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Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur
The history of agricultural education in Kerala can be traced back to the year 1896 when a scheme was evolved in the erstwhile Travancore State to train a few young men in scientific agriculture at the Demonstration Farm, Karamana, Thiruvananthapuram, presently, the Cropping Systems Research Centre under Kerala Agricultural University. Agriculture was introduced as an optional subject in the middle school classes in the State in 1922 when an Agricultural Middle School was started at Aluva, Ernakulam District. The popularity and usefulness of this school led to the starting of similar institutions at Kottarakkara and Konni in 1928 and 1931 respectively.
Agriculture was later introduced as an optional subject for Intermediate Course in 1953. In 1955, the erstwhile Government of Travancore-Cochin started the Agricultural College and Research Institute at Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram and the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at Mannuthy, Thrissur for imparting higher education in agricultural and veterinary sciences, respectively. These institutions were brought under the direct administrative control of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Animal Husbandry, respectively. With the formation of Kerala State in 1956, these two colleges were affiliated to the University of Kerala. The post-graduate programmes leading to M.Sc. (Ag), M.V.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees were started in 1961, 1962 and 1965 respectively.
On the recommendation of the Second National Education Commission (1964-66) headed by Dr. D.S. Kothari, the then Chairman of the University Grants Commission, one Agricultural University in each State was established. The State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) were established in India as an integral part of the National Agricultural Research System to give the much needed impetus to Agriculture Education and Research in the Country. As a result the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) was established on 24th February 1971 by virtue of the Act 33 of 1971 and started functioning on 1st February 1972. The Kerala Agricultural University is the 15th in the series of the SAUs.
In accordance with the provisions of KAU Act of 1971, the Agricultural College and Research Institute at Vellayani, and the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, were brought under the Kerala Agricultural University. In addition, twenty one agricultural and animal husbandry research stations were also transferred to the KAU for taking up research and extension programmes on various crops, animals, birds, etc.
During 2011, Kerala Agricultural University was trifurcated into Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU), Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) and Kerala Agricultural University (KAU).
Now the University has seven colleges (four Agriculture, one Agricultural Engineering, one Forestry, one Co-operation Banking & Management), six RARSs, seven KVKs, 15 Research Stations and 16 Research and Extension Units under the faculties of Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering and Forestry. In addition, one Academy on Climate Change Adaptation and one Institute of Agricultural Technology offering M.Sc. (Integrated) Climate Change Adaptation and Diploma in Agricultural Sciences respectively are also functioning in Kerala Agricultural University.
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ThesisItem Open Access Morphometry and ageing of captive male asian elephants (Elephas maximus)(Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2003) Sasikumar, M; KAU; Francis, XavierThe collection of morphometric details from elephants of different age groups would enhance our biological understanding and management of this valuable species.. A total of fifty two clinically healthy captive male Asian elephants, varying in age, under excellent management, maintained by 'Guruvayoor Devaswom Board' were utilized for predicting body weight and height from body measurements as well as determination of age from physical features. For prediction equations several morphometric parameters were measured. All possible linear regressions of weight on one, two, three and four body measurements were calculated. The equations having highest coefficient determination value (R2) with least standard error of estimation was taken for predicting body weight and height in elephants. The data were also divided into age groups (Group I (Young ones; 0-20 years), Group 11 (Sub adults; 21-30 years), Group III (Adults; 31-40 years), and Group IV (0 Id adults; 41-70 years)) and all possible linear regressions were calculated for each group. The best prediction