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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 Effect of dietary supplementation of curry leaves (Murraya koenigii) powder on the performance and histology of certain lymphoid organs of commercial broiler chicken(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara Campus, 2022-09) Deori, Sukanya; Mahanta, Joga DevThe present research work was performed to study the “Effect of dietary supplementation of curry leaves (Murraya koenigii) powder on the performance and histology of certain lymphoid organs of commercial broiler chicken”. The study was carried out with 144 numbers of day-old commercial broiler chicks (Cobb-400) obtained from a single hatch with uniform body weight. The weighing and wing banding of the chicks were done individually. The broiler chicks were reared in four different experimental groups viz. T0, T1, T2 and T3 having 36 birds in each group with 3 replicates of 12 birds in each group. The chicks were reared under deep litter system of rearing following standard and uniform managemental practices. The chicks under T0 (control) group was supplemented with only basal diet, whereas the chicks under T1, T2 and T3 groups were supplemented with dried Curry Leaves Powder (CLP) at the level of 0.25, 0.50 and 0.75% in the basal diet, respectively. For the preparation of dried CLP, fresh, and matured curry leaves were collected from the local villages. Then the curry leaves were sun dried for 6 to 7 days on newspaper, until they become crispy while retaining the greenish colouration. After proper drying, leaves were grinded and stored in cellophane bags for further use during the 6 weeks of experimental period. The proximate composition of curry leaf powder was analyzed and incorporated it into the basal diet of broiler chicken at the level of 0.00, 0.25, 0.50 and 0.75%, respectively. During the six weeks of experimental period, the following parameters were studied: performance traits which included weekly feed intake and total feed consumption, weekly body weight and body weight gain, Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), Broiler Performance Efficiency Index (BPEI) and livability and economics of production, carcass traits like pre-slaughter live weight, dressed weight, dressing percentage, giblet weight, giblet yield, yields of cut-up parts and relative organ weights, organoleptic properties of chicken meat, blood biochemical parameters like serum glucose and superoxide dismutase, and histological observations of lymphoid organs (spleen, thymus and bursa of Fabricius) and jejunum of intestine after the end of six weeks of age. In the present study, the highest feed intake per broiler was recorded in the T3 group (3253.88g) and lowest in the T1 group (3014.19g). The final body weight per broiler was found to be significantly (P<0.05) highest in the T3 group (1989.43±43.16g) followed by T2 (1793.34±34.56g), T0 (1733.76±57.33g) and T1 (1653.31±49.57g) group. During the 6th week of age, the body weight gain was significantly (P<0.05) higher in T3 group (546.37±27.97g) and lowest in the T1 (360.11±17.48g) group. The overall FCR of the entire experimental period was best in the T3 group (1.67) followed by T2 (1.83), T1 (1.87) and T0 (1.90) group. Among the different treatment groups, highest BPEI was found in the T3 group (119.11) followed by T2 (97.99), T0 (91.21) and T1 (88.40) group. The per cent livability of CLP supplemented groups (T1, T2 and T3) was found to be higher (97.22) as compared to control (91.67) group. The production cost per broiler was highest in the T3 group (ƻ) (226.28) followed by T0 (224.90), T2 (224.48) and T1 (213.88) group, respectively. However, the recorded gross profit per broiler was highest in the T3 group (ƻ) (28.87) followed by T2 (17.17), T1 (8.87) and T0 (8.65), respectively. The carcass traits comprising of pre-slaughter live weight, dressed weight, dressing percentage, giblet weight and giblet yield did not differ significantly (P>0.05) under different experimental groups. The per cent yields of cut-up parts like neck, wings,back, breast, thighs and drumsticks showed no significant (P>0.05) differences among the different treatment groups. The per cent weights of relative organs on pre-slaughter live