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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 GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF PIGS IN RESPONSE TO SEASONAL STRESS UNDER VARYING DIETARY ENERGY LEVELS(Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati, 2016-07) PATHAK, PRASANTA KUMAR; Roychoudhury, R.Eighteen weaned piglets (at 56 days) from each of the two different genetic groups viz. Hampshire and Hampshire x Local irrespective of sex were selected and randomly divided into three dietary groups viz. Gr.I, Gr.II and Gr.III consisting of 6 animals of almost similar body weight in each experimental group for winter months in 1st phase and summer months in 2nd phase to find out the status of important season related thermal stress biomarkers as well as most suitable germplasm in terms of growth performance under the agro-climatic condition of Assam. The experiment was also aimed to study the role of different level of energy ration in the growth performance of pigs in different seasons. A total of 3 rations were prepared for grower and finisher stage as per the NRC feeding standard for pig (NRC, 1998). The ration having 110, 100 and 90 per cent energy of NRC (1998) designated as high energy (HE), medium energy (ME) and low energy (LE), respectively. The ME, LE and HE treatment were represented three dietary groups of pigs i.e. Gr.I, Gr.II and Gr.III, respectively for both winter and summer. The Gr.I (ME) was considered as control group for both winter and summer season. Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) was calculated out from the data of ambient temperature and relative humidity (RH). The physiological parameters such as respiration rate (RR) and rectal temperature (RT) were recorded following conventional methods in two phases in a month i.e., consecutively for three days in a week in each animal and twice daily at 8:30 A.M. and 5:30 P.M. for a period of 12 months. About 5 ml of blood was collected from each experimental animal aseptically at 15 days interval for the whole experimental period. The level of thermal stress related blood hormones such as triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and cortisol were estimated by Radioimmunoassay (RIA) technique. The animals were weighed in the morning before feeding and watering at fortnightly intervals. The linear body measurements of the animals were recorded at monthly intervals. The feed intake, feed conversion efficiency and economics of feeding were also recorded. The ambient temperature was significantly (P<0.01) higher in the evening (23.60-29.51 0C) than in the morning (20.02-28.03 0C). The present experiment indicated that average ambient temperature during summer months (27.33-29.51 0C) were above the comfort zone for pigs (22 0C). The significantly (P<0.01) higher RH (%) was recorded in outdoor environment (87.26-91.10%) and in the morning time (86.60-91.10%). The THI during the study period was found to be indicative of thermal stress to the experimental animals during summer (79.55 – 82.56) as compared to the winter seasons. Physiological parameters viz., RR and RT were significantly (P<0.01) higher in summer season (43.75-72.12 breaths/min. and 102.29-103.23 0F/min.) than the winter season and non-significantly higher values were recorded in Hampshire as compared to Hampshire x Local during summer season. It was also found that the significantly (P<0.01) lower RR as well as RT was recorded in the pigs fed with high energy (HE) ration during summer season. Serum T3 and T4 concentrations were significantly (P<0.01) lower during summer as compared to winter in both Hampshire and Hampshire x Local pigs, while both the genetic groups showed significantly (P<0.01) higher concentration of serum cortisol during summer season. It was also observed that thyroid hormone and cortisol concentrations were maintained in groups of pig fed HE diet during summer. The average body weight was significantly (P<0.01) higher in winter and Hampshire pigs attained higher body wt. but observed that Hampshire pigs shed more body wt. in summer as compared to crossbred. It was also recorded that energy level of diet had significant (P<0.01) influence on the body weight gain and minimizes the production losses in terms of body wt. gain during summer. The coefficient of correlation of linear body measurements with the body weight of experimental pigs was found to be positively correlated and found that