of body weight (kg) for all age groups (G I to G IV) was obtained based on two parameters; the chest girth (cm) and right forefoot circumference (cm). Single and also the combination of various parameters were used for the prediction' of body weight in different age groups. An equation to predict the height at the shoulders (cm) from right forefoot circumference (cm) for various age groups of elephants was also derived. Various parameters were correlated with age of the elephants and average values of these parameters were salculated for age approximation. The data were again divided into various age groups (Group A (Young ones; 0-20 years), Group B (Adults; 21-40 years), and Group C (Old adults; 41- 70 years)) and comparison of parameters between two age groups was done. The parameters such as depigmentation on the trunk, hair distribution, hollow on the temple region, width of the ear, circumference of tusk base and middle, and height at the shoulders had high correlation as well as significant difference in various age group comparisons. So, these parameters could be useful for age estimation in male elephants with more precision.ThesisItem Open Access Shelf life of irradiated rabbit meat underaerobic and vacuum packaging(Department of Livestock Products Technology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2009) Sonika, S; KAU; Kuttinarayanan, PPrevention of Food Adulteration Act (1954) as amended in 1998 has permitted irradiation at a dose rate of 2.5 to 4.5 kGy to control pathogenic microorganisms and to extend the shelf life of meat and meat products including poultry products. A study was conducted to evaluate the shelf life of irradiated rabbit meat under aerobic and vacuum packaging. The rabbit meat was prepared by slaughtering locally purchased rabbits under hygienic conditions and was packed in HDPE and PAPE packages at a rate of 120 g each. Half of the packets of aerobic and vacuum packaged samples were subjected to gamma radiation at 2.5 kGy at melting ice temperature and kept immediately at chiller temperature (1 to 4oC) and domestic refrigerator freezer (-6 to -8oC). Samples were analyzed for physical, physicochemical, microbiological, and organoleptic qualities on the day of preparation and on days 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 45, 50, 60, and 70 of storage or until spoilage, whichever was earlier. The samples were also analyzed for proximate composition on the day of preparation. The dressing percentage of the rabbits subjected to the study was 49.35 per cent. The keeping quality of the rabbit meat was 15 to 18, 17 to 19, 5 to 7 and 7 to 9 days in HDPE IR, PAPE IR, HDPE NR and PAPE NR respectively at chiller temperature. In freezer temperature it was significantly (P < 0.05) increased to 45 to 47, 47 to 49, 25 to 27 and 27 to 29 days in HDPE IR, PAPE IR, HDPE NR and PAPE NR respectively. Irradiation or packaging did not significantly (P < 0.05) affect fat, protein and ash composition but higher moisture percentage was observed in irradiated samples. Swelling of the collagen fibres was noticed in irradiated samples on histological examination. The physicochemical parameter, pH of irradiated and non-irradiated samples varied significantly (P < 0.05) on the day of preparation. On storage the pH values decreased uniformly. The WHC was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in irradiated samples. The ability of the rabbit meat to retain its water decreased gradually on storage and a reduction of about 40 per cent could be noticed from the initial level. Drip loss was not significantly (P < 0.05) different on the day of preparation. Irradiation had a significant (P < 0.05) effect in enhancing the cooking loss whereas packaging had little effect. Both drip loss and cooking loss was increased significantly (P < 0.05) due to storage under chiller and freezer temperature. Irradiation had a significant (P < 0.05) role in increasing the TBARS value of rabbit meat. As the days of storage enhanced, the TBARS values were increased. Irradiation had a significant (P < 0.05) effect in reducing the TV in both type of packaging. As storage period enhanced, TV increased with significant (P < 0.05) changes among treatments. Irradiation had a beneficial effect on microbiological qualities of rabbit meat. There was a significant (P < 0.05) reduction of nearly three log in APC of irradiated meat from that of control. The irradiation of the samples both in HDPE and PAPE packaging significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the PC of meat on the day of preparation where as storage had significant (P < 0.05) effect in enhancing the microbial load of meat. The colour score was non-significantly (P < 0.05) higher in irradiated samples. The juiciness, tenderness and overall acceptability scores were improved significantly (P < 