weight basis did not differ significantly (P>0.05) for different experimental groups. In the present study, the blood biochemical parameters like serum glucose and superoxide dismutase (SOD) showed significant (P<0.05) differences among the different experimental groups. The serum glucose level decreased gradually as the level of incorporation of CLP was increased. On the other hand, the SOD level increased gradually with the increased level of CLP in the basal diet. The organoleptic evaluation of broiler chicken meat for colour, flavour, texture, juiciness and overall acceptance did not show any significant (P<0.05) differences among the different treatment groups. The gross, histology and ultrastructure (scanning electron photomicrograph) of lymphoid organs (spleen, thymus and bursa of Fabricius) and jejunum of intestine of T0, T1, T2 and T3 groups of broiler chicken were studied. From the histological observations of lymphoid organs and jejunum, it was found that the average length, diameter, thickness and weight of spleen, thymus and bursa of Fabricius were significantly (P<0.05) higher in T3 group of broiler chicken along with numerous lymphocytes aggregation in these organs. The mean length of villi and diameter of crypts of the jejunum of T3 group of broiler chicken were also significantly (P<0.05) higher as compared to the T0, T1 and T2 groups of broiler chicken. The lymphoid follicle of jejunum of T3 group of chicken contained numerous T and B lymphocytes. This might be due to the concentration and immunogenic effect of CLP. Hence, it can be concluded that, the CLP can be supplemented as herbal feed additives in the diet of broiler chicken at the level of 0.75% to improve the overall performance of broiler chicken with higher gross profit per broiler. The observations in the current study has established a major role in recording the anatomical norms in respect of gross, histology and ultrastructure of lymphoid organs and jejunum of intestine of broiler chickens fed with CLP at different levels.ThesisItem Open Access Shelf life of raw cow milk in different temperatures(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara Campus, 2022) Sarkar, Subarna; Saharia, JitendraAn experiment was conducted to investigate the shelf life of raw cow milk of organised and unorganised farms of Khanapara, Guwahati during summer and winter seasons. A total of 24 milk samples were collected aseptically from pooled milk of the unit after thorough mixing of all the milk with sterile plunger produced in the unit and brought to the laboratory for analysis maintaining the cold chain. The milk samples were subjected to qualitative and physio-chemical assessment and microbiological assessment. The milk samples of the organized farm had significantly higher overall average percentage of fat (4.03±0.13 and 3.56±0.18), SNF (9.37±0.05 and 8.65±0.18), protein (3.60±0.02 and 3.38±0.08), lactose (5.38±0.04 and 4.99±0.10), and ash (0.77±0.01 and 0.69±0.01) content in organised farm than in unorganized farm. It was observed that fat, protein, lactose were higher in winter than in summer season. Specific gravity was higher in organised farm than in unorganised farm (1.0331±0.0026 and 1.0311±0.0062) while season had no effects. Freezing point depression is non-significant in respect of both farms (0.64±0.00 and 0.58±0.02) and seasons(0.59±0.01 in summer and 0.62±0.01 in winter).Rapid platform tests namely (i) organoleptic evaluation (colour, taste, smell )were found to be normal both in organised and unorganised farms in both the seasons, (ii) COB, Alcohol test were negative both in respect of farms and seasons and (iii)Resazurin test results of milk were more superior and acceptable in unorganised and winter season compare to organised farm and summer season. Physio-chemical parameters e.g. pH (6.90±0.05 and 6.73±0.06) and titratable acidity (0.17±0.01% and 0.16±0.00%) was nonsignificant in respect of farms, while pH (6.66±0.03 in summer and 6.97±0.04 in winter) and titratable acidity (0.18±0.01 in summer and 0.16±0.01 in winter) were significantly (P<0.01) lower and higher respectively in summer that indicating higher microbial load in summer. The MBRT results of milk was graded as excellent in winter and good in summer season in both organised and