance efficiency index were 94.74, 94.89, 92.93, 103.10, 103.70, 99.74, 85.10, 83.71 and 79.31 for T1D1, T1D2, T1D3, T2D1, T2D2, T2D3, T3D1, T3D2 and T3D3 groups respectively. The average profit per bird were found to be Rs. 57.84, 66.39, 69.76, 65.44, 74.82, 76.74, 49.13, 55.97 and 57.35 and average profit per kg body weight were found to be Rs. 31.51, 36.36, 38.30, 33.69, 38.47, 40.25, 29.29, 33.60 and 35.21 for T1D1, T1D2, T1D3, T2D1, T2D2, T2D3, T3D1, T3D2 and T3D3 groups, respectively. On the basis of broiler performance efficiency index and economics of production of the present study it may be concluded that male commercial broilers may be reared as single- sex group on diets containing protein levels as per BIS recommendations or even 2% lower to that.