0.05) due to irradiation, where as flavour score was reduced. The sensory attributes were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced due to storage in all the treatment groups. The keeping quality of rabbit meat was significantly (P < 0.05) increased by irradiation both in chiller and freezer under different packaging. In addition irradiation could effectively control food borne illness by destroying the major pathogenic organism without affecting the sensory and nutritional quality of the product. Considering these advantages it can be recommended that packaging the meat in PAPE packages followed by low dose gamma irradiation and maintaining the cold-chain contribute to extended storage life of rabbit meat.ThesisItem Open Access Draught Efficiency of Elephants in Timber Mills(Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 2001) Prasad, A; KAU; Saseendran, P CSix elephants working in four different private timber mills in Trichur district were selected for the present study. Average weight of elephants estimated using formula was 4627.80 + 114.15 kg. Elephants consumed 213.00 + 3.338 kg roughages and 7.50 + 0.475 kg of concentrate. They obtained 9.721 + 0.837 kg dry matter, 3.613 + 0.075 kg DCP and 31.517 + 0.754 kg of TDN over and above maintenance requirement, which may be the amount of nutrient utilized for work performance. Elephants were engaged for three types of work in timber mills, carrying, moving/stalking and hauling timber logs. Mean draught developed during carrying was 445.095 + 22.448 kg. Elephant could be made to carry weights upto 20 per cent of their body weight on their tusk during carrying and stalking/moving timber. A new instrument called Elephant Draught Power Monitor was fabricated to measure the draught developed during hauling timber. A regression, Y = 0.7787 x – 100.69 (where Y is the draught developed and X is the weight of the log hauled) was developed from the measurements. The draught power estimated this equation was compared with the values obtained by the formula draught = load x CosƟ. It was assumed that the formula draught = load x CosƟ was not suitable for elephant draught power measurement. The average draught developed during hauling was 1779.391 + 130.386 kg. Highest maximum of weight that an elephant could be made to haul during instantaneous force development was 188 per cent of the body weight. Maximum limit of weight that an elephant could be made to haul during continuous work was 38 per cent of its body weight. Speed of work of elephants during carrying, moving and hauling was 1.333 + 0.075, 0.630 + 0.014 and 0.701 + 0.014 m/s respectively. Speed of work of elephants decreased with increase in weight of the log transported. The average horse power developed during carrying, moving and hauling were 7.116 + 0.106, 2,566 + 0.048 and 7.138 + 0.280 respectively. The average work output per day during carrying, moving and hauling were 1819.004 + 92.619 KJ, 179.718 + 5.955 KJ, 3375.373 + 16.885 KJ respectively. Maximum work output from elephant was obtained during hauling. Maximum work output (34 per cent) occurred during 8.30 am to 9.30 am in timber mills. Elephants were made to work minimum during 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm. Rectal temperature was identified as the most reliable physiological parameter which can be used as an indicator of fatigue. Maximum body temperature recorded during work was 1000 F. Maximum frequency of spraying of saliva during the entire study period was two/minute and maximum frequency of fanning of ears was 45/min. The value of rectal temperature when the elephants were fatigued was 98.60 F. Work may be stopped and elephant should be given rest before reaching this body temperature to avoid undue fatigue. Mechanised power which replaces elephant power in many timber mills has certain advantages. But use of elephant has got the advantage of utilization of renewable resources environmental friendliness and greater maneuverability during work.ThesisItem Open Access Waste management system evaluation in commercial dairy farms(Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2009) Sany Thomas; KAU; Joseph MathewThe present study on “Waste management system evaluation in commercial dairy farms” was conducted to assess the usefulness of the different waste management methods adopted in dairy farms of Kerala. Study area comprised of Thrissur, Malappuram and Ernakulam districts and adjoining area of central and northern Kerala. Forty five dairy farms were identified and visited in and their profile of the study area .Data regarding general outlay of the farms selected management practices in the farm, livestock details and existing waste management methods in the farms were collected and studied. The dairy farms under study were classified based on the animal holding capacity as