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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 Effect of probiotic supplementation on the performance of broiler chicken(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2001) Sabitha Mahaboob Kadari, A; KAU; Elizabeth, V KThe effects of different levels of pro biotic (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus faecium and Yeasacc 1026) supplementation• at 0.025 and 0.05 per cent of the ration on the performance of broiler chicken were evaluated using 144, one-day old, commercial broiler chicks for a period of eight weeks. The birds were divided into three dietary treatment groups viz., standard broiler ration (T 1), standard broiler ration with 0.025 per cent probiotic (T 2) and standard broiler ration with 0.05 per cent probiotic (T3). Standard broiler ration was formulated as per Bureau of Indian Standards (1992) specification for broiler chicken feed. The 0.025 per cent probiotic supplemented birds showed a significantly higher (P<0.05) body weight upto six weeks of age. At the end of eight weeks of age, the 0.05 per cent probiotic fed birds grew faster. The body weight gain was significantly higher in 0.025 per cent probiotic supplemented group upto six weeks of age but was statistically non-significant upto eight weeks of age. The feed intake was not statistically significant throughout the experimental period. Eventhough the feed efficiency was significantly (P<0.01) better in the group fed with 0.025 per cent probiotic at the end of second week, it was statistically non-significant at sixth and eighth weeks of age. The protein efficiency was not significantly different throughout the experimental period. The serum cholesterol levels were significantly (P<0.01) reduced in both the probiotic supplemented groups. The serum protein level was not affected by probiotic supplementation. The processing Yields did not show any significant difference among treatments. The mortality percentage was not affected by treatments. Cost of production of broilers in the 0.025 per cent probiotic group was lower when compared with other two groups at the end of six weeks of age, while it was lower in the 0.05 per cent probiotic supplemented group at the end of eight weeks of age. It can be concluded that probiotic supplementation in standard broiler ration at a lower level was beneficial in the early stages of growth.ThesisItem Open Access Performance of crosses of indigenous naked neck with white leghorn and new hampshire(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 2000) Jomy John, KAU; Leo JosephAn experiment was conducted at Kerala Agricultural University Poultry Farm, Mannuthy, to evaluate and compare the production traits of Naked Neck x White Leghorn (NNWL) and Naked Neck x New Hampshire (NNNH) crosses under deep litter system of rearing from '20 to 40 weeks 'lge. Seventy five pullets of' each cross were housed in identical pens of 15 birds cach and production performance was evaluated for five 28- day periods from February to July 1999. Standard feeding and managemental practices were followed throughout the study . . The NNNH were heavier than NNWL at 20 weeks of age (1855.6 vs l496.lg) and at 40 weeks of age (2436.7 and 2004.1 g). The age at first egg of l46.8±1.48 days in NNNH was significantly earlier than 152±1.3days in NNWL. The age at 50 per cent production was similar in NNWL (162.4 ±1.92 days) and NNNH (164.6 ±1.7 days). The week-wise mean hen housed production in NNWL reached a peak of 80.57 per cent at 26th week of age, while NNNH attained a peak of 81.0 per cent at zs" week of age. The overall mean hen housed number up to 40 weeks of age was 86.39 in NNWL and 83.85 in NNNH. Hen day production remained the same as hen housed production up to 39th week of age and the overall trend was similar. The daily feed consumption from 21 to 40 weeks of age was 124.83g in NNWL and l2S.l4g in NNNH.,The feed conversion ratio per dozen eggs was 2.89 for NNWL and 3.01 for NNNH. Broodiness was shown by nine birds in NNWL for durations ranging from 9 to 63 days while eight birds in NNNH were broody for durations ranging from 22 to 69 days. The mean egg weight from 21 -- 40 weeks was 48.73g in NNWL and 48.44 g in NNNH. The shell thickness was 0.376 mm in NNWL and 0.373 in NNNH. The Haugh unit score was 84.78 in NNWL and 88.00 in NNNH. The plumage Colour in NNWL was off white, but a few birds showed brownish colour on wing feathers. 