unorganised farm.TVC and coliform count in milk was significantly (P<0.01) higher in organised farm and in summer season in different periods compared to unorganised farm and winter season. The results revealed that the milk collected from organised farm in both the seasons contained higher SNF, fat, protein, lactose and ash but the microbiological quality of milk of unorganised farm was superior to that of organised farm.ThesisItem Open Access Nanoemulsions for reducing oxidative stress in cryopreserved buck semen(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara Campus, 2022) Rongmei, Soihem Diana; Gupta, M DasROS production during cryopreservation is inevitable which induces detrimental changes to the plasma, acrosomal and mitochondrial membrane, DNA integrity and tail of the spermatozoa. In the same line of context, anti-oxidative supplements in the semen extender are highlighted to curtail the ROS production but their efficiency rate is variable. Therefore, we hypothesized that incorporating TEYCAE with nano zinc oxide might help to reduce the oxidative stress and maintain the sperm ultrastructure during cryopreservation. With this background, the present study conducted on 24 pooled ejaculates, collected by using standard collection method (artificial vagina) from 4 Beetal bucks (A1, A2, A3 and A4) maintained at Goat Research Station, A.A.U., Burnihat. Fresh and cryopreserved seminal traits of all the 4 bucks were evaluated for routine semen analysis and statistically (p<0.05) best 2 bucks were selected for further study. A total of 10 pooled ejaculates were harvested from the selected two bucks and centrifuged to form the pellet and separate the seminal plasma. The pellet was treated with different concentrations of nano zinc oxide (0, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 mg/ml) as additives in TEYCAE and cryopreserved by following standard freezing protocol. After cryopreservation, the nano zinc oxide treated semen samples were evaluated for sperm motility, HOST-reacted sperm, live sperm, live intact acrosome and sperm abnormalities and the mean percentage were recorded as 59.5 ± 0.89, 66.50 ± 0.76, 66.5 ± 0.76 and 64.5 ± 1.16; 46 ± 0.33, 49.3 ± 0.21, 49.7 ± 0.21 and 48.5 ± 0.30; 73.7 ± 0.59, 78.7 ± 0.33, 79.3 ± 0.26 and 77.9 ± 0.45; 76.3 ± 0.55, 82.8 ± 0.35, 84 ± 0.21 and 81.9 ± 0.73; 11.1±0.56, 10.9±0.31, 10.3±0.21 and 10.5±0.42 respectively, showing significant difference between the treated and non-treated groups in all the parameters except post thaw sperm abnormalities. Biochemical test such as Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) for non-treated and treated groups were recorded as 0.2195 ± 0.03, 0.7271 ± 0.48, 0.8286 ± 0.04 and 0.6651 ± 0.04; 1.851 ± 0.03, 1.241 ± 0.02, 1.176 ± 0.02 and 1.275 ± 0.02 respectively, revealing significant difference (p<0.05) in treated groups as compared to the control group, highlighting a significant reduction in oxidative stress in nano zinc oxide incorporated samples. The advanced fluorescent dyes technique included membrane integrity using DNA integrity using acridine orange, acrosomal integrity using FITC-PSA, sperm viability using CFDA-PI and mitochondrial membrane potential using JC-I and the recorded values were 75 ± 0.64, 78.5 ± 0.61, 78.5 ± 0.5 and 77.4 ± 0.61; 62.9 ± 0.48, 66.3± 0.5, 66.5± 0.57 and 66± 1.38; 65.4 ± 0.71, 68.4 ± 0.58, 68.5 ± 0.5 and 68 ± 0.57; 51.2 ± 0.38, 53.1 ± 0.37, 54 ± 0.21 and 53 ± 0.42 respectively for 0, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 mg/ml nano zinc oxide in the TEYCAE. Besides, significantly (p<0.05) lower DNA damage, higher live sperm, acrosome and mitochondrial health were observed in treated groups as compared to the non-treated group. On the other hand, electron microscopy (TEM) of the ultrastructure of the sperm cells detected intact nucleus, mitochondria, outer dense fiber and axoneme but ruptured and separating plasma membrane exposing the acrosome in non-treated group whereas the treated sperm showed distinct intact ultrastructure with intact plasma membrane. Although there was no significant difference among the treated groups but the concentration of 0.1 mg/ml nano zinc oxide revealed positive effect as compared to the other concentration of treatment groups. Hence, nano