those with less than six animals (class 1), 6-20 animals (class 2), 21-50 animals (class 3)and 51-100 animals (class 4), and above 100 animals (class 5). Among the 45 farms under study, four per cent belonged to class 1, forty nine per cent belonged to class 2, thirty five belonged to class 3, six per cent farms came under the classes 4 and 5.There was no commercialization of waste management methods adopted by the farms. The majority farms had dung pit as waste disposal method and no regularity in dung removal from pit, it was upon demand. Regarding the soil quality, there was no significant difference in the soil nutrients quantity between different groups of farms. Regarding water quality, the water samples collected from the nearby water bodies were inferior in quality in terms of microbiology and BOD. Air quality stands below the permitted standards in all groups of farms. Intervention by the government, local bodies and scientific institutions must be made in this area supporting the farmers to develop awareness in this serious issue and also providing necessary technical and financial support for the farmers to construct proper waste management systems such as compost unit as well as biogas plants because they provide a support for the most efficient waste management system in a dairy farm proving that waste is wealthThesisItem Open Access Medroxyprogesterone acetate as an aid to birth control programme in stray dogs(Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2005) Deepak Mathew, D K; KAU; Joseph MathewThe utility of Medroxyprogesterone acetate as an aid in the birth control programme of stray dogs was studied. Eighteen early proestrus bitches were randomly allotted to three equal groups (Group A Group B and Group C). Group A animals were administered with a single subcutaneous injection of 50 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate. Group B animals were administered medroxyprogesterone acetate orally at the rate of 10 mg per day for four days followed by 5 mg per day for another 12 days starting from the end of anoestrus. Six bitches of Group C acted as control animals. All animals in Group A and Group B responded to the treatment though one animal in Group A had returned to cycle in about 50 days. Reproductive cycle was controlled in all six animals of group A at a mean of 3.17 days and a mean of of 2.67 days in group B. Group A animals had a mean duration of control of 83.3 days while in group B it was 90 days. Vulval edema, vulval discharge, tail deviation reflex and interest in male decreased following treatment in Groups A and B while it seemed to be not changed or high in Group C animals. Detailed vaginal cytology was studied using Wright- Giemsa's stain. Cellular changes was characterized by a change from predominance of parabasal cells following treatment in Groups A and B while changes characteristic of oestrus cycle occurred in the control animals. There was significant difference in the mean percentage of parabasal cells between Groups A and B after treatment and during different stages of the oestrus cycle of the Group A up to end of dioestrus. Serum progesterone was estimated in all animals at fortnightly intervals. Animals in group A, B and C showed mean serum progesterone concentrations of 0.53 ng/ml, 0.57 ng/ml and 0.45 ng/ml during the beginning of proestrus. The mean progesterone in serum following treatment elevated in Group A to 27.83 ng/ml, while it maintained a low level of 0.55 ng/ml in group B and had a value of 4.43 ng/ml in group C which indicated oestrus phase. The progesterone level reached maximum concentration of 31.17 ng/ml on day 42 in group A and 49.00 ng/ml during dioestrus in group C. The values remained low in group B. Towards the end of experiment all animals had basal concentration of progesterone. It is concluded that reproductive control can be achieved effectively in bitches treated with medroxyprogesterone acetate by both oral and parenteral routes. Oral administration demand less technicalities and hence is more suitable for use in the field.ThesisItem Open Access Study on management information system in institutional swine farm(Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2002) Bindu, P; KAU; Joseph MathewA study on Management-Information System (MIS) was conducted in Centre for Pig Production and Research (CPPR), Mannuthy to analyse the merits and demerits of the MIS presently available in the farm and to formulate an MIS based on computer software which may improve managerial efficacy and decision making process in swine farm and to develop, refine and then recommend a management information system. The merits and demerits of the present MIS in the centre were studied by conducting a survey using separate and well-designed questionnaire among scientists technical staff and administrative staff