90 per cent of the NNNH birds had chestnut coloured plumage resembling New Hampshire birds while the rest were multi coloured resembling indigenous Naked Neck birds. Egg shell was tinted in NNWL while NNNH eggs were brown or shades of brown. The livability was 98.7 percent in NNWL, while it was 100 per cent in NNNH. The cost of feed consumed per egg was 202.12 paise for NNWL and 208.94 paise for NNNH [or the entire course of the study. Both NNWL and H cross had statistically comparable hen housed production, egg weight, feed consumption and feed conversion ratio. Both the crosses had excellent livability and good egg quality. However a significantly higher body weight both at 20 and 40 weeks of age, earlier average age at first egg, coloured plumage pattern, and brown shelled eggs in NNNH cross are much preferred by rural farmers, The results of the present study warrants further studies on Naked Neck x New Hampshire cross under field conditions.ThesisItem Open Access Assessment of the shelf life of quail egg pickle(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2001) Deepa, Menon; KAU; Narayanankutty, KAn investigation was carried out at the Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy to assess the shelf life of vinegar, oil based quail egg pickle with and without potassium sorbate. The quality characteristics of the product packed in HDPE pouches as influenced by the period of ambient storage was evaluated at monthly intervals. The mean weight of raw quail eggs used for pickling was 10.94 ± 0.02 g and that of cooked and peeled eggs was 9. 15 ± 0.06g. Therefore the cooking yield was found to be 83.63 ± 0.02 per cent. The product was stored for a period of 120 days and it was found that it was acceptable up to 90 days. The control and treatment groups were evaluated in terms of qualitative parameters namely pH, proximate composition, oxidative rancidity (TBARS number), total viable count of mesophilic bacteria, yeast and mould count and organoleptic qualities. It was observed that during the period of study, from the day of production to 90 days of storage, the pH of quail egg pickle increased significantly (P < 0.01) from 3.60 ± 0.01 to 4. 76 + 0.01 for the control group and 3.59 ± 0.01 to 4.73 ± 0.01 for the treatment group, respectively. Though there was no significant difference between the two groups, within the same period of storage, the proximate composition of the pickle was significantly (P < 0.01) affected irrespective of the treatments. There was a gradual but significant (P < 0.01) increase in 2_thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) number in both the groups, during storage. The treatment group showed statistically lower TBARS numbers at 60 and 90 days of storage, when compared to the control. The total viable count in both the groups increased significantly (P < 0.01) during storage but were well within the acceptable limit up to 90 days. There was no significant difference between the control and treatment groups, even though the treatment group had comparatively lower values throughout the storage period. The freshly prepared pickle did not have any yeast or mould population. There was a gradual and significant (P< 0.01) increase in the yeast and mould count with the progress in storage period, however, significantly (P< 0.05) lower counts were detected in the treatment group at 30, 60 and 90 days of storage. In the case of organoleptic evaluation, the mean panel scores for flavour were 5. 50, 5. 72, 5. 14 and 4. 83 respectively for the control group on zero, 30, 60 and 90 days of storage. The corresponding values for the treatment group were 5. 67, 6. 00, 5. 33 and 5.00, respectively. On working out the cost of production of pickle, it was found to be quite economical. The cost of kilogram of quail egg pickle was Rs. 74.39 and Rs. 74.72, respectively for the control and treatment groups. Henceforth it was concluded that nutritious, tasty and ready to eat quail egg pickle could be prepared with vinegar, gingelly oil and potassium sorbate, packed in HDPR pouches and stored safely for a period of 90 days at ambient temperature.ThesisItem Open Access Influence of microbial phytase on nutrient utilization in broilers(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2000) Balasubramanian, D; KAU; Jalaludeen, AAn eight week feeding trial using 180 day-old broiler chicks was conducted to study the influence of phytase supplementation (Natuphos''^-5000) on nutrient utilization and subsequent performance. Treatments