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
6 results
Search Results
ThesisItem Open Access Amelioration of heat stress through certain managemental interventions in lactating dairy cows(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara Campus, 2023) Das, Venus; Hussain, JakirThe present experiment was executed in the Instructional Livestock Farm (Cattle) and Sahiwal Cattle Farm under in the Livestock Farm Complex, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara,Guwahati-22 to observe the heat stress amelioration capacity of body cooling and bypass fat feeding during summer season (1St May to 31st August, 2022) in lactating dairy cows. A total of twenty four (12 Holstein-Friesian crossbred and 12 pure Sahiwal) lactating cows were divided into three groups with eight animals in each group with similar parity, stage of lactation and average daily milk production and with equal number of each breeds. The experimental animals were offered feed twice daily individually @ 4 percent of body weight on DM basis to meet up the optimum nutritional demand (NRC, 2001). Out of total DM 1/3rd was given standard concentrate feed (CP: 18% & TDN: 68.00%) prepared in the farm and 2/3rd was given roughages. Out of total roughage 1/3rd was given as paddy straw and 2/3 mixed green fodders such as Para (Brachiaria mutica), Napier (Pennisetum purpureum) and Guinea (Panicum maximum) grasses in equal parts. In the treatment group bypass fat was fed along with concentrate mixture @ 100 g in the morning and 100 g in the afternoon daily. The experiment was followed by a 7 days of digestibility trial. The average daily milk yield for T1, T2 and T3 group was 5.94±0.09, 8.26±0.12 and 9.58±0.20 kg, respectively and for Holstein-Friesian crossbred and Sahiwal cow, it was 8.57±0.23 and 7.37±0.13 kg, respectively. The average daily milk yield was significantly (p<0.01) higher in T2 and T3 group than the T1 group. The average fat, protein, SNF, lactose, ash, specific gravity and freezing point depression of milk in T1, T2 and T3 group was 3.07±0.11, 3.62±0.13 and 4.31±0.20; 3.46±0.02, 3.53±0.02 and 3.59±0.02; 9.26±0.04, 9.34±0.04 and 9.34±0.04; 5.38±0.03, 5.41±0.03 and 5.48±0.02; 0.75±0.01, 0.78±0.01 and 0.79±0.00; 1.0348±0.0001, 1.0349±0.0002 and 1.0352±0.00 and - 0.63, - 0.64 and - 0.63 percent, respectively and for Holstein-Friesian crossbred and Sahiwal cow, it was 3.74±0.11 and 3.58±0.14; 3.53±0.02 and 3.53±0.0; 8.06±0.19 and 9.3±0.03; 5.42±0.02 and 5.42±0.02; 0.77±0.00 and 0.76±0.00; 1.0348±0.001 and 1.0351±0.0001 and - 0.63and - 0.64 percent, respectively. The analysis of variance showed that there was highly significant (p<0.01) effect of treatment on the average fat, protein, ash and non-significant (p>0.05) effect on SNF, lactose, specific gravity and freezing point depression. The average fat, protein and ash content (%) was significantly (p<0.01) increased in T2 and T3 groups. The average daily dry matter intake (DMI), dry matter intake per 100 kg body weight and feed conversion efficiency (FCE) for T1, T2 and T3 groups was 11.93±0.21, 14.66±0.19 and 15.42±0.22 kg; 2.43±0.03, 2.98±0.02 and 3.10±0.03 percent and 0.50±0.01,0.51±0.01 and 0.51±0.01, respectively. The average daily DMI, DMI per 100 kg body weight and FCE of Holstein-Friesian crossbred and Sahiwal cow was 15.40±0.19 and 12.61±0.16 kg; 2.76±0.03 and 2.91±0.03 percent and 0.51±0.00 and 0.49±0.01, respectively. There was (p<0.01) significant increase in DMI in T2 and T3 groups compared to T1 group. The overall average Temperature Humidity Index (THI) was 78.01±0.65, 74.89±0.39, 76.26±0.39, 76.26±0.39, 80.7±0.61, 85.04±0.64, 82.80±0.53 and 79.17±0.22 for 1st fort night (FN), 2nd FN, 3rd FN, 4th FN, 5th FN, 6th FN, 7th FN and 8th FN, respectively. The average THI value for ILF(C) was 78.14±0.97, 74.99±0.56, 76.26±0.56, 77.69±0.70, 80.90±0.93, 85.25±0.96, 82.93±0.77 and 79.52±0.28 and For Sahiwal cattle farm, it was 77.87±0.90, 74.79±0.56, 76.26±0.56, 76.26±0.56, 80.5±0.81, 84.83±0.88, 82.66±0.74 and 78.82±0.33 during 1st FN, 2nd FN, 3rd FN, 4th FN, 5th FN, 6th ii FN, 7th FN and 8th FN. There was significantly (p<0.05) highest THI was found during 6th FN. The average respiration rate, pulse rate, rectal temperature and rumination time in T1, T2 and T3 groups was 26.84±0.54, 26.22±0.39 and 26.22±0.39 per min; 80.33±2.02, 67.52±1.31, 65.17±1.30 per min; 102.1±0.17, 101.4±0.10 and 100.69±0.08 ºF and 405.7±3.30, 425.59±4.45 and 438.88±4.45 min/day, respectively and for Holstein-Friesian crossbred and Sahiwal cows, it was 27.00±0.31 and 25.85±0.41per min; 74.44±1.45 and 68.11±1.41per min; 101.38±0.11 and 101.48±0.12 ºF and 422.92±3.33 and 423.85±3.21 min/day, respectively. There was highly significant (p<0.01) decrease in pulse rate, rectal temperature and increase in rumination time in T2 and T3 groups than the T1 group. But respiration rate was not affected by treatment in the present study. The average blood albumin, globulin and A: G ratio in T1, T2 and