linear body measurements were in progressively increasing trend along with increase in body weight. The study also revealed higher FCE during winter season and Hampshire x Local pigs had higher FCE. The lower feed intake and higher FCE was recorded in HE incorporated group. The present study revealed that the cost of concentrate feed decreased along with reduction in the energy level of the diet. The cost of feeding per kg body weight gain was higher in summer than winter season and lower cost of feeding per kg gain was recorded in HE incorporated group. On the basis of this finding it can be concluded that winter is the best time for raising growing-finishing pigs. During summer most of the time the state remains under tropical high heat and humid dominance which may drastically affect the production and eventually economy of pig farming. From the present observation, it is suggested that Hampshire x local pigs may rear economically in the agro-climatic condition of Assam and increasing the energy density of diet can also help to minimize the effects of thermal stress during summer.ThesisItem Open Access DAIRY CATTLE MANAGEMENT AND MARKETING OF MILK IN LOWER BRAHMAPUTRA VALLEY ZONE OF ASSAM(Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati, 2014-01) DAS, MUKUT; Mili, D. C.An investigation was undertaken to study the dairy cattle management and marketing of milk in rural areas of Kamrup, Barpeta, Goalpara and Nalbari district under lower Brahmaputra valley zone of Assam from April, 2012 to March, 2013. Two hundred dairy farmers having at least two milch cows were selected randomly for collection of data. A structured, reliable and valid interview schedule was prepared, pre-tested and was employed for data collection. All the obtained data were tabulated and put to standard statistical test to facilitate proper interpretation and to arrive at some conclusions as per the pre-formulated objectives of the study. The study revealed that the overall average age at first calving, lactation yield, lactation length, intercalving period, dry period and service period in crossbred cattle were found to be 31.03 ± 0.09 months, 1441.18 ± 26.53 litres, 292.32 ± 0.72 days, 385.64 ± 0.85 days, 93.32 ± 0.99 days and 111.95 ± 0.85 days respectively in crossbred cattle irrespective of locations, while the corresponding values for indigenous cattle were recorded as 42.34 ± 0.10 months, 280.75 ± 7.45 litres, 238.60 ± 1.83 days, 538.42 ±1.69 days, 299.86 ± 2.03 days, 258.57 ± 1.71days respectively. All the economic traits were found to be significantly influenced by the genetic group and the location except for the lactation yield within the location in indigenous cattle. In regards to the housing of cattle in the study areas, the dairy farmers used 56.84 and 43.16 per cent thatch and corrugated iron sheet roof respectively in crossbred cattle. However, majority of the dairy farmers (81.48%) and only 18.52 per cent used corrugated iron sheet as roof material for housing of the indigenous cattle. Most of the dairy farmers (47.95%) had cattle shed with half wall, 23.97 per cent with full wall and 28.08 per cent without wall in respect of crossbred cattle. The corresponding data in respect of indigenous cattle were 25.93, 62.96 and 11.11 per cent respectively in the study areas. Further, 32.19 per cent of dairy farmers housed cattle in earthen floor and 67.81 per cent used concrete floor in housing of crossbred cattle; however, 90.74 and 9.16 per cent respectively in case of indigenous cattle. Another important finding of the investigation was that 65.75 per cent of dairy farmers had shed with drainage and 34.25 per cent without drainage in the study areas. However, for dairy farmers rearing indigenous cattle only 11.11 per cent had cattle shed with drainage and 88.89 per cent without drainage in the study areas. The majority (58.22%) of the dairy farmers practiced stall feeding of their cattle and 41.78 per cent practiced grazing in case of crossbred cattle. However for indigenous cattle, only 7.41 per cent of the dairy farmers practiced stall feeding and 92.59 per cent practiced grazing in the study areas. It was found that 94.52 per cent of the dairy farmers fed their animals with naturally grown green fodder and only 5.48 per cent fed their animals with own cultivated green fodder in case of crossbred cattle. In respect of indigenous cattle, 96.30 per cent of the dairy farmers fed their animals with naturally grown