zinc oxide incorporated at a certain amount act as an effective antioxidant in reducing the cryo-stress and maintaining the quality of the sperm cells.ThesisItem Open Access Diagnosis and treatment of spinal affections in dogs and cats(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara Campus, 2022-09) Das, Shantishree; Singh, Chandan KumarA total of 3130 dogs and 533 cats were presented in the Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology and Surgery Out Patient Department (SOPD), Veterinary Clinical Complex, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara during the period from 1st November 2021 to 31st July 2022. Overall incidence of spinal affections 0.73 percentage and 1.68 percentage was recorded in dogs and cats respectively. Incidence of spinal affections in male dogs (65.22 percentage) and in female cats (66.66 percentage) was highest. Non-descript dogs (30.43 percentage) and cats (88.88 percentage) were found to highly prone to spinal affections. Motor vehicle accident (30.43 percentage) and dog bites (44.44 percentage) was found to be the prime cause of spinal trauma in dogs and cats respectively. Thoracolumbar region was found to be at highest risk. Out of the total spinal affection cases presented, 13 dogs and 5 cats were taken under current study. The animals were evaluated clinically on the basis of physiological, Orthopedic and neurological examination. Survey and contrast radiography was taken for confirmation of the spinal affections. After confirmation, 7 dogs and 2 cats were treated conservatively out of which 2 dogs (28.57 percentage) and 1 cat (50 percentage) showed neurological recovery, whereas, 6 dogs and 3 cats were treated surgically (with pedicle screws, spinal stapling and hemilaminectomy) out of which 1 dog (16.66 percentage) and 2 cats (66.67 percentage) showed neurological recovery followed by physiotherapy using TENS, infrared light and hot fomentation. At 20th day post-treatment there was an insignificant rise in ALP concentration of dogs and cats which could be due to inflammatory phage of healing, osteoblastic activity and administration of the steroids. The mean value of LDH concentration was found to be highly significant. CSF was collected via cisternal tap and evaluated chemically, macroscopically and microscopically. Neutrophils were observed in high number at the reporting time. Animals reported within 24 hours of affection with intact deep pain reflex showed better recovery. So, earlier the case presented, better is the recovery.ThesisItem Open Access Quality evaluation and shelf life study of chicken meat patty incorporated with chicken blood plasma and mint powder(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara Campus, 2022-09) Barbhuiya, Shakura Siddika; Sapcota, DebenThe objective of the present study was to evaluate the quality and shelf life study of chicken meat patties incorporated with chicken blood plasma (CBP) and mint powder (Mentha spicata). The parameters studied were physico-chemical properties,microbial count and organoleptic properties of the developed product. The study was conducted in the Department of Poultry Science in collaboration with the Department of Livestock Products Technology and Veterinary Biochemistry, C.V.Sc, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara,Guwahati-781022. For the experiment required quantity of fresh mint leaves were procured from vegetable mandi and chicken blood from local market. Sodium citrate was used as an anticoagulant. Chicken blood plasma (CBP) was separated from whole blood by centrifugation and preserved in refrigeartion (4°C) till use. Mint leaves were dried by exposing the leaves to 50oC for 2 hrs in a hot air oven and powdered (MP) by using Lab grinder, preserved hermetically till further use. The whole experiment was carried out in two phases. Five replicates of chicken meat patties were made in the first phase consisting of chicken blood plasma (15%) at a fixed level for making four groups at different combinations with MP as; To (0% CBP + 0%MP), T1 (15% CBP + 0%MP), T2 (15% CBP+0.5% MP), T3 (15% CBP+1% MP) and T4 (15% CBP+1.5% MP) while preparing chicken patties blending with the emulsion of following compostions: However, the broiler meat used in T0, T1, T2, T3 and T4 group