and also by interview. The information obtained in the survey were analysed and meaningful conclusions were drawn on the efficiency of the present MIS. Observations were made on the present MIS prevailing in the Centre with regard to various production parameters such as animals, its production and reproduction details, feeding, breeding, weeding, human resource components, labour management administration, financial implications, research, teaching and extension activities, profit and loss account productivity of each element and all other related elements. A computerized MIS was developed using the data collected from the farm. The enterprise edition of Visual Basic 6.0 was used as front end, while MS Access-97 was used as back end for the package developed. The MIS developed under this study is structured under a main menuwith various sub-menus such as System, History, Administration, Research, Breed and Management. The System sub-menu has Change Password, Users and Exit options. The History sub-menu is segmented into Introduction, Units divisions, Lay out, Objectives, Head of Station and Teaching and Extension options. The Administration sub-menu is divided into Employee details, Pay Entry Staff, Pay Entry Labours, Enter Biodata and List Employees options. The Research sub-menu has Select Title and Add Title options. Breed sub menu is provided with Details, Breed pictures, Add Animal group, Add Animal, Birth Entry, Death Entry, Sales and Care and Management options. The sub-menu Management is segmented into Registers, Profit/loss, Weight Recordings, Feed Management and Profit Loss Entry options. The developed software was tested by an “on-farm trial run” in the Centre for a period of one month for'identifying the defects and the developed MIS has recommended as a model after rectifying the defect. The model can be recommended for other farms with necessary modifications.ThesisItem Open Access Efficay of probiotic and ascorbic acid in alleviating summer stress in growing broiler rabbits(Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2010) Smitha, S; KAU; Kannan, AThe research work was conducted to study the efficacy of probiotic (Lactobacillus casei) and ascorbic acid in alleviating summer stress in growing broiler rabbits. The study was done in the summer season from March to May. The growth performance of rabbits in summer, their physiological response to stress and the cost effectiveness of supplementing probiotic, Lactobacillus casei and ascorbic acid were studied. Twenty four weaned New Zealand White rabbits were randomly selected from Rabbit unit at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara were utilized for the study. They were divided into four groups of six animals each. The treatments were as follows: Treatment I (T1) - Ascorbic acid (Merck) at the rate of 200 mg per kg feed was given along with the basal diet, Treatment - 2 (T2) - Probiotic, Lactobacillus casei (Unique Biotech) containing 106 colony forming units per gram of feed was given along with the basal diet, Treatment - 3(T3) - Probiotic and Ascorbic acid at the same rate as in T2 and T3 were given along with the basal diet and Treatment - 4 (T4) - Rabbits fed with basal diet alone. The various climatic parameters studied were maximum and minimum temperature and relative humidity (morning and afternoon) in macro climate and maximum and minimum temperature, relative humidity (morning and afternoon), dry bulb temperature (morning and afternoon) and relative humidity (morning and afternoon) in micro climate. The production parameters recorded were weekly body weight, daily feed intake, average daily weight gain and feed efficiency. The physiological parameters studied were weekly respiration rate, weekly rectal temperature and monthly cortisol (faecal and serum) values (twice a month for three months). Disease incidence and mortality during the period was recorded. Cost effectiveness of supplementing probiotic and ascorbic acid was determined. The mean monthly temperature humidity index values suggested that animals were under moderate heat stress in the first (28.45±0.16) and the second month (28.50±0.22), while no stress prevailed in the third month (26.83±0.21). By one way Analysis of variance it was found that supplementation of probiotic, Lactobacillus casei and ascorbic acid had a significant effect in alleviating summer stress in rabbits. The animals in the T1 group showed significantly (P<0.05) higher overall mean daily body weight gain, overall mean feed efficiency and significantly (P<0.05) lower overall mean respiration rate and faecal cortisol level compared to T4 animals. The rabbits in T2 treatment showed significantly higher (P<0.05) final body weight, overall mean daily body weight gain, overall mean feed efficiency and significantly (P<0.05) lower overall mean respiration rate compared to T4. The rabbits in the T3 group showed significantly higher (P<0.05) final body weight, overall mean daily body weight gain, overall mean feed efficiency and significantly (P<0.05) lower overall mean faecal cortisol level compared to T4. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) between the treatments in mean feed intake, rectal temperature and serum cortisol. No disease incidence or mortality was observed during the experimental period. Supplementation of probiotic and ascorbic acid was found to be efficient in reducing the production economics. Hence it was concluded that supplementation of probiotic, Lactobacillus casei at the rate of 106 cfu per g of feed and ascorbic acid at the rate of 200 mg per kg feed in combination was found to be most effective and economic in alleviating summer stress in growing broiler rabbits.ThesisItem Open Access Androgen mediated behavior of sambar deer stags (Cervus unicolor) during rut season(Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2010) Vishnu Savanth, V; KAU; Saseendran, P CThe study was carried out at the State Museum and Zoo, Thrissur, Kerala, India for a period of four months from 11th June to 11th October, 2009. There were a total of 70 sambar deer in the enclosure, during the commencement of the study, of which 22 were males including 16 adult stags. A total of 318 hours of observation was involved in the study spanning over four months and each animal received about 53 hours of observation. Top three stags in the rut stage, on a chronological order of dominance namely H1, H2 and H3 were selected. Three more superior stags in late stages of velvet growth were selected and were named V1, V2 and V3 as per descending order of dominance. Hence, a total of six animals were selected for the study. Behavioral scores were allotted on the basis of the observations recorded on the ethogram and with the help of a standard score chart. Stag H1 maintained a behavioral score of 42±11.73 during the hard antler phase whereas during the velvet phase it slipped to 9.66±2.25. The behavioral score of stag H2 was 42.85±12.58 during the hard antler stage and it reduced to 12.6±2.3 during the velvet period. Stag H3 had a behavioral score of 44±14 during the rut season; it became 12.6±3.13 during the velvet stage. The behavioral score of stag V1 was 23.16±12.84 during the velvet stage, but as it entered the rut season, its score shot up to 51.81±5.54. Stag V2 had a behavioral score of 24.85±13.83 during the velvet phase, as it shifted to hard antler stage, the score increased to 51.9±5.38. The behavioral score of V3 was 30.33±14.76 during the velvet antler stage, the shift to the rut took up the score to 53.75±4.83. Fecal testosterone level was measured by RIA on a weekly basis from all six stags. The stag H1 possessed the largest harem followed by H2 and H3 with a membership of 17, 13 and 07 individuals respectively till they retained the hard antlers. As V1, V2 and V3 entered the rut season, V1 collected the largest harem with 19, followed by V3 with 14, and V2 not lagging far behind with 13 members. The stag H1 maintained a testosterone level of 14.66±2.30 ng g-1 of dry feces when it was in rut stage. The testosterone level after the antler casting in the seventh week maintained a low profile of 7.85± 2.32 ng g-1 of dry. The testosterone level of stag H2 was 14.07±0.54 ng g-1 of dry feces during the hard antler phase and its decline by the eight week led to the antler casting. The testosterone level then was at a level of 9.12± 2.40 ng g-1 of dry feces. Stag H3 had testosterone levels of 14.85±1.17 ng g-1 of dry feces before casting the antler. The casting was followed by testosterone levels of 9.56±1.94 ng g-1 of dry feces. Stag V1 had testosterone levels of 13.52±1.82 ng g-1 of dry feces in the velvet stage. After velvet shedding, the stag had hormone levels of 18.65±1.20 ng g-1 of dry feces. V2 maintained testosterone levels of 12.45±0.91 ng g-1 of dry feces during the velvet stage. Velvet shedding was accompanied by an increase in testosterone level to 18.77±1.03 ng g-1 of dry feces. The stag V3 had the hormone levels at 12.32±1.18 ng g-1 of dry feces before casting the velvet. The testosterone level after the velvet casting was 18.72±0.79 ng g-1 of dry feces. The stags in the rut season were found to have a significantly higher testosterone concentration in comparison with the velvet growth stage stags. The study also reveals that, it is the sudden dip in the testosterone concentration which causes the antler casting. Velvet shedding was preceded by an increase in the testosterone levels emphasizing its role. The increasing behavioral scores were also accompanied by higher levels of testosterone. Statistical analysis to correlate the testosterone levels of all the stags during both hard antler and velvet stage to the behavioral