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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.
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ThesisItem Open Access Effect of feeding varying levels of subabul (Leucaena leucocephala) leaf meal on the performance of broiler chicken(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara Campus, 2022-09) Medhi, Tanmoy; Bhuyan, RobinAn experiment was conducted to study the effect of feeding varying levels of subabul (Leucaena leucocephala) leaf meal on on growth, nutrient utilization, blood biochemical profile, carcass characteristics and to evaluate economics of feeding in commercial broiler chicken. One hundred eighty (N=180) commercial broiler chicks (Vencobb 400) were randomly distributed into 4 groups (T0, T1, T2 and T3) on live weight basis comprising of 45 chicks in each group with three replicates of 15 chicks in each. The control group (T0) was fed with a standard pre starter, starter and finisher broiler ration as per ICAR (2013) specifications. The chicks belonging to group T1 was fed with standard ration along with 5% inclusion of subabul leaf meal. Birds belonging to group T2 and T3 were fed rations along with inclusion of 10% and 15% subabul leaf meal, respectively in all pre-starter, starter and finisher phases. At the end of pre-starter, starter and finisher phases blood samples were collected and analysed for blood biochemical parameters. Three birds from each group were slaughtered to study the carcass characteristics and chemical composition of meat. The economics of feeding and broiler production were evaluated. Highly significant (p<0.001) differences were observed in weekly change in body weight, weekly and total gain in body weight, weekly and total feed intake, feed conversion ratio, digestibility of nutrients, retention of nitrogen. Dietary inclusion of subabul leaf meal at 5% level had no adverse effect on growth performance, digestibility of nutrients and carcass characteristics. Non-significant (p>0.05) differences were observed in retention of calcium and phosphorus, dressing percentage, yield of prime cuts, serum total protein, total cholesterol and total triglyceride level. Cost of production when calculated revealed that inclusion of subabul leaf meal at 5% level in broiler rations was more profitable than feeding diets without any inclusion or beyond 5% level of inclusion i.e. 10% and 15%. The highest gross profit was observed in treatment group T1, receiving 5% inclusion of subabul leaf meal. Hence, the study indicated that broilers could be reared more economically and profitably on broiler rations with 5% level of subabul leaf meal inclusion.ThesisItem Open Access Performance of broiler chicken on feeding diet containing ginger oil(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara Campus, 2022) Saikia, Koustov; Gohain, Anurup KrAn experiment was conducted to study the performance of broiler chicken fed diet supplemented with different levels of ginger essential oil. One hundred and eighty (n=180) day old broiler chicks of Ven-Cobb400 strain having similar body weight were distributed randomly into four groups (T0, T1, T2 and T3) having 45 chicks in each group on the basis of their body weight. Each group was further subdivided into 3 replicates of 15 chicks in each group. The birds under T0 group were offered basal diet without addition of ginger essential oil while the birds under T1, T2 and T3 groups were given ginger essential oil with feed at the rate of 100,150 and 200mg/kg feed respectively and used in the feeds of broiler chickens for a period of six (6) weeks. All the birds of four groups were offered ad libitum feed and water and maintained under uniform managemental condition. The result of the experiment showed significantly (P<0.05) higher body weight gain and total weight gain in T2 group than the groups T0, T1 and T3. The total feed consumption per broiler for different experimental groups was the highest in T1 group and was the lowest in T3 group. Digestibility of DM, metabolizability of CP and N retention was significantly higher (P<0.01) in the treatment groups T0, T1 and T3 than the control group T0. In the carcass traits, the dressing percentage, breast muscle weight and thigh muscle weight were significantly (P<0.05) higher in T1, T2 and T3 group as compared to control group T0. Dressing weight, Abdominal fat, giblets and lymphoid organs were significantly (P>0.05) did not differ among the groups. Significant (P<0.01) differences were observed in serum glucose and HDL-C values in T2 and T3 groups whereas other blood biochemical profiles like total protein, albumin, globulin, albumin and globulin ration, LDL-C and GGT did not differ significantly (P>0.05) among the groups. The cost of production per broiler including the additional cost of