was 70.0, 55.0, 54.5, 54.0, and 53.5%, respectively. The meat was mixed with following ingredients, vegetable oil (10%), corn flour (5%), spice mix (1.5%), salt (1.5%), condiments (2%) and ice cube (10%). The prepared patties were sliced to its standard size, vacumm packed and stored under refrigeration temperature (4oC) till use. The shelf life of the product was studied under second phase using the parameters such as TBARS, microbiological studies and taste panel evaluation at 0, 3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th and 15th days of storage period at 4oC. The physico-chemical evaluation revealed that 15% addition of CBP increased the pH in T1, T2, T3 and T4 groups. Similar results were obtained from the emulsion stability, protein per cent, moisture content and tyrosine value where significant (P<0.01) increase were found in plasma incorporated group. No effect of mint addition was noticed in any of the above mentioned parameters. TBARS value recorded to be decreased significantly (P<0.01) among the groups and increased with progresssion in storage period of 15 days. Water activity found to be increased significantly (P<0.01) due to 15% CBP incorporation but mint addition at 0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5% level resulted in significant decrease of water activity. No effect of CBP or mint powder (0.5%,1.0% and 1.5%) incorporation was noticed in the thickness(mm) and diameter(mm) of the product. The microbiological study revealed that total plate count (log10cfu/g) and psychrophilic count (log10cfu/g) significantly (P<0.01) increased with the incorporation of 15 % CBP in the product whereas mint addition at 0.5 %,1.0% and 1.5% significantly (P<0.05) decreased the microbial count. Also microbial load increased in all groups during 15 days of storage under refrigeration (4oC). Yeast and mould counts were not found in any of the groups when evaluated at 3 days interval for 15 days. The organoleptic evaluation of chicken meat patties was carried out by using semi trained taste panelist. It involved subjective evaluation and objective evaluation. The subjective evaluation of chicken meat patties showed the most preferred and least liked among the treatment groups. Apperance score was best recorded in T2 group and T4 was least preferred. Colour of the patties was found to be highest in T1 group and T4 received lowest score. Flavour score was recorded highest in T2 group and T4 group found to be received lowest score. Juiciness was recorded to be significantly (P<0.01) higher in plasma added group (T1, T2, T3 and T4). Similarly, texture was found significantly higher in T1, T2, T3 and T4. The T2 group was found most preferred among groups for overall acceptability. The subjective study was carried out using texture analyzer and chromameter. It included texture profile (Hardness,springiness,cohesiveness,chewiness and resilience) shear force and colour profile. Texture profile was found to be significantly (P<0.01) increased due to incorporation of 15 % CBP and mint powder addtion at 0.5 %,1.0% and 1.5% level. The shear force was recorded to be increased among the groups. The colour profile was evaluated by measuring L*, a* and b* value. The L* and b* were found to be significantly (P<0.01) decreasing among the groups as compared to the Control group, whereas, significant increase was found in b* value among the groups compared to the Control group. The cost of production revealed that the Control group was most dearer (Rs. 248.10) followed by T4 (Rs. 237.20), T3 (Rs. 228.50), T2 (Rs. 219.80) and T1 (Rs. 237.20). From the various above findings it could be concluded that chicken meat patties can be prepared with 15% meat replacement by chicken blood plasma incorporating mint leaf powder at three different levels. Among all options the chicken meat patties with 15% CBP and 1.0 % mint leaf powder gave the best results in terms of economy and value addition.ThesisItem Open Access Study on the indigenous knowledge system on pig rearing adopted by the Rabha community of Assam(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara Campus, 2022-09) Rabha, Sayashree; Sarma, Naba KumarA study on the indigenous knowledge system on pig rearing adopted by the Rabha community of Assam was conducted for