involved a standard broiler diet, a low available phosphorus (LAP) diet and the low available phosphorus diet plus graded levels of phytase at the rate of 500, 750 and 1000 units / kg diet. The groups fed standard broiler diet and low available phosphorus diets supplemented with 750 and 1000 units phytase showed significantly (P<0.01) higher body weight and weight gain. The cumulative feed intake was statistically comparable among the experimental diets at sixth week, whereas, at eighth week it was significantly (P<0.05) lower in LAP diet without phytase than that of other diets. The feed conversion ratio was significantly (P<0.01) improved by the addition of phytase at 750 and 1000 units / kg in comparison to low available phosphorus diet. Graded levels of phytase addition linearly improved nitrogen retention while energy retention was significantly (P<0.01) higher in groups fed 750 and 1000 units of phytase / kg. The addition of 750 and 1000 units of phytase / kg diet significantly (P<0.01) increased the availability of calcium while phosphorus availability was improved by all levels of enzyme 500, 750 and 1000 units / kg. The excretion of phosphorus was significantly (P<0.01) reduced in enzyme supplemented groups. The availability of manganese and zinc was significantly more in enzyme supplemented groups. Tibial ash, serum calcium and serum inorganic phosphorus were significantly (P<0.01) increased by the addition of 750 and 1000 units of dietary phytase / kg both at sixth and eighth week of age. The serum alkaline phosphatase level was significantly (PO.Ol) decreased in the diets supplemented with phytase. Supplementation of phytase had no effect on per cent dressed yield and giblet yield. The per cent R-to-C yield was significantly (P<0.05) higher in groups fed standard diet, LAP diet and 500 units phytase supplemented diet at sixth week. Whereas at eighth week it was significantly (P<0.05) higher in groups fed standard diet and 1000 units phytase added diet. The livability was not influenced by dietary phytase and available phosphorus levels. The net profit per kg live weight at eighth week was 29, 94 and 85 paise higher in groups fed 500, 750 and 1000 units of phytase, respectively in comparison to LAP diet. The results suggested that supplementation of 750 units of phytase per kg in low available phosphorus diets is advantageous for commercial broiler chicken production.ThesisItem Open Access Calcium and phosphorus requirements of indigenous layer ducks (Anas platyrhynchos)(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2002) Ravi, S; KAU; Peethambaran, P AA 3 x 3 factorial experiment was carried out at the Department of Poultry Science, Kerala Agricultural University during the period from February to July 2002 to establish the optimum requirements of calcium (Ca) and available phosphorus (AP) in the diets for indigenous layer ducks under cage system of rearing. The Kuttanad varieties of indigenous ducklings of Kerala were maintained on deep litter system of rearing until 18 weeks of age at the University poultry farm, Mannuthy. From this flock, Ninety (90) female ducks were housed in 45 California type cages at the rate of two ducks per cage and they were weighed individually at 20 weeks of age. The dimension of each cage was 60 x 45 x 40 cm and the floor area of 1350 cm2 per duck was provided in the cage. The experimental diets were fed from 21 to 40 weeks of age and the observations were recorded in five periods of 28 days each. Nine experimental diets containing three levels of Ca viz., 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0 per cent with three levels of AP viz., 0.40, 0.50 and 0.60 per cent were formulated and were fed to nine treatments consisting of five replicates of two ducks per cage in each treatment in a 3x3 factorial design. The mean body weight of ducks at 20 weeks of age was uniform III all groups ranging from 1400±9.11 to 1465±53.24 g with an overall mean of 1431±9.96 g. The Ca and AP levels did not influence significantly the 40th week body weight, which ranged from 1473±18.10 to 1579±58.28 g with an overall mean of 1544± 13.7 6g. The age at first egg in the flock with 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0 per cent Ca levels were 154, 158 and 148 days respectively and with AP levels 0.4,0.5 and 0.6 per cent the same were 161, 154 and 148 days respectively. The period wise mean duck housed number (DHN) from 25-40 weeks of age (18.1eggs) was significantly higher with ducks