T3 groups was 5.28±0.21, 7.36±0.27 and 8.47±0.48 g/dl; 5.36±0.21, 6.91±0.32 and 7.97b±0.33g/dl and 1.01 ±0.03, 1.19±0.07 and 1.09±0.05, respectively and for Holstein-Friesian crossbred and Sahiwal, it was 6.56±0.29 and 7.51±0.32 g/dl, 6.35±0.25 and 7.13±0.26 g/dl and 1.12±0.04 and 1.07±0.04, respectively. There was highly significant (p<0.01) increase in blood albumin and globulin content in T2 and T3 group compared to T1 group in the present study. The average superoxide dismutase (SOD) level of plasma for T1, T2 and T3 groups was 8.06±0.10, 7.48±0.13 and 7.27±0.22 unit/mg of protein, respectively and for Holstein-Friesian crossbred and Sahiwal, it was was 7.69±0.15 and 7.52±0.11 unit/mg of protein, respectively. In the present study, it was found that there was significant (p<0.05) reduction in superoxide dismutase level of blood in T2 and T3 group compared to T1 group. The overall mean digestibility coefficient of DM, OM, CP, EE, CF and NFE in T1, T2 and T3 group was 67.05±0.15, 68.26±0.16 and 68.48±0.15; 68.46±0.17, 65.11±0.24 and 68.88±0.15; 64.89±0.24, 65.11±0.24 and 64.70±0.28; 53.69±1.19, 53.57±0.76 and 56.61±0.39; 59.67±0.20, 59.94±0.24 and 60.04±0.21 and 73.74±0.25, 74.74±0.25 and 76.71±0.15 percent, respectively and for Holstein-Friesian crossbred and Sahiwal cows, it was 68.10±0.14 and 67.76±0.17; 68.61±0.12 and 68.47±0.14; 65.01±0.13 and 64.79±0.26; 56.27±0.39 and 52.98±0.87; 60.10±0.18 and 59.67±0.17 and 75.02±0.25 and 75.11±0.27 percent, respectively. The analysis of variance showed non-significant (p>0.05) effect of treatment, breed and fortnight on digestibility coefficient of DM, OM, CP, CF and NFE. But in case of EE, there was highly significant (p<0.01) effect of treatment and breed on digestibility coefficient of EE. There was highly significant (p<0.01) effect of treatment and breed on the average daily cost of feeding and cost of feeding per kg milk yield. The mean cost of feeding and cost of feeding per kg milk yield for T1, T2 and T3 group was Rs. 212.27±3.70, 262.37±2.82 and 302.25±3.31 and Rs. 36.13±0.78, 31.43±0.27 and 32.17±0.58, respectively. Though the total cost of feeding for T3 group was found to be significantly (p<0.01) higher due to feeding of bypass fat, but cost of feeding per kg milk yield was significantly (p<0.01) lower in T2 and T3 group compared to T1 because of higher milk production. In respect of breed, the daily cost of feeding and cost of feeding per kg milk yield in HF crossbred was significantly higher than pure Sahiwal cows. The present experiment validated that heat stress can be ameliorated significantly by body cooling and feeding bypass fat during summer season for improvement of milk production and maximize the income from rearing of dairy cattle.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of wet and boiled diets feeding on growth and carcass characteristics in crossbred hampshire pigs(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara Campus, 2023) Kakati, Lakshya Jyoti; Bora, J RA total of 36 (thirty six) weaned Hampshire crossbred pigs were selected randomly from the littermates of 6-8 piglets maintained at the “Ruhini Deka Pig Farm” complex. The pigs (56 days old) were randomly divided into three treatment groups depending upon nearness of body weight in such a manner that each group consisted of twelve piglets with equal number of males and females. The animals were allotted to 3 experimental groups viz., control (reared on standard conventional feed), T1 (reared on standard conventional wet feed @ the ratio of 1:1.5) and T2 (reared on standard conventional boiled /cooked feed). Weaned piglets were housed individually under conventional housing system up to the market age (32 weeks). The space allowance per pig was provided 10 x 9 ft. (approx.). The standard conventional feed both grower and finisher feed were prepared as per ICAR (2013) recommendation. Feed was offered in the morning and evening. Clean and wholesome water was provided round the clock throughout the experiment. At the end of the experiment, 3 animals per treatment (the lightest, heaviest and the middle by weight) were selected for slaughter by humane method. Boiled diet could significantly (p<0.05) influence body weight, total and average daily feed intake of crossbred Hampshire pigs. However, average daily gain was not found to be significant during the experimental period yet the findings clearly shows numerical superiority in regards to body weight, average daily gain, total and average daily feed intake. FCE was found to be the best in boiled fed (T2) group showing better efficiency over control and wet fed (T1) group. Moisture (P<0.01) was affected by soaking and boiling of feed, while crude protein, crude fibre, ether extract, total ash and showed no significant difference. Boiling of feed (grower-finisher) showed significant change (p<0.01) in the phosphorus content of the experimental ration. The pre-slaughter weight, hot carcass weight and dressing