which farmers from two districts namely Kamrup and Goalpara were selected having atleast 2 pigs. The study was carried out to know the socio-economic status of the pig farmers, managemental practices adopted by them and the use value of pig in the socio-cultural life of the Rabha farmers. Majority of the farmers involved in pig rearing were females (58.67 %), 67.00 % belonged to the middle age group (29-52 years), 60.00 % had high school level of education, 83.33 % of the pig farmers had medium family size (3-5 members) and majority (65.33 %) were agri-farmers. About 71.33 % of the farmers had medium land holding (0.90-4.00 acres) and 91.00 % reared 2-6 numbers of pigs. The average total annual income of the pig farmers was Rs.103700.00±3180.84 and average annual income from piggery was Rs.49670.00±2484.26 Share of piggery to the total income of farmer was 47.89 %. Extensive system of rearing (78.33 %) along with tethering (52.67 %) was predominant and pigs were fed Indigenous or locally available feedstuff (92.67 %). Majority of the pig farmers reared cross breed pigs (85.00 %), followed by non-descript pigs (14.00 %) for fattening purpose (86.66 %). Natural service (87.33 %) was mostly practiced for breeding with average litter size at birth 10.3±0.38 and at weaning 9.13±0.35. About 41.33 % farmers did not take any disease preventive and treatment measures, only 77.33 % of the farmers did castration of piglets, 7.67 % took special care of pregnant and farrowing sows, 46.33 % carried out deworming and 15.33 % vaccinated their pigs. Only 15.00 % of the farmers acquired piggery management training. Majority of the pig farmers (74.33 %) sold their pigs directly to agent or wholesaler at the age of 6 months and above (73.00 %) and 51.00 % bought their piglets from local markets, 58.00 % of the farmers sold pigs due to urgency of money. The average age of pigs at the time of marketing was 234.98±4.7 days, average sale price of piglet was Rs.3560.33±14.50, pig was Rs.13834.00±326.00 and pork per kg was Rs.313.53±1.22. Major constraint faced by the farmers was lack of finances for purchasing of new animals, feed, building pig sty or farm etc. (39.33 %). Majority of the farmers reared pigs as financial security during emergency (70.33 %). About 38.00 % reared pigs for social occasions, 14.00 % reared for the Baikho festival and 3.33 % reared for wedding rituals. It was also found that only 37.67 % of the farmers thought that piggery could be taken up as a primary occupation.ThesisItem Open Access Performance of Assam hill goat reared on periodically disinfected floor(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara Campus, 2022) Das, Santana; Haque, AdibA study was carried out to see the performance of Assam Hill Goat reared on disinfected floors. A total number of 18 Assam Hill Goats (9 males and 9 females) were selected and divided into 3 groups; each consists of 6 goats of an equal number of males and females which were intensively housed. The 3 groups were randomly assigned to the following treatments, viz. floor without any disinfectant treatment (T1), floor treated with sodium hypochlorite (T2) and floor treated with calcium oxide i.e. quicklime (T3). The fortnightly average initial body weight of the selected goats of T1, T2 and T3 groups were 6.01 ± 0.16, 6.23 ± 0.16 and 6.21 ± 0.17 kg respectively and the corresponding value for the same groups at 6th fortnight were 10.45 ± 0.17, 11.93 ± 0.23 and 11.38 ± 0.22 kg respectively. Statistical analysis of the data exhibited significant differences among the groups from the 4th to 6th fortnight (P<0.05). Goats reared on a floor treated with sodium hypochlorite showed higher body weight followed by calcium oxide treated floor during the entire experimental period, however, the difference appeared to be non-significant up to 3rd fortnight. The critical difference test reveals that there was a significant difference between T1 and T2 groups but no significant difference could be observed between T1 and T3 as well as T2 and T3 groups. The body weight gains of goats for T1, T2 and T3 groups in the 1st fortnight figured as 0.52 ± 0.09, 0.60 ± 0.08 and 0.57 ± 0.08 kg and the corresponding values for the same 3 groups in the 6th fortnight were recorded as 1.14 ± 0.11, 1.54 ± 