green fodder and only 3.70 per cent fed their animals with their own cultivated green fodder in the study areas. In the study areas, the main source of dry fodder was paddy straw (Oryza sativa L.) and fed to the animals @ 2-5 kg per milch animal per day. Concentrate ration was provided @ 3-7 kg per day per crossbred cattle; while for indigenous cattle, 62.96 per cent of dairy farmers offered only rice polish @ 1-3 kg per day per animal and 37.04 per cent of dairy farmers provided no concentrate ration. The overall average total fixed capital per milch animal in crossbred cattle was estimated to be Rs.38,120.13 irrespective of location. In respect of indigenous cattle, the corresponding overall average total fixed capital per milch animal was Rs.10,102.81. The overall average total fixed cost (FC) per milch animal per annum was worked out to be Rs.5,901.72 in crossbred cattle and Rs.1,673.76 in indigenous cattle irrespective of location. The overall average total variable cost per milch animal per annum was estimated to be Rs.41,391.17 in crossbred and Rs.8,367.72 in indigenous cattle; while the overall average total cost per milch animal per annum was Rs.47,292.63 in crossbred and Rs.10,041.47 in indigenous cattle irrespective of their rearing locations. The overall average total return per milch animal per annum was estimated to be Rs.54,295.51 in crossbred and Rs.11,101.02 in indigenous cattle; while the overall average net return per milch animal per annum were Rs.7,002.88 in crossbred and Rs.1,059.55 in indigenous cattle irrespective of study locations. The overall average cost of milk production per litre without considering the study locations was worked out to be Rs.30.31 in crossbred and Rs.31.88 in indigenous cattle. The overall average return over feed cost (ROFC) irrespective of study locations were Rs.18,955.68 and Rs.6,270.80 with the overall average feed cost efficiency of 53.67 and 129.82 per cent in crossbred and indigenous cattle respectively. The overall average return over variable cost (ROVC) irrespective of study locations were Rs.12,880.68 in crossbred and Rs.2,733.33 in indigenous cows; while the fixed cost and variable cost ratio were 1:7.01 in crossbred and 1:4.99 in indigenous cows. The overall average break-even output of milk production irrespective of study locations were 929.36 litres in crossbred and 286.11 litres in indigenous cows. The per cent of break-even output to total output irrespective of locations were 62.04 in crossbred and 101.91 in indigenous cattle. The overall average input-output ratios irrespective of study locations were 1:1.15 in crossbred and 1:1.11 in indigenous cows. In respect of marketing of milk, majority of the dairy farmers adopted marketing channel 1 (Producer – Consumer) which accounted to 44 per cent of the total milk marketed in the study area; while only meager 6 per cent of total milk were marketed through channel 4 (Producer – Dairy Co-operative – Retailer – Consumer). In regards to socio-economic study, 77 per cent (majority) of the dairy farmers were of middle age group (38 – 55 years), had medium size family (4 – 7 members) medium level (primary – higher secondary) educational qualification, medium (Rs. 28,369 – Rs. 1,58,600) annual family income, medium (upto Rs. 1,09,476.00) annual family income of the dairy farmers from dairying alone. Studies on the different constraints faced by the dairy farmers in adopting day-to-day animal husbandry practices, majority (48.5%) responded that lack of finance was the major constraint followed by delay in receiving payments for milk (44.5%). Other constraints included high cost of concentrate, shortage of green fodder, non-availability of skilled labour, lack of desired marketing channel, inadequate knowledge of cattle diseases, their prevention and control, besides non-availability of timely veterinary services in the study areas.ThesisItem Open Access PERFORMANCE OF T&D PIGS UNDER DIFFERENT WEANING MANAGEMENT(Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati, 2012-07) Kalita, Girin; Roychoudhury, R.Study was conducted at All India Coordinated Research Project on Pig (Mega Seed Project), College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati-781022, Assam, to compare the effect of early weaning management at 28, 35 and 42 days on the performance of T&D (Tamworth x Desi) sows and their piglets with normal weaning practice at 56 days. Twenty sows of 2nd and 3rd parity along with their