percentage, carcass measures viz., Carcass length, backfat thickness and loin eye area was not affected. Wholesale cuts (ham, bacon, loin, boston butt and picnic) did not show any significant difference (p>0.05) among the groups. Likewise there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in regards to weight of the edible and inedible offals among the treatment groups. In relation to physico-chemical properties, water holding capacity and ultimate pH at 6 hours of L. dorsi showed no significant (P>0.05) difference among the groups. On sensory evaluation of pork, flavour and juiciness revealed significant difference among the groups while colour, texture and overall acceptability of pork showed no difference among the experimental groups. However, the present findings showed numerical superiority among the groups in regards to sensory parameters. The cost feeding per kg weight gain was found to better at the end of the feeding trial slightly in the boiled fed (T2) group followed by we fed (T1) and control group. Therefore, it may be concluded that feeding of boiled feed may be suggested for improved productive performance, feed conversion efficiency, superior carcass and pork quality characteristics and better cost of production.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of polyherbal feed supplementation on performances of Assam Hill goat(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara Campus, 2023) Dutta, Chinmoy; Bordoloi, Jyoti PrasadThe experiment was conducted for a period of nine months and a digestion trial thereafter to study the effect of feeding a polyherbal feed supplement constituted of Shatavari, Fenugreek and Ajwain mixed in 1:1:1 ratio on different performances of Assam Hill goat. Thirty six healthy weaned kids (eighteen male and eighteen female) of similar age and bodyweight were allocated to three experimental groups, control (C0), treatment-1 (T1) and treatment-2 (T2) with twelve animals in each group(six male and six female). Kids of all the three groups were fed with a standard basal diet consisted of concentrate and green fodder with supplementation of the polyherbal feed supplement@1gm and 2 gm per kg body weight daily in the treatment-1 (T1) and treatment-2 (T2) groups respectively. The average body weight at 19th fortnight i.e., at 12months of age were 13.84± 0.032, 14.47±0.021 and 16.24±0.040 kg control and the two treatment groups(T1 and T2) respectively. The overall body weight (kg) of two treatment groups were significantly higher (P<0.01) than that of control group. In respect of sex, the male animals attained higher bodyweight than that of female animals at all the stages of experiment. The average fortnightly body weight gain during the experimental were 0.476 ± 0.006, 0.510 ± 0.005 and 0.603 ± 0.006 kg for control and the two treatment groups respectively and revealed significant (p<0.01) difference from the fourth fortnight and showing significant differences between the treatment groups, between the fortnights and between both the sexes. The male goats gained more overall body weight i.e., 0.556 ± 0.005kg over the female goats i.e., 0.503 ± 0.007 kg throughout the experiment. The initial mean values of fortnightly measurement (cm) of body conformation (body length, height at wither, chest girth, neck girth, tail length, length of head, breadth of head, horn length and ear length) of Assam Hill kids in control (C0), treatment-1 (T1) and treatment-2 (T2) groups were similar and non-significant .However, at the end of experiment, significant differences (p<0.01) among control and two treatment groups were observed for body length, height at wither and chest girth. Other measurements, neck girth, tail length, length of head, breadth of head, horn length and ear length were apparently higher in the treatment groups. Sex wise, the male goats had better body conformation than female animals. The overall mean values of respiration rate in Assam Hill goats were 19.68 ± 0.473, 19.56 ± 0.279 and 19.68 ± 0.229 breaths/min in control (T0), treatment-1 (T1) and treatment-2 (T2) respectively The average mean values of pulse rate of Assam hill goat fed with polyherbal supplementation during the studies were 78.56 ± 0.750, 78.50 ± 1.047 and 78.40 ± 0.786 beats/min for control and the two treatment groups respectively. The overall mean values of rectal temperature of the goats were 102.38 ± 0.161, 102.4 ± 0.176 and 102.32 ± 0.170 ºF for control and treatment groups respectively. There were no significant (P>0.01) differences in pulse rate, respiration rate and temperature among the three groups and sex wise between male and female animals. The average values of BCS of the male goats at puberty were 2.70 ± 0.032, 2.94± 0.054 and 3.05 ± 0.074 as well as at maturity were 2.72 ± 0.028, 3.01± 0.076 and 3.15± 0.059 in control (C0), treatment-1 (T1) and treatment-2 (T2) respectively. In respect of female goat, the overall mean values of BCS puberty were 2.66± 0.029, 2.86± 0.037and 