ginger powder and gross profit were the highest in T2 and were the lowest in T0 group. The result of present study indicated that the ginger essential oil can be used economically as a natural feed additive in broiler chicken diet at the level of 150mg/kg feed to improve the overall performance of commercial broiler chickens.ThesisItem Open Access Performance of broiler chicken fed on diet supplemented with oregano essential oil(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara Campus, 2022) Borah, Biswajit; Gohain, Anurup KumarAn experiment was conducted to study the performance of broiler chickens fed on a diet supplemented with Oregano Essential Oil. For the study, One Hundred eighty (n=180) Day old Broiler chicks of Ven Cobb 430Y strain were randomly divided into four groups (T0, T1, T2 and T3) having 45 chicks per group on the basis of their body weight, the groups were again subdivided into 3 replicates of 15 birds each. The control group was fed with basal diet or the standard pre-starter, starter and finisher diet which were formulated to meet the nutrient requirements as per ICAR, 2013 with the locally available ingredients. And the other three groups were fed with the same basal diet like the CONTROL group but with an additional supplementation of Oregano Essential Oil in the following concentrations: T1 (OEO@200mg/kg basal diet), T2 (OEO@400mg/kg basal diet) and T3 (OEO@600mg/kg basal diet). The experimental results showed significantly (p<0.05) higher change in the body weight, total gain in the body weight, total feed intake and overall feed conversion efficiency in the groups T2 and T1 than the groups T3 and T0. The Broiler Performance Efficiency Index (BPEI) was also higher in the group T2 followed by T1, T3 and T0 respectively. Digestibility of Dry Matter (DM) and retention of nutrients like Nitrogen were found to be significantly (p<0.05) better in the treatment group then the control group. The Dressing percentage (%PSW) was also significantly improved in the treatment groups; T2 was having the highest dressing % followed by T1, T3 and T0. The weight of the Cut Parts (%PSW) was better in the treatment group; however, there was no significant difference. The giblet weight (%PSW) was also not significantly different among the groups. There was no significant (p>0.05) in terms of Total protein, HDL-C, and LDL-C. The blood lipid profile was also not significantly (p>0.05) different among the different treatment groups. And also there was no significant (p>0.05) difference was observed in terms of caecal microbial load. The study revealed that supplementation of Oregano Essential Oil at a concentration of 200mg/kg basal diet improved the net profit of the broiler production. On the basis of all these experimental findings supplementation of OEO @400mg/kg basal diet was found to be better on the growth performance of the broiler chicken.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of feeding protected proteins on milk yield and nutrient utilization in crossbred cows(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara Campus, 2022-09) Haloi, Sikhamoni; Bhuyan, RobinAn experiment was conducted to assess the effect of feeding protected proteins on milk yield, milk quality, nutrient utilization and cost of production in crossbred cows. Eighteen lactating crossbred cows of almost similar milk yield and parity were randomly divided into three groups of six animals each. Randomized block design (RBD) technique was followed for the study. Experimental cows were allotted to three dietary treatments (T0, T1 and T2). T0 was considered as control group and T1 and T2 as treatment groups. Feeding of roughage and concentrate mixture having soybean meal (untreated) was offered in T0 group; while concentrate mixture with heat treated and formaldehyde treated soybean meal was offered to T1 and T2 group, respectively. The feeding trial was conducted for a period of 120 days followed by digestibility trial of 5 days. The average dry matter (DM) intake (kg/Day) was 10.98±0.04, 11.05±0.05 and 11.02±0.05 for T0, T1 and T2 groups, respectively and did not differ significantly among groups. The DM intake (kg) per 100 kg body weight was 3.34 ±0.07, 3.40 ±0.07 and 3.35 ±0.05 for T0, T1 and T2 group, respectively. The DM intakes (g) per kg W0.75 body size was 141.92 ± 2.21, 144.44 ± 2.22 and 142.32 ± 1.31 for the corresponding groups. The DM intake per 100 kg body weight and per kg W0.75 body size did not differ significantly among groups. The percent digestibility of DM, CP were significantly higher in T1 and T2 group over T0 group, however digestibility of EE, CF, NFE, NDF and ADF did not differ significantly among groups . The average daily milk yield (kg/Day) was 7.70 ± 0.98, 9.01 ± 0.14 and 8.93 ± 0.14 for the T0, T1 and T2 group, respectively which was