piglets were divided to four groups (T1- 28 days weaning, T2- 35 days weaning, T3- 42 days weaning and T4- 56 days weaning) in a manner that each group was represented by similar litter size at birth and of similar parity sows. After weaning at respective age, piglets of each litter were reared together till 13 weeks of age. Pre-starter and Starter ration incorporating skim milk powder and table sugar were offered for ad libitum consumption to the piglets of T1, T2 and T3, during week 2 and 3 and during week 4, 5 and 6 of age respectively. Similar rations without skim milk powder and table sugar were offered in ad libitum to the piglets of T4 of same age groups. Grower I and Grower II rations were fed to appetite to the piglets from 7 to 11 and 12 to 13 weeks of age respectively for all the weaning groups. Interval from weaning to estrus (WEI) was recorded and all the sows were bred in the 1st post weaning estrus. At the end of 13 weeks, six castrated male pigs of average body weight from each weaning group were selected and reared up to 34 weeks of age to study the effect of weaning management on performance of growing finishing pigs along with their carcass characteristics. The litter size at birth, at weaning and at 13th week were not affected by the weaning management, whereas litter weight at 13th week were significantly (P<0.05) higher in 28 days followed by 35, 42 and 56 days weaning. Piglets weaned at an early age had significantly (P<0.05) higher body weight (24.73 ± 0.58 kg in 28 days and 24.00 ± 0.87 kg in 35 days weaning group) than the lately weaned piglets (20.74 ± 0.75 kg in 42 days and 19.26 ± 0.78 kg in 56 days weaning group) at the end of 13 weeks of age. Significant (P<0.05) effect of weaning management was observed on average daily gain (ADG in gram) of piglets from birth to 13 weeks of age, with highest ADG in 28 days (259.27 ± 6.20) followed by 35 days (251.39 ± 9.43), 42 days (215.50 ± 8.13) and 56 days (199.17 ± 8.55) weaning group. Feed conversion efficiencies (FCE) of piglets from weaning to 13 weeks of age were significantly (p<0.5) better in 28 days weaning (2.45 ± 0.08) compared to 35 days (2.74 ± 0.08), 42 days (3.05 ± 0.07) and 56 days (3.00 ± 0.15) weaning group. Average daily feed intakes (g) of piglets from birth to 13 weeks of age were significantly (P<0.05) higher in early weaned piglets (513.52 ± 16.79 in 28 days and 510.53 ± 9.29 in 35 days weaning group) compared to late weaned piglets (435.36 ± 21.28 in 42 days and 359.29 ± 33.79 in 56 days weaning group). Maximum mortality rates were observed in late weaned piglets (12.77% in 56 days and 11.36% in 42 days weaning group) as compared to early weaned counterparts (4.26% in 28 days and 2.27% in 35 days weaning group). Gastroenteritis (57.14%) was the main cause of mortality, followed by Pneumonia + Gastroenteritis (14.29%), Physical injury (7.14%) and Hepatitis (7.14%). Other causes like abscess, inanition, respiratory problem etc. accounted for 14.29% of the total deaths. Average daily feed intake (kg) by sow during lactation were 3.75 ± 0.10, 3.90 ± 0.10, 3.97 ±0.17 and 4.14 ± 0.42 in 28, 35, 42 and 56 days weaning group respectively and statistical analysis revealed non-significant (P<0.05) differences among the different weaning groups. Body weight loss (kg) of sow during lactation was significantly 15 (P<0.05) higher for the in 56 days (34.20 ± 1.66) weaning group, followed by 42 days (27.80 ± 0.97), 35 days (23.80 ± 1.07), and 28 days weaning (20.20 ± 1.39) group. Nonsignificant (p<0.05) effect of weaning management was observed in weaning to estrus intervals (WEI) among the different weaning groups. Subsequent litter traits were better in early weaned sows (28 and 35 days) compared to lately weaned sows (42 and 56 days) when bred in the first post weaning estrus. It was observed that, lactational body weight loss of sow was negatively correlated with subsequent litter size (r=-0.957) and positively correlated with weaning to estrus interval (r=0.990). Body weights (kg) of finisher at the end of 34 weeks was significantly higher in 28 days (105.00 ± 2.93) weaning group, followed by 35 days (99.33 ± 2.49), 42 days (95.50 ± 2.68) and 56 days (91.50 ± 3.57) weaning group and no differences were observed in FCE and ADG in growing finishing pigs from 14 to 34 weeks among the different weaning groups. Apart from back fat thickness and carcass weights, weaning management at 28, 35, 42 and 56 days didn’t have much effect on carcass characteristics, pigs weaned early (28 and 35 days) have higher carcass weights with more back fat thickness compared to lately weaned pigs (42 and 56 days). Economic analysis revealed that weaning management at 28 days was more economical compared to weaning management at 35, 42 or 56 days. It may be concluded from the study that weaning management at 28 days of age with quality diet for piglets was advantageous as compared to weaning management at 35 and 42 days or traditional weaning management at 56 days of age.