0.10, and 1.37 ± 0.10 kg respectively. The average daily body weight gain of goats for T1 was 0.035 ± 0.005 kg, T2 was 0.040 ± 0.006 kg and T3 was 0.038 ± 0.005 kg in the 1st fortnight and the corresponding values for the same groups in the 6th fortnight were recorded as 0.076 ± 0.007 kg, 0.100 ± 0.006 kg, and 0.091 ± 0.006 kg respectively. The fortnightly body weight gain and daily body weight gain manifested a significant difference (P<0.05) statistically in 6th fortnight. The critical difference test reveals that there was a significant difference between T1 and T2 groups but found no significant difference between T1 and T3 as well as T2 and T3 groups. The average dry matter intake of goats in T1, T2 and T3 were 4.05 ± 0.113, 4.48 ± 0.120 and 4.37 ± 0.117 kg in the 1st fortnight respectively and the corresponding values for the same 3 groups in the 6th fortnight were recorded as 6.59 ± 0.101, 7.51 ± 0.174, and 7.34 ± 0.163 kg respectively. There was a statistically significant difference (P<0.05) from 4th to 6th fortnight and the critical difference test revealed a significant difference between T1 and T2 groups but could not exhibit any significant difference between T1 and T3 as well as T2 and T3 groups. The feed conversion ratios for T1, T2 and T3 goats in the 1st fortnight figured as 7.80 ± 0.18, 7.38 ± 0.17 and 7.65 ± 0.18 and the corresponding values for the same 3 groups in the 6th fortnight were 5.80 ± 0.12, 4.88 ± 0.10 , and 5.36 ± 0.11 respectively. The feed conversion ratio was found to be highly significant (P<0.01) from 4th to 6th fortnight. This revealed that feed was more efficiently utilized for growth by the goats reared on sodium hypochlorite treated floor (T2). The critical difference test reveals that there was a significant difference between T1 and T2 groups in 4th fortnight but no such differences could be seen between T1 and T3 as well as T2 and T3 groups. But from 5th fortnight onwards there was a significant difference among all the three groups. The incidence rate of diarrhea of goats was recorded as 40% for T1, 18% for T2 and 40% for T3 in the 1st fortnight. No incidence of diarrhea was observed from 4th fortnight onwards in all the groups. The data expressed that the overall diarrhea incidence rate was higher in T1 goats intermediate in T3 and lowest in T2. The parasitic infestation of goats was recorded as 83% in T1, 66% in T2 and 83% in T3 groups in the 1st fortnight. The data further reveals that the overall parasitic infestation of goats was found to be lowest in T2 goats followed by T3 and T1.ThesisItem Open Access Growth performance of crossbred calves fed molasses and probiotics supplemented diet(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara Campus, 2020) Ahmed, Sanidur; Bordoloi, Jyoti PrasadThe present experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of feeding molasses and probiotics on the growth performance of crossbred dairy calves. Twelve healthy crossbred calves of both sexes of similar age and body weight were allocated to two experimental groups, control (T0) and treatment (T1) with six animals in each group. Calves of both groups were fed with a standard basal diet consisting of concentrate, green fodder, and paddy straw along with Molasses @ 3% of DM requirement and multi-strain probiotics @10 gm/animal/day daily in the treatment group. The experiment was conducted as a feeding trial for six fortnights and a digestibility trial thereafter for five days in the two experimental groups. The average initial and final body weight in the 6th fortnight of the calves were 89.500±7.843 and 89.500±8.290 kg and 110.667±7.932 and 119.500±7.178 kg respectively in T0 and T1 groups. Analysis of variance of the data did not reveal any significant difference (P>0.05) in average body weight in the control (T0) and treatment (T1) groups. The overall mean daily body weight gain is 0.357±0.019 kg in the treatment group (T1) which was significantly (P<0.01) higher than the control group which is 0.252 ± 0.013 kg. In respect of different fortnights, the Average daily gain was significantly (P<0.01) higher from the 4th to 6th fortnight. Similarly, the overall fortnightly body weight gain was significantly higher (P<0.01) in the treatment group (5.000 ± 0.270 kg) than in the control