2.91± 0.050 and at maturity the BCS were 2.68 ± 0.029, 2.9 ± 0.047 and 2.94 ± 0.056 for animals in Co, T1 and T2 respectively. The results showed significant (P<0.01) difference in BCS at puberty and maturity both in male and female among the ii three experimental groups. Again, the BCS were found better at maturity than that of puberty in both male and female goats. The average haemoglobin were 7.36 ± 0.05, 7.44 ± 0.057 and 7.52 ± 0.051 g/dl in control and two treatment groups respectively as well as 7.56 ± 0.053 and 7.37 ± 0.052 g/dl.in male and female respectively. All the values were within the normal ranges and showed no significance differences (P>0.01) among the treatment groups and the sexes. The average blood glucose concentration in different groups during different quaternary varied from 69.94 ± 0.864 to 73.73 ± 0.430, 69.86 ± 0.884 to 74.67 ± 0.667 and 69.38 ± 0.824 to 74.63 ± 0.597 mg/dl with overall values as 71.78 ± 0.623, 72.27 ± 0.926 and 72.01 ± 0.649 mg/dl in control, treatment-1 (T1) and treatment-2 (T2) groups respectively. Results showed no significant difference (P>0.01) between control and treatment groups. The mean total plasma protein was found to be 7.37 ± 0.049, 7.46 ± 0.052 and 7.52 ± 0.038 gm/dl of blood for control, treatment-1 (T1) and treatment-2 (T2) groups, respectively. Sex wise , the overall mean total blood plasma protein for male and female were 7.51 ± 0.062 and 7.39 ± 0.047 gm/dl found no significant differences(P>0.01) among the treatment groups and sexes on overall as well as at any stage of the experiment till the end. However, the respective values improved within the normal range. The average growth hormone (ng/ml) levels of the experimental goats were 2.94 ± 0.097, 3.02 ± 0.010 and 3.07 ± 0.012 in control, treatment-1 (T1) and treatment-2 (T2) groups respectively. Similarly, the overall mean growth hormone (ng/ml) concentration in male and female were 2.99 ± 0.068 and 2.97 ± 0.011 ng/ml. The level of growth hormone (ng/ml) increased among the treatment groups and the sexes numerically but was not significant statistically. The mean estrogen level (pg/ml) at 1st estrous were found to be 14.235± 0.015, 15.288± 0.018 and 15.548± 0.012 for control, treatment-1 (T1) and treatment-2 (T2) groups respectively. Similarly at 5th estrous when the goats attained 60% to 70% of their adult body weight, the mean estrogen level (pg/ml) were found to be 22.667± 0.012, 22.867± 0.016 and 23.242±0.013 for control and two treatment groups respectively. Results revealed significant differences (P<0.01) among the treatment groups during each estrous till 5th estrous. The mean blood testosterone hormone level (ng/ml) at 11th month were found to be 2.710± 0.176, 3.008± 0.136 and 3.107± 0.179 and at 12th month 2.777± 0.175, 3.222± 0.108 and 3.425± 0.187 for control and treatment groups respectively. The testosterone level was significantly higher (P<0.01) in among the treatment-1 (T1) and treatment-2 (T2) groups. The mean average age (days) at first heat were 199.833 ± 3.842, 183.333 ± 2.985 and 183.167 ± 4.110 for Assam Hill goats in control, treatment-1 (T1) and treatment-2 (T2) groups respectively. The corresponding age at fifth heat were 283.845 ± 3.842, 267.287 ± 2.982 and 267.062 ± 4.179 respectively. The duration (hr) of first heat were 26.087 ± 0.582, 28.562 ± 0.970 and 28.627 ± 1.219 as well as for fifth heat duration (hr) were 26.955 ± 0.436, 32.317 ± 1.318 and 34.197 ± 1.010 for goats in control and the two treatment groups respectively. The age at first heat were significantly earlier iii (P<0.01) in treatment groups compared to control group. The duration of heat revealed marked variations and was significantly high (P>0.01) in fifth heat. Routine examination of semen samples revealed the mean values of volume, colour, mass activity, individual motility, normal sperm, live sperm and dead sperm (%) at 11th month and 12th month which showed significant differences (P<0.01) among the control and the two treatment groups. The semen volume (0.627 ± 0.008 ml) and percentage of live sperm (85.355 ± 0.895%) were highest in T2 group at 12th month of age. The overall semen qualities were found better in treatment groups. The buck of the treatment groups could had been used for mating or even for collection of semen from 11th month onwards instead of 12th months as level of testosterone hormone (ng/ml) and over all semen quality were well within the optimum range and body condition score was found suitable. The average digestibility of the different organic nutrients in Co, T1 and T2, respectively were as : DM (%), 59.526 ± 0.051, 61.069 ± 0.058 and 61.512 ± 0.058; CP (%), 72.027 ± 0.044 , 74.451 ± 0.032 and 75.015 ± 0.042; EE (%), 67.727 ± 0.012 , 68.155 ± 0.020 and 68.364 ± 0.033 ; CF (%), 54.348 ± 0.054, 58.474 ± 0.033 and 59.201 ± 0.017; NFE (%), 67.026 ± 0.039 , 67.507 ± 0.021 and 67.785 ± 0.035 ; OM (%), 64.793 ± 0.041 , 65.977 ± 0.050 and 66.416 ± 0.051 . Digestibility remained