significantly higher (P<0.01) in T1 and T2 group compared to T0 group. The average FCM yield (kg/Day) was 8.12 ± 0.16, 9.42 ± 0.17 and 9.30 ± 0.18 in T0, T1 and T2 respectively which was significantly higher (P<0.01) in T1 and T2 group in comparison to T0 group. The milk parameters like fat, protein, lactose, total solid, solid not fat did not differ significantly among groups. The total serum protein (g/dl), albumin (g/dl) and albumin globulin ratio was significantly higher (P<0.01) in T1 and T2 group compare to T0 group. The creatinine (mg/dl) and globulin (g/dl) concentration of blood were significantly lower in (P<0.01) in T1 and T2 group compared to T0 group. The gamma glutamyl transferase (U/L) concentration of blood was comparable among the groups. Rumen degradable protein (RDP) percentages were 26.47 ± 0.02, 22.52 ± 0.01 and 22.53 ± 0.02 for untreated, heat treated and formaldehyde treated soybean meal, respectively. Undegradable dietary protein (UDP) percentages were 18.55± 0.01, 22.51 ± 0.01 and 22.52 ±0.01 for the corresponding feeds. RDP percentages were lower in (P<0.01) in heat treated and formaldehyde treated soybean meal than untreated soybean meal whereas UDP percentages were significantly higher (P<0.01) in heat treated and formaldehyde treated soybean meal compared to untreated soybean meal. The feed cost per kg of milk was lower in T1 and T2 groups (Rs.28.77 and Rs.29.60) compared to T0 (Rs.32.83) group. It was observed that feeding of heat treated soybean meal (T1) and formaldehyde treated soybean meal (T2) showed better results in terms of milk yield, FCM yield and digestibility of nutrients like dry matter and crude protein over untreated soybean meal (T0). Hence, it can be concluded that treatment of soybean meal has a significant effect on milk yield due to enhancement of nutrient bioavailability caused by lowering of rumen degradable protein (RDP). Comparing the heat treatment and formaldehyde treatment of soybean meal, heat treatment could be recommended from practical and economic point of view as there is no risk of chemicals.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of feeding pineapple waste with probiotic supplementation on the performance of growing pigs(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara Campus, 2022-03) Das, Nirmali; Bhuyan, RobinA 5 month feeding trial was conducted on 24 weaned cross bred piglets (Hampshire × Local) pigs (11.53±1.08 to 11.75±1.03 kg body weight) to investigate the effect of feeding pineapple waste with probiotic supplementation on the growth performance, feed conversion ratio, nutrient utilization, blood biochemical, faecal microbial count, carcass characteristics and cost of feeding. Basal rations (BIS, 2001) were assigned as C, T1, T2 and T3. The pineapple waste were sundried, chaffed into small pieces and then mixed with the basal diet at 10, 20 and 30% level for T1, T2 and T3 respectively. Probiotic (lactobacillus) was added at the level of 0.35g in all the ration including control. Two digestion trials were carried out – once in the growing phase (18th week) and another one in the finishing phase (22nd week). Faeces and blood samples were collected from each treatment group at three stages i.e., initial, grower and finisher stages of the feeding trial for estimation of total bacterial count and for evaluation of haemato-biochemical parameters. For carcass characteristics study, three pigs from each treatment were sacrificed at the end of the feeding trial. Study revealed improvement in feed consumption in the growing and finishing phase and also found that T2 was significantly higher (P<0.05). Apparent digestibility coefficient of all the nutrients was comparatively higher in T2 followed by C, T1 and T3. Significant difference was found among the groups (P<0.05) in apparent digestibility coefficient of CP, EE and NFE in grower phase; whereas in finisher stage significant difference (P<0.05) was observed in apparent digestibility co-efficient of DM, CP, EE, NFE and OM among the groups. The average daily body weight gain (ADG) was significantly higher in T2 groups and resulted significantly higher total gain and final body weights than C, T1 and T3. Significant difference was found in both phases among treatment group on nitrogen balance where T2 was found significantly different from C, T1 and T3 (P<0.05), whereas C, T1 and T2 was found significantly similar. Significant difference was not found in ca balance for both the phases (P>0.05); whereas significant difference was found in p balance in finisher phase (P<0.05). The FCR at the end of feeding trial was calculated as 4.264±0.085, 4.211±0.041, 4.200±0.060 and 4.415±0.042 for C, T1, T2 and T3 respectively and indicating significantly better FCR in T2 groups. The feeding cost (Rs./kg body weight gain) in the growing phase was