group (3.556 ± 0.171 kg) of calves. The fortnightly body weight gain was higher (P<0.01) in the treatment group than in the control group from the 2nd to 6th fortnight. The overall mean values of the conformation traits (cm) in the control group (T0 ) and treatment group (T1) groups respectively were: 97.17± 1.21 and 99.08 ±1.15 cm for body length; 111.69 ±1.12 and 112.64± 1.06 cm for chest girth as well as 100.23± 0.90 and 100.85 ±0.86 cm for height at wither. All the conformation traits revealed a highly positive correlation with body weight. Analysis of variance of conformation traits showed no significant (P>0.05) difference between control (T0) and treatment (T1) groups respectively. The overall average daily DM intake was 2.76 ± 0.09 kg in the control group (T0) and 2.84 ± 0.09 kg in the treatment group (T1). Feeding of Molasses and multistrain probiotics had a positive effect on dry matter intake in the treatment group and it was higher than the control group in all fortnights. However, analysis of variance results revealed no significant (P>0.05) difference between the average values of DM intake between control (T0) and treatment (T1) groups. The overall mean values of the feed-eating time were 243.21±0.58 min. in the control (T0) and 240.42±0.54 min. in the treatment (T1) group. Analysis of variance revealed that there was a significant (P<0.05) difference between overall average feed-eating time in the control (T0) and treatment (T1) groups. The feed-eating time was reduced significantly (P<0.05) in the treatment group (T1) from the 2nd to 6th fortnight. The average FCR values were 11.77 ± 0.79 and 10.89 ± 1.00 in 1st fortnight and 10.74 ± 0.39 and 6.39 ± 0.68 in the 6th fortnight in control (T0) and treatment (T1) groups respectively. On an overall basis, FCR values were 10.89 ± 0.24 and 8.35 ± 0.40 in the control (T0) and treatment (T1) groups. Analysis of variance revealed that there was a highly significant (P<0.01) effect of supplementation of Molasses and probiotics ii on the feed conversion ratio(FCR) of the experimental animals. Further, the C.D. test revealed that the FCR in the treatment (T1) group was significantly reduced from the 3rd fortnight to the 6th fortnight compared to the control (T0) group. The overall mean values of the physiological parameters in the T0 and T1 groups respectively were as: respiration rate, 26.17 ± 0.09 and 26.45 ± 0.11 breath per minute; pulse rate, 72.04± 0.13 and 72.00 ±0.12 beats per minute and rectal temperature, 101.07± 0.11 and 100.95± 0.11(oF). Analysis of the variance of the data revealed no significant (P>0.05) difference in respect of the three parameters between the control (T0) and treatment (T1) groups. . The blood biochemical and hematological parameters like. serum glucose, serum total protein, and hemoglobin were within the normal range for crossbred calves in both the control and treatment groups and the data did not reveal any significant difference (P>0.05). The average digestibility coefficient (%) in T0 and T1 groups respectively were: 67.47±0.26 and 73.33±0.44 for dry matter (DM); 70.37±1.55 and 76.17±0.44 for organic matter (OM); 66.67±0.73 and 71.67±0.44 for crude protein (CP); 66.40±0.49 and 72.63±0.27 for ether extract (EE); 63.97±0.27 and 72.37±0.18 for crude fibre (CF) and 73.40 ±1.06 and 79.26±0.73 for nitrogen-free extract (NFE). Analysis of the data revealed significantly (P<0.01) higher digestibility of the organic nutrients in molasses and probiotics fed treatment (T1) group than control (T0) group. The economic analysis of the cost of feeding the experimental calves revealed the following: (i) average daily cost of feed consumption (on DM basis) per calf was Rs. 42.53 and Rs. 49.06, (ii) average net cost of feed consumption (on DM basis) per calf were Rs. 3572.81 and Rs. 4121.04, (iii) cost of feeding per kg body weight gain was Rs. 167.50 and Rs. 137.37 in control (T0) and treatment (T1) respectively. From the results, it was observed that the total cost of feeding was a little higher in the treatment group than in the control group. However, the total body weight gain was higher in the treatment group (T1) than in the control group (T0) which resulted in a lower cost of feeding per kg weight gain in the treatment than in the control group.