higher in both the treatment groups than control and improved significantly (P<0.01). The average cost of concentrate mixture alone and with addition of the polyherbal supplement @ 1gm and 2gm per kg body weight were (Rs.) 1056.13 in control group, 1532.84 in the T1 and 2168.64 in the T2 group. The higher feed costs in treatment groups were found due to the higher price of the polyherbal supplement costing Rs. 170/Kg. However, the mean body weight gain (kg) was 9.38, 9.63 and 10.54 in Co, T1 and T2, respectively. The findings of the experiment, though cost of feeding is slightly higher in the supplemented groups, those goats indicated better growth and reproduction performances was expected to perform superior yielding higher lifetime return.ThesisItem Open Access Effects of housing management on dairy cow productivity(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara Campus, 2022) Deka, Raj Jyoti; Baruah, Dilip KumarThe experiment was carried out from January to December, 2021 on different types of housing systems adopted for dairy farming viz. i) Institutional Housing (IH) adopted at institutional level following all the scientific approaches at Instructional Livestock Farm (Cattle) under the Department of Livestock Production and Management, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati-22 and ii) Traditional Housing (TH) adopted by progressive dairy farmers of Amerigog area in Kamrup (M) District of Assam. The experiment was carried out with a total of 36 (Thirty Six) lactating dairy animals (crossbred cows) keeping 18 numbers of animals each under IH (Institutional Housing) and TH (Traditional Housing) management systems. Furthermore, each group was sub-divided into three groups viz. T0, T1 and T2 with 6 (Six) animals in each treatment group. The 6 (Six) animals per group was selected on the basis of apparently similar in parity, physiological status and preceding lactation yield. Two different treatments were applied in two different IH and TH management system with one group as control in each housing management system i.e. IH and TH. The T0 was considered as the control without treatment and was managed under existing (regular) management system. The T1 was supplemented with dry yeast powder (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) with the recommended dose @3.0 gm per cow as probiotics over regular management system and the T2 was supplemented with dry yeast powder (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) with the recommended dose @3.0 gm per cow as probiotics over regular management system and modification of the micro climate for more air circulation by fixing dairy fan (side fan). The highest maximum temperature (33.83±0.28 0C) was recorded in the month of August and the lowest minimum temperature (12.66±0.37 0C) was recorded in the month of January during the year in both G1 & G2. The mean monthly lowest outdoor temperature (O Temp.) was recorded as 18.10 ± 0.22 0C and 18.16±0.22 0C in the morning and 22.06±0.38 0C and 22.14±0.38 0C in the afternoon during the month of January in G1 and G2 respectively. The highest outdoor temperatures were 31.17±0.43 0C and 31.28±0.43 0C in the morning and 32.38±0.62 0C and 32.33±0.59 0C in the afternoon during the month of September in the G1 and G2 respectively. The mean monthly highest wind speed (Km/hr.) were 3.07±0.62 both in G1 and G2 in the month of April and 2.58±0.68 and 2.47±0.69 in G1 and G2 in the month of March in morning and afternoon respectively. The lowest mean wind speed (Km/hr.) were 0.21±0.21 both in G1 and G2 in the month of February and 0.13±0.09 and 0.17±0.07 in G1 and G2 in morning and afternoon respectively. The lowest mean monthly wet bulb temperatures (WB Temp.) in the morning were 15.17±0.21 and 15.23±0.23 0C in the month of January both in G1 and G2 respectively. However highest mean monthly morning WB Temp. were recorded as 26.89±0.16 0C in the month of August in G1 and 26.75±0.23 0C in the month of September in G2. The mean relative humidity (RH) in percentage were 87.26±1.00 as highest in the month of January and 69.63±1.78 as lowest in the month of April in G1 and 88.90±0.93 as highest in the month of January and 63.27±0.82 as lowest in the month of November in the morning in G2. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that there is highly significant (P<0.01) difference in DB Temp., RH and THI among the two different housing management viz. institutional housing (G1) and traditional housing (G2). Whereas, there were no significant differences in O Temp., WB Temp. and WS among G1 and G2. But there were highly significant (P<0.01) differences between the months in O Temp., WB Temp., WS, DB Temp., RH and THI. The overall mean body surface temperature (ST) comprising of all the four seasons were 36.44±0.06 & 36.44±0.06 0C in T0, 36.41± 0.10 & 36.41± 0.10 0C in T1 and 36.32±0.08 & 36.32±0.08 0C in T2 in the morning and afternoon respectively in G1. The overall mean rectal temperature (RT) comprising of all the four seasons were 38.18±0.14 & 38.18±0.14 0C in T0, 37.96± 0.27 & 37.96± 0.27 0C in T1 and 37.72±0.18 & 37.72±0.18 0C in T2 in the morning and afternoon respectively in G1. Whereas, the ST were recorded as 38.29±0.13 & 38.51±0.10 in T0, 38.09±0.21 & 38.32±0.15 in T1 and 37.85±0.23 & 37.94±0.24 in T2 in the morning and afternoon respectively in the G2. The overall mean respiration rate (RR) comprising of all the four seasons were 23.97±0.26 & 23.97±0.2614 0C in T0, 23.80± 0.21 & 23.80± 0.21 0C in T1 and 23.64±0.15 & 23.64±0.15 0C in T2 in the morning and afternoon respectively in G1. Whereas the RR were recorded as 25.13±0.34 & 25.67±0.61 in T0, 24.52±0.30 & 24.65±0.34 in T1 and 23.99±0.18 & 24.20±0.20 in T2 in the morning and afternoon respectively in the G2. The overall mean pulse rate (PR) comprising of all the four seasons were 57.42±0.22 & 57.42±0.22 0C in T0, 57.08± 0.21 & 57.08± 0.21 0C in T1 and 56.97±0.13 & 56.97±0.13 0C in T2 in the morning and afternoon respectively in G1. Whereas the PR were recorded as 57.99±0.24 & 58.16±0.25 in T0, 57.64±0.24 & 57.85±0.31 in T1 and 57.39±0.22 & 57.64±0.21 in T2 in the morning and afternoon respectively in te G2. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that there are significant differences (P<0.01) between the G1 and G2 in respect of surface temperature, rectal temperature, respiration rate and pulse rate. There were non-significant differences (P>0.05) between morning and afternoon in respect of ST, RT, RR and PR. However, there were highly significant differences (P<0.01) were recorded between the seasons in respect to ST, RT, RR and PR. Highest ST were observed in S1 (36.57±0.04 0C) followed by S3, S2 and S1. The total leukocyte count (TLC) were recorded in percentage (%) as 22.57±1.67, 18.30±1.51 and 15.75±1.38, 15.13±0.87, 13.55±1.40 and 12.79±0.89, 23.66±0.96, 21.46±0.94 and 15.44±1.42, 24.02±1.42, 25.76±3.10 and 17.47±0.80 in treatment groups T0, T1 and T2 and during the seasons viz. S1, S2, S3 and S4 respectively in institutional housing (IH). Whereas, the TLC were 19.73±3.19, 19.35±3.12 and 18.36; 18.14±3.11, 15.00±1.68 and 13.93±2.87; 21.61±3.53, 18.36±2,29 and 20.08±2.00; 24.81±3.44, 20.13±2.52 and 19.90±1.29 in treatment groups T0, T1 and T2 and during the seasons viz. S1, S2, S3 and S4 respectively in traditional housing (TH). The analysis of variance revealed that there are non-significant differences in TLC and DLC irrespective of housing management i.e. IH and TH. However, highly significant differences (P<0.01) were observed in TLC, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count and monocyte count among the seasons irrespective of IH and TH. But no significant differences were recorded among the treatment group. The overall mean RBC in percentage in T0, T1 and T2 were 5.51±0.38, 6.06±0.36 and 5.94±0.43 in IH and 5.06±0.26, 4.89±0.27 and 4.98±0.29 in TH. The overall mean PCV in percentage in T0, T1 and T2 were 24.72±1.39, 26.63±1.41 and 27.16±1.45 in IH and 24.85±1.65, 24.49±1.53 and 24.50±1.56 in TH. The overall mean Hb in percentage in T0, T1 and T2 were 9.55±0.36, 10.19±0.42 and 10.23±0.42 in IH and 9.98±0.57, 9.57±0.44 and 9.71±0.39 in TH. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that there are significant differences (P<0.01) between IH and TH in regards to RBC and PCV, whereas no significant difference was observed between IH and TH in terms of Hb content of blood. But, highly significant (P<0.01) differences were observed between the seasons in RBC, PCV as well as Hb concentration. Moreover, non significant differences were also observed among the treatment groups in terms of RBC, PCV and Hb content of blood. The overall mean cortisol level (nmol/L) in T0, T1 and T2 were 34.60±5.73, 28.56±6.58 and 21.11±3.32 in IH and 31.74±4.28, 27.60±6.12 and 21.90±2.67 in TH. The overall mean T3 level (nmol/L) in T0, T1 and T2 were 1.51±0.07, 1.41±0.07 and 1.29±0.05 in IH and 1.49±0.11, 1.43±0.09 and 1.29±0.05 in TH. The overall mean T4 level (nmol/L) in T0, T1 and T2 were 42.69±7.92, 37.20±7.57 and 34.88±6.99 in IH and 45.48±7.26, 38.77±6.94 and 34.47±5.79 in TH. The analysis of variance revealed that there were non-significant (P>0.05) between the IH (G1) and TH (G2) in terms of the hormonal parameters viz. Cortisol, T3 and T4. But highly significant (P<0.01) differences have been observed among the seasons in terms of Cortisol and T4. The level of T3 is not significant (P>0.05) between interaction of the seasons. Moreover, highly significant (P<0.01) levels of Cortisol and T3 were recorded among the treatment groups viz. T0, T1 and T2, where, T4 level was significant (P<0.05) among the treatment groups. The mean daily milk yield (Lt.) were recorded as 6.66± 0.97, 6.61± 0.77 and 8.84± 1.13 in IH (G1) and 8.99± 1.08, 9.08± 1.00 and 9.98± 0.66 in TH (G2) in the treatment groups viz. T1, T2, T3 respectively. The analysis of variance indicated that there were highly significant (P<0.01) differences in average daily milk yield between G1 (IH) and G2 (TH), where, average daily milk yield highest (9.35±0.29) in G2 (TH). Highly significant differences (P<0.01) were also observed among the treatment group viz. T0, T1 and T2. Highest (9.40±0.36) mean daily milk was observed in T2. The mean daily milk per month were also highly significant (P<0.01). The mean fat percentage (%) in the collected milk samples were recorded as 4.62±0.15, 4.92±0.03 and 5.02±0.07 in IH and 4.58±0.14, 4.96±0.06 and 5.11±0.12 in TH in the treatment groups viz. T0, T1 and T2 respectively. The mean solids not fat (SNF) percentage (%) were recorded as 8.73±0.03, 8.80±0.04 and 8.81±0.03 in IH and 8.77±0.03, 8.83±0.03 and 8.84±0.02 in TH in the treatment groups i.e. T0, T1 and T2 respectively. The mean total solids (TS) percentage (%) were recorded as 13.34±0.19, 13.49±0.17 and 13.46±0.18 in IH and 13.32±0.20, 13.53±0.17 and 13.48±0.18 in TH in the treatment groups i.e. T0, T1 and T2 respectively. The mean protein percentage (%) in the collected milk samples were recorded as 3.44±0.02, 3.48±0.02 and 3.69±0.16 in IH and 3.47±0.02, 3.50±0.01 and 3.75±0.18 in TH in the treatment groups viz. T0, T1 and T2 respectively. The mean lactose percentage (%) in the collected milk samples were recorded as 4.45±0.01, 4.44±0.00 and 4.45±0.02 in IH and 4.46±0.02, 4.45±0.01 and 4.49±0.03 in TH in the treatment groups viz. T0, T1 and T2 respectively. The mean ash percentage (%) in the collected milk samples were recorded as 0.78±0.00, 0.79±0.00 and 0.79±0.00 in IH and 0.78±0.00, 0.79±0.00 and 0.79±0.00 in TH in the treatment groups viz. T0, T1 and T2 respectively. The mean laying and standing time (hrs.) were 16.78± 0.10 and 3.24± 0.09, 16.91± 0.09 and 3.09± 0.09 and 17.19± 0.08 and 2.81± 0.08 in T0, T1 and T2 respectively in IH during the S1; 16.70± 0.12 and 3.33± 0.10, 16.83± 0.09 and 3.17± 0.09 and 17.12± 0.09 and 3.02± 0.15 in T0, T1 and T2 respectively in IH during the S2; 15.95± 0.23 and 4.05± 0.23, 16.05± 0.18 and 3.95± 0.18 and 16.71± 0.14 and 3.42± 0.25 in T0, T1 and T2 respectively in IH during the S3 and 16.13± 0.18 and 4.37± 0.49, 16.20± 0.19 and 3.80± 0.19 and 16.63± 0.17 and 3.37± 0.17 in T0, T1 and T2 respectively in IH during the S4. Furthermore, the mean laying and standing time (hrs.) in TH were 16.82± 0.11and 3.17± 0.07, 17.00± 0.12 and 3.00± 0.12 and 17.28± 0.11 and 2.72± 0.11 in T0, T1 and T2 respectively during the S1; 16.64± 0.13 and 3.39± 0.11, 16.67± 0.16 and 3.33± 0.16 and 17.04± 0.10 and 3.09± 0.14 in T0, T1 and T2 respectively during the S2; 16.05±0.22 and 3.95±0.22, 16.05±0.18 and 3.95±0.18 and 16.73±0.14 and 3.41± 0.25 in T0, T1 and T2 respectively during the S3 and 16.24± 0.13 and 3.76± 0.13, 16.26± 0.15 and 3.74± 0.15 and 16.70± 0.13 and 3.44± 0.23 in T0, T1 and T2 respectively during the S4. The mean Barn Used Pattern (BUP) in terms of Cow Comfort Index (CCI) and Stall Standing Index (SSI) have been recorded as 81.95 & 18.74 and 82.19 & 17.84 in T0; 82.49 & 17.51 and 82.48 & 17.53 in T1 and 84.56 & 15.78 and 84.69 & 15.83 in T2 in two different housing system i.e. IH (G1) and TH (G2) respectively. The analysis of variance revealed that there were no significant (P>0.05) differences in the barn used pattern of cows between the housing system, seasons and treatment groups viz. T0, T1 and T2. But there were highly significant differences (P<0.01) in CCI and SSI (laying and standing position).ThesisItem Open Access Performance of crossbred hampshire pig fed on poultry by-products(2022) Roy, Nanda Kumar; Mili, Dulal ChandraAn experiment was conducted to study the effects of the inclusion of poultry by-product meal in the ration of pig replacing the fish meal at different levels viz. 50% and 100% on the growth performance, feed conversion efficiency, haemato-biochemical profile, carcass characteristics and meat quality, and cost of feeding in Crossbred Hampshire pigs. A total of Eighteen (18) weaned Crossbred Hampshire pigs (9 castrated male and 9 female) with an average age of 8 weeks and average body weight of 11.11±0.02 kg were selected from an institutional pig farm (30-Sow Teaching Unit) under the Department of Livestock Production and Management, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati-22. The trial was conducted for 150 days, from 15th October 2021 to 14th March 2022. The piglets were divided into three treatment groups depending upon the nearness of body weight and age in such a manner that each treatment will consist of six pigs(3 male and 3 female in each group) viz. groups C, T1, and T2. The animals under T1 group were provided with Standard conventional feed with 2.5% inclusion of poultry by-product meal replacing 50% of fish meal. However, the animals of T2 group were provided with Standard conventional feed with 5% inclusion of poultry by-product meal replacing 100% fish meal. The control group was provided with standard conventional feed without the inclusion of poultry by-products. The