Rs.124.87, Rs. 117.12, Rs 113.28 and Rs.113.38; whereas for finisher phase the feeding cost (Rs./kg body weight gain ) was calculated as Rs. 126.77, Rs. 117.77, Rs.113.31 and Rs.114.35 for C, T1,T2 and T3 groups, respectively, which indicated significantly reduced feeding cost/kg body weight gain in T2 group compared to C, T1 and T3. All haemato-biochemical parameters were within the normal range in all the treatment groups. Significant difference (P<0.01) was observed among the groups for faecal microbial load. Also significant difference was observed for slaughter weight, carcass weight, dressing percentage, carcass length, back fat thickness and loin eye area where C, T1 and T2 was found significantly different from T3(P<0.01). Findings of the study revealed that feeding pineapple waste upto 20% level significantly improved growth performance, digestibility of nutrients, faecal microbial load and feed: gain ratio of pigs. Thus, feeding of pineapple waste upto 20% level may be recommended to crossbred pigs for remunerative and sustainable profit.ThesisItem Open Access Nutritional and feeding management strategies on performance, nutrient utilization and gut health in weaned crossbred pigs(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara Campus, 2022-03) Hoque, Ekramul; Bhuyan, RAn experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of prebiotic, probiotic, lysine and methionine supplementation in diets with two level of protein on growth performance, nutrient utilization, feed conversion efficiency, biochemical parameters and gut health in weaned growing pig in a 90 days trail. A total of 30 piglets of crossed bred pig of average 18.38 ± 0.93 kg body weight of about three months of age irrespective of sex were selected from KVK, Darrang, AAU, Mangaldai-784125 which were bred, born and raised at the farm maintained under KVK, Darrang. The piglets were randomly allotted to five treatments of six piglets in each group on the basis of body weight. Hence, five experimental treatment groups were the T0 (Basal Diets), T1 (Basal Diets, commercial MOS 0.3%, Probiotic 40 g/100kg feed, 2.5 X 109 CFU/ gm), T2 (Basal Diets, extracted MOS 0.3% and Probiotic 40 g/100kg feed, CFU/ gm 2.5 X 109), T3 (Basal Diets, commercial MOS 0.3%, Probiotic 40 g/100kg feed, CFU/ gm 2.5 X 109 , lysine 0.3% and methionine 0.1%) and T4 (Basal Diets, extracted MOS 0.3%, Probiotic 40 g/100kg feed, CFU/ gm 2.5 X 109 , lysine 0.3% and methionine 0.1%) in a randomized complete block design. The basal diet was prepared as per the recommendation of ICAR-2013. The average DM intake (kg/100 kg BW) was 4.57±0.02, 4.14±0.01, 4.31±0.02, 4.02±0.01 and 4.38±0.01 for T0, T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively. The difference of average DM intake (kg/100kg BW) was statistically significant P˂ 0.001 among the control and treatment groups. Average daily body weight gain (gm/day) were 217.67 ± 5.10, 249.11 ± 4.52, 244.26 ± 3.52, 258.59 ± 3.21 and 255.78 ± 5.55 for T0, T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively. Average daily body weight gain (gm/day) showed significant differences (P˂ 0.05) amongst the groups. The average feed conversion ratio were 5.53 ± 0.28, 4.65 ± 0.35, 4.79 ± 0.26, 4.40 ± 0.28 and 4.81 ± 0.29 for T0, T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively where significant difference (P<0.05) existed among the groups. The digestibility coefficient of DM, OM, EE, Total carbohydrate, NDF and ADF did not differ (P˃0.05) significantly among the treatment groups but digestibility coefficient of CP differed (P˂ 0.05) significantly among groups. N-retention (%) of different groups were 76.33 ± 0.78, 80.93 ± 0.05, 82.39 ± 0.54, 79.38 ± 0.63 and 80.51 ± 0.48 for T0, T1, T2, T3 and T4 groups, respectively; there was significant difference (P˂0.01) among groups. There was no significant difference (P˂ 0.05) in Ca and P retention (%) in different groups but there was significant difference (P˂0.01) in fecal ammonia nitrogen (NH3–N) concentration. In respect of fecal microbial count, E. coli count (log10cfu/g) was significantly different (P˂ 0.05) among groups and minimum was recorded in T4 and T3 group. The fecal TVC (log10cfu/g) count was highest in T4 group followed by T3 and T2 group. The concentrations of total serum protein and blood cholesterol were found within normal physiological range in all experimental groups. There was significant difference (P˂ 0.05) in respect of blood glucose, blood albumin, blood globulin and blood Albumin: Globulin ratio. Feed cost (Rs.) per kg gain was 102.85, 97.30, 101.91, 91.90 and 96.35 for control group (T0) and treatment groups (T1, T2, T3 and T4), respectively. Highest profit (in terms of feed cost/kg gain) was observed in T3 group followed by T2 group of crossbred pig in comparison to other groups. Thus it can