scores showed a significant and positive correlation ( ρ = 0.875, p < 0.01 ). Statistical analysis of the testosterone level and behavioral score during the hard antler stage alone also showed positive and significant correlation ( ρ = 0.791, p < 0.01 ). The correlation between the testosterone level and the behavioral score was significant and positive during the velvet stage as well ( ρ = 0.805, p < 0.01 ).ThesisItem Open Access Evolving low cost ration for commercial broiler rabbit production(Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2006) Biya Ann, Joseph; KAU; Kannan, AA study was conducted to document the present rabbit farming scenario in Thrissur district and to evolve a low cost ration for rabbits utilizing concentrates and vegetable cuttings in different ratios. The documentation was conducted on thirty rabbit farmers using a well-designed questionnaire and personal interview. The socio-economic status of the rabbit farmers and management practices were studied. The composite feed samples fed to rabbits were analysed. The rabbit farmers mostly lived in a nuclear family system and were employed either in public sector or owned business. The reason for engaging in rabbit rearing was for additional income generated and for the value of keeping rabbits as pets. Most of the farmers had only 1-6 months experience and the responsibility of rearing rested with wife and children. New Zealand White was the preferred breed and the rabbits were mostly obtained from local rabbit farmers. Most farmers maintained herd strength of less than 20. A mixture of concentrate and locally available leaves and grasses was the major feeding method with a feeding frequency of twice a day and most rabbits were fed 100-125 g ration daily. The crude protein, crude fibre and ether extract of composite rabbit feed was 15.48%, 14.98% and 1.74% respectively. Pan watering was the common method of watering. Cage system was the preferred type of housing with a cage size of 2-4 sq.ft. and 4-6 sq.ft. Majority of the cages were located adjoining the house. Most rabbits were sold at 2 months of age at Rs. 100-150 per pair. Digestive disorders were the frequently occurring disease and rabbits were mostly treated by veterinary doctors. Use of nest box, manure disposal and daily cage cleaning were the commonly adopted scientific management practices. Thirty weaned New Zealand White rabbits were selected and utilized for the study. They were divided into five groups of six animals each and allotted to one of the following treatments: T1 – Rabbits fed with the ration (100 per cent concentrate) provided by the Rabbit Research Station, Mannuthy (Control). T2 – Rabbits fed with 75 per cent concentrate and 25 per cent vegetable cuttings on Dry Matter (DM) basis. T3 - Rabbits fed with 50 per cent concentrate and 50 per cent vegetable cuttings on DM basis. T4 - Rabbits fed with 25 per cent concentrate and 75 per cent vegetable cuttings on DM basis. T5 - Rabbits fed with 100 per cent vegetable cuttings on DM basis. The parameters like fortnightly body weight, fortnightly body weight gain, average daily gain, average daily feed intake on dry and fresh matter basis, feed conversion efficiency, proximate analysis of concentrate and vegetable cuttings, occurrence of disease, carcass traits and economics of production showed significant difference between the treatments. T2 had the highest body weight among all treatments whereas T1 and T3 showed no significant weight difference and T5 had the least weight. A similar trend was seen in average fortnightly weight gain and average daily gain, with T2 having the highest gain and T5 the least gain. The daily feed intake had a linear increase from first to the sixth fortnight in all the treatment groups. The feed conversion efficiency (FCE) increases with increase in the percentage inclusion of vegetable cuttings on DM basis. Vegetable cuttings had a higher percentage moisture, crude fibre and total ash (79.63, 17.08 and 9.58) than concentrate (10.75, 4.09 and 3.57) but lower crude fat (1.75) and nitrogen free extract (50.64). The percentage crude protein content was almost similar in both concentrate (21.82) and vegetable cuttings (20.97). Digestive disorder was the commonly observed disease closely followed by mange. The dressing percentage varies from 45.31 in T5 to 52.27 in T2. The cost of production of one kg of rabbit meat ranges from Rs. 47.52 in T1 to Rs. 8.72 in T5. T2 has a higher weight and feed conversion efficiency, but the cost of production of Rs. 41.56 is high compared to T3, which is on par with T1 in weight gain and lower by Rs. 13.92 in its production cost. Hence rearing rabbits on a combination of 50% concentrate and 50% vegetable cuttings can be recommended for commercial broiler rabbit production.
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