experimental rations were prepared as per BIS-2005. The average initial body weights (kg) of weaned piglets of all experimental groups were not significant (P≥0.01) different among the groups which ranged from 11.08±0.28 kg to 11.13±0.11 kg. The average final body weights (kg) of pigs in different groups in the finisher stage were 69.86±0.63, 71.02±0.49, and 72.08±0.38 for C, T1, and T2 groups respectively at the end of the 10th fortnight of the experimental period. The overall average daily gains (kg) during the experimental period were 0.390±0.01, 0.398±0.01, and 0.405±0.01 for C, T1, and T2 groups respectively. The overall body weight gains (kg) during the experimental period were 58.73±0.62, 59.90±0.45, and 60.99±0.4 for C, T1, and T2 groups respectively. Statistical analysis revealed that there were non-significant differences in the final body weight (kg), ADG (kg) and overall body weight gain (kg) of pigs in different treatments and control groups during the experiment. The overall Average daily feed intake (DM basis) during the experimental period was 1.392 ± 0.01 kg, 1.382 ± 0.01 kg, and 1.353 ± 0.01 kg for C, T1, and T2 groups respectively. The overall average feed intakes (fresh basis) during the experimental period were 232.044±1.38 kg, 230.351±2.23kg, and 225.523±2.64 kg for C, T1, and T2 groups respectively. Statistical analysis revealed non-significant differences in the overall daily feed intake and total feed intake (DM basis) of pigs among the different treatment and control groups under the experiment. The overall Average feed conversion efficiency (fresh basis) during the experimental period was 3.92±0.21, 3.78±0.18, and 3.66±0.13 for C, T1, and T2 groups respectively where non-significant differences existed between different treatment and control groups under the experiment. The average daily changes in body length in the C, T1 and T2 groups were 0.37 ± 0.02, 0.37 ± 0.01, and 0.38 ± 0.03 respectively. The average daily changes in height at withers in the C, T1, and T2 groups were 0.27 ± 0.00, 0.27 ± 0.00, and 0.28 ± 0.00 respectively. The average daily changes in Heart girth in the C, T1 and T2 groups were 0.37 ± 0.01, 0.37 ± 0.01, and 0.38 ± 0.02 respectively. Analysis of variance revealed that there is no significant differences existed between the different treatment and control groups. Higher body length, height at withers, and Heart girth were observed in the T2 group followed by T1 and C groups. The coefficient of correlation of linear body measurements with the body weight of crossbred Hampshire pigs was found to be positively correlated. Non-significant differences in Hb, WBC, RBC, and HCT levels were recorded during different periods between different treatment and control groups that indicate the poultry by-product inclusion did not influence the hematological profile in Crossbred Hampshire pigs. In the Blood biochemical parameters, the concentration of Serum globulin, glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, Ca, and P levels were found within the normal physiological range in all experimental groups. There was a significant difference in respect of serum total protein and albumin at the mod of the experiment. The Live weight (kg), Slaughter weight (kg), Hot Carcass weight (kg), chilled Carcass weight (kg), Hot dressing percentage (%), chilled dressing percentage (%), Carcass length (cm), Back fat thickness (cm), and Loin eye area (cm2) showed non-significant difference among different groups. Wholesale cuts (ham, bacon, loin, picnic, Boston butt, and jowl) showed non-significant differences among the groups. The edible and inedible offal also did not differ significantly (P>0.01). The proximate composition of L. dorsi muscle revealed non-significant differences in moisture, CP, EE, and total ash content among the groups. In relation to Physico-chemical properties, WHC (cm2) and pH values of L. dorsi muscle of crossbred Hampshire pigs revealed non-significant (P>0.05) differences among the different treatment and control groups. On the sensory evaluation of pork, colour, flavor, juiciness, texture, and overall acceptability of pork showed no difference among the experimental groups. Texture profile and colour profile also revealed no significant difference between different treatments and Control group. During the grower stage, feed cost (Rs.) per kg gain was 96.29 for the C group, 93.59 for T1, and 87.92 for the T2 group, while during the finisher stage the feed cost (Rs.) per kg gain was 138.17, 132.80 and 129.29 in for C, T1 and T2 respectively. The highest profit (in terms of feed cost/kg gain) was observed in the T2 group followed by T1 and in comparison to the Control group. Thus it can be concluded that the inclusion of poultry by-products up to 5% level in the pig ration replacing fish meal may be recommended in terms of growth and economic production without any adverse effect on general performance.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.