be concluded that supplementation of prebiotic, probioctic, lysine and methionine in diet in growing pig @ 0.3%, 40 g/100kg feed (2.5 X 109 CFU/ gm), 0.3% and 0.1% may be recommended in terms of growth and economic of production.ThesisItem Open Access Performance of large white yorkshire on feeding banana stem and mixed (banana stem and taro) silage fermented with probiotics(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara Campus, 2022-03) Das, Biren Kumar; Saikia, B NA study was conducted on Large White Yorkshire (LWY) pigs to assess the effect of feeding banana pseudo-stem silage and mixed silage of banana pseudo-stem and Taro (Colocasia esculenta) fermented, anaerobically, with Lactobacillus acidophilus and Enterococcus faecium. Eighteen LWY piglets, average body weight 15.097 ± 0.71 kg, were randomly divided into three groups (T1, T2 and T3) in a completely randomised block design with 6 piglets in each group. Three experimental iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric diets were prepared and fed in two phase feeding programme i.e. growing phase (up to 35 kg body weight) and finishing phase (above 35 kg body weight) as per BIS, 2001 where T1 (control) group was fed basal diet without silage while T2 and T3 group received diet with 25 % replacement of cereal (maize) grain of the basal diet with banana pseudo-stem silage and mixed silage of banana pseudo-stem and Taro. During 180 days of feeding trial, the body weight changes of the LWY pigs in growing phase as well as finishing phase varied significantly (P<0.01) among the treatment groups. There was significant difference (P<0.05) in fortnightly dry matter intake of the experimental pigs in the growing phase. ADG (g/h/d) and FCE of the growing-finishing pigs in the growing phase were also found to be significant (P<0.05) among the experimental pigs. Digestibility of dry matter and other nutrients were studied by conducting digestibility trial in growing and finishing phase of the experimental pigs. In the growing phase digestibility coefficient of DM, CP, CF & EE differed significantly (P<0.05 & P<0.01) among the treatment groups, but digestibility coefficient of OM and NFE did not differ (P>0.05) among the treatment groups. In the finishing phase digestibility coefficient of DM, OM, CP, CF, EE and NFE did not differ (P>0.05) among the experimental groups. There was no significant (P>0.05) difference in biochemical parameters of SGPT, SGOT, glucose, total protein, cholesterol, HDL and LDL among the groups. The carcass traits like dressing percentage, back fat thickness, loin eye area, per cent weight of whole sale cuts of pork, edible and inedible offal were not affected (P>0.05) by the partial replacement of cereal (maize) grain in the basal diet with silages. Drip loss (%), water holding capacity and pH of Longissimus dorsi muscle did not differ (P>0.05) among the treatment groups. Per cent moisture, protein, fat and ash of the Longissimus dorsi muscle were also not affected (P>0.05) by the partial replacement of cereal (maize) grain in the basal diet with silages. Analysis of variance of histomorphological measures of villus height, crypt depth, villus height:crypt depth and average villus surface area of duodenum and jejunum showed that 25% replacement of cereal (maize) grain of the basal diet with silages did not have adverse effect (P>0.05) in the experimental pigs. In economic analysis, the cost of feed per kg weight gain was found to be reduced (P<0.05) in T3 group pigs compared to T1 (control) and T2 group pigs. It was concluded that 25 % substitution of cereal (maize) grain from the basal diet by mixed silage of banana pseudo-stem and Taro in growing-finishing LWY pigs had no adverse effect on growth performance, serum biochemical profile and carcass characteristics, and had reduced the cost of pig production.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECTS OF FEEDING OF PREBIOTICS, PROBIOTICS AND SYNBIOTICS IN BROILER CHICKEN ON CORN-SOYA BASED DIET(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati, 2022-01) FANCON, AIBANIAIRI; Bhuyan, RobinAn experiment was conducted at the Experimental Poultry Shed of the Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Assam to assess the effect of dietary supplementation of Prebiotic, Probiotic and Synbiotic on the performance, nutrient utilization, haemato-biochemical parameters and carcass traits of broiler birds. One hundred and eighty (N=180) day old commercial (Ven Cobb) broiler chicks were randomly distributed into four treatments groups.Each treatment had three replicates with 15 chicks in each replicate.Dietary groups consisted of Group-T0(control) birds which were fed basal diet without any supplementation;In Group- T1, birds were fed basal diet supplemented with Prebiotic (@ 0.2%); Group-T2: basal diet with 