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECTS OF CLIMATIC ELEMENTS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF PIGS IN MIZORAM(Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati, 2012-07) Lalremruata, C.; Saharia, JitendraThe study was carried out in four districts of Mizoram namely Aizawl, Lunglei, Champhai and Kolasib. To study the effect of climatic elements on the performance of pigs in Mizoram, monthly information i.e. meteorological data and pig performance data were collected from MIRSAC (Mizoram Remote Sensing Application Center) and organized piggery farms located in selected districts of Mizoram (from 2002 January till 2012 December). The average maximum temperature, minimum temperature, mean temperature, rainfall and relative humidity were 29.019±0.2°C, 16.18±0.27°C, 22.60±0.18°C, 254.03±0.15 mm and 79.721±0.49 per cent respectively. There was a significance variation in climatic elements from 2002- to 2012. It was also found that summer/monsoon is the longest season. The average birth weight of piglet ranges from 1.003 Kg-1.172 Kg and average weaning weight ranges from 8.261- 9.605 Kg. There was no significant difference in different years and season has no significant effect on weaning weight but significant effect on birth weight (P<0.05). Maximum temperatures and relative humidity was found to be negative correlate (P<0.05) with the weaning weight. The average range of litter size at birth was 5.910- 7.656 and litter weight at birth was 6.144-8.684 Kg. The average litter size at weaning ranges from 5.001-6.758 and litter weight at weaning ranges from 45.353-61.148 Kg. The year wise studies revealed the significant difference (P<0.05) in litter size at birth with highly significant difference (P<0.01) in litter weight at birth, litter size at weaning and litter weight at weaning indicating that period has significant effect on the reproductive performance of pigs. Winter and summer/monsoon seasons had negative correlation (P<0.05) with the litter traits. There is a positive correlation between the climatic elements and the litter size at weaning and litter weight at weaning. Secular trend showed that ambient temperature is having a positive correlation with the litter size and litter weight. The average farrowing interval ranges from 6.188±0.20 to 7.688±0.23 months. Period had significant effect on the farrowing interval (P<0.01). Secular trend revealed the correlation between ambient temperature and farrowing intervals. The average pre-weaning mortality per cent ranges from 8.15 to 22.93 per cent over the 11 years and there was significant effect of year on the pre-weaning mortality (P<0.01). Secular trend revealed that pre-weaning mortality is having a correlation with mean temperature. Causes of piglet mortality were diarrhoea, respiratory diseases, cold stress, overlying, general weakness and hereditary. Diarrhoea was highest during monsoon, cold stress during winter, overlying in autumn and monsoon and respiratory problem during autumn and winter season. Forecasting from 2012-2015 revealed that climatic elements showed almost straight trend line. However, the mean temperature slightly decreases from 2013 to 2015. Forecasting analysis revealed that average litter size, total litter at birth, litter size at weaning, total litter at weaning will significantly increase (P<0.01) from 2012-to 2015. The significant increase (P<0.01) in the forecasted value of total pre-weaning mortality (2013 to 2015) might be having a negative correlation with decreasing trend of ambient temperature. The present study revealed that warm temperature is required for the better performance of piglets. Cold temperature was found to be less stressful for the sows and heavy rainfall increased the piglet mortality. Overall, study of climatic elements during 11 years (2002 to 2012) was found to have direct and indirect effect on the performance of pigs in Mizoram.