0.035% Probiotic; Group-T3(Synbiotic) contains basal diet with Prebiotic @0.2% + Probiotic @ 0.035 respectively. The basal diet was prepared as per ICAR (2013) recommended for Pre-starter, Starter and Finisher phase using commonly available feed ingredients. Results of the study showed that the average weekly body weight change (g/ bird), weekly gain in weight and total gain were significantly higher (P<0.05) in synbiotic, i.e., T3 group as compared to the other groups. The total gain in weight during the entire experimental trial was 1669.46±33.46, 1724.219±33.14, 1770.173±38.50 and 1827.952±40.36 (g/bird) for T0, T1, T2 and T3 groups respectively. The feed intake did not differ significantly among the groups. However, significantly better (P<0.05) FCR was observed in T3, followed by T2, T1 and T0. The Broiler Performance Efficiency Index (BPEI) among the experimental groups was 91.06±0.05, 98.67±0.05, 104.66±0.04and 109.88±0.05for T0, T1, T2 and T3 group, respectively; where T3 showed the best (P<0.05) BPEI followed by T2, T1 and T0.The retention of Nitrogen differed significantly among the groups, with T3 showing better results as compared to the other groups. However, Retention of Phosphorus and Calcium did not differ significantly among the groups. The serum total protein, albumin, globulin, superoxide dismutase and GGT did not show any significant effect among the treatment groups, however serum cholesterol was lowest (P<0.05) in T3 group as compared to the other groups. The dressing percentage, prime cuts, giblet weights, lymphoid organs weight did not differ significantly among the groups. Caecal microbial profile showed that Lactic acid bacteria was increased significantly in the prebiotic and probiotic supplemented groups, whereas E. coli count did not show any significant effect among the groups. The net profit per bird was found highest in the T3 group (Rs.20.51), followed by T2 (Rs.16.13), T1 (Rs.12.37) and T0 (Rs.6.54) groups.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTATION OF ZINC NANO-PARTICLES ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF CROSSBRED CALVES(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati, 2022-01) BARMAN, AJAY; Borah, LakhyajyotiAn experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of zinc nano-particles (nano-ZnO) on growth performance, nutrient utilization, serum biochemical parameters and cost per kg weight gain in crossbred calves. A total twenty four crossbred calves of average body weight 91.77±1.90 and about 6-8 months of age were randomly selected and divided into 3 groups (T0, T1 and T2) of 8 nos each. Experimental calves were provided with green roughage, paddy straw and standard concentrate ration supplemented with inorganic zinc @40 mg/kg DMI in T0, nano-zinc oxide @10 mg/kg DMI in T1 and nano-zinc oxide @20 mg/kg DMI in T2. The concentrate ration was prepared as per BIS, 2013 by using conventional feed ingredients viz. maize, wheat bran, rice polish, GNC, MOC, mineral mixture and salt. The feeding trial was carried out for 84 days. Blood collection was done at 0, 42nd and 84th day for blood biochemical parameter estimation. Humoral immune and cellular immune responses were observed during the end days of the trails. At the end of the feeding trial metabolic trials was conducted for 5 days with 5 animals from each group. The feed intake in crossbred calves was not affected due to the supplementation of nano-ZnO. However, the total body weight gain and average daily gain were significantly (P<0.01) higher in the nano-ZnO supplemented groups than the inorganic zinc supplemented group. Feed conversion ratio was significantly (P<0.01) better in the groups supplemented with nano-ZnO i.e. T1 and T2 compared to the T0. No significant difference was observed among the groups in respect of digestibility coefficient of the DM, OM, CP, EE, CF, NFE, ADF, NDF and retention percentages of nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus. The percent CP and TDN received (as per ICAR, 2013) were comparable among the groups. The haematological parameters viz. serum cholesterol, serum triglycerides, serum creatinine, serum gamma glutamyl transferes, serum albumin: globulin were not significantly affected by supplementation of nano-ZnO. But, superoxide dismutase was significantly (P<0.01) higher in the groups supplemented with nano-ZnO compared to the inorganic zinc supplemented group. Significantly better humoral immunity and cell mediated immunity response was observed in T1 and T2 groups than the T0 group. The relative feed cost per kg weight gain was low in the T2 than other groups. The present study revealed that the supplementation of nano-ZnO up to 20 mg/kg in calf ration is beneficial in terms of body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, immune response and economics of feeding.