fed 4.0 per cent Ca (P<0.05). The interaction effect was significant (P<0.05) for the dietary combination of 4.0 per cent Ca and 0.6 per cent AP with 20.2 eggs. The cumulative egg number (EN) of 75.7 eggs from 21 to 40 weeks of age was also higher with the Ca level 4.0 per cent and the 71.9 per cent production with diet T9 was superior by interaction effect (P<0.05). The duck housed per cent (DHP) production from 25 to 40 weeks of age averaged 64.6±1.92 per cent with 4.0 per cent Ca level. The Ca and AP levels in the diet did not influence the mean daily feed consumption, feed conversion ratio (FCR), egg mass and shell thickness. The overall mean daily feed consumption was 137.2±1.49 g per duck. The FCR per dozen eggs was 2.8±0.078 and that per kg egg was 3.9±0.099 for the period from 25 to 40 weeks of age. The mean egg weight (EW) and per cent shell were highly significant and the EW of 60.1±0.575 g averaged with 3.0 per cent Ca and 0.5 per cent AP level as well were high (Pinteraction effect with the above combination was also significant (PThe 9. 7±0. 081 per cent shell recorded with 0.5 per cent AP was significantly lower in comparison with other AP levels (P<0.05). At 40 weeks of age, the overall mean serum Ca was 15.42±0.35 mg/dl and serum P was 3.18±0.081 mg/dl. The mean serum inorganic P value of 2.92±0.164. mg/dl recorded with dietary Ca level 4.0 per cent was significantly lower than that of 3.5 per cent Ca level (P<0.05). The tibia ash (62.34±0.512 per cent) was significantly higher with 0.6 per cent dietary AP level (P<0.05) and the tibia ash Ca with 4.0 per cent dietary Ca level was significantly higher and the interaction effect with 0.6 per cent AP level was also significant. With this AP level, the tibia P was reduced significantly, but the interaction showed that the tibia P was high with diet T9. The liveability was excellent in ducks reared in cages (100 per cent) and there was no mortality during the period from 21 to 40 weeks of age. In the present study, the production traits used for evaluating the Ca and AP requirements of caged layer ducks were EN, EW, egg mass, feed consumption and FCR. The study revealed that 4.0 per cent Ca in the diet was superior over other Ca levels in the diet. The dietary Ca and AP levels did not influence the mean daily feed consumption and feed conversion ratios significantly. On the other hand, dietary AP levels influenced the mean EW, per cent shell, tibia ash weight and tibia ash Ca and P. Though the mean EW of 60.1±O.566 g recorded with 0.5 per cent AP was significantly higher, the significant interaction on egg number with the 0.6 per cent AP with 4.0 per cent Ca was found superior. Therefore it will be logical to set the requirements of AP at 0.6 per cent level. Thus, the overall results of the present study revealed that the 4.0 per cent Ca and 0.6 per cent AP levels with 18 per cent Crude Protein and 2650 Kcal ME/kg was optimum for egg production in indigenous layer ducks under cage system of rearing.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of sodium sulphate supplementation in broiler diet(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2001) Anil, B; KAU; Amritha ViswanathAn investigation was carried out at the Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy to evaluate the effect of supplementation of sodium sulphate in broiler diets devoid of animal protein sources. T•wo hundred and ten, one-day old straight-run commercial broiler chicks were reared for a period of eight weeks under five different dietary treatments. The dietary treatments consisted of control ration (T1) prepared using unsalted dried fish as animal protein source, all vegetable protein diets with the addition of 300 g DL- methionine (T2), anhydrous sodium sulphate at the levels of 200 g (T3), 300 g (T4) and 400 g (T5) in every 100 kg diet. All the rations were formulated as per BIS (1992) specification of nutrients for brpiler chicken. Soybean meal, ground nut cake and gingelly oil cake were used as protein sources in all vegetable protein diet. The chicks were fed with starter diets upto six weeks of age and there after finisher diet up to eight weeks of age. Except for the difference in feed, all the management practices followed were uniform for the different treatment groups. Body weight, body weight gain, feed intake and feed efficiency were recorded at fortnightly intervals. At the end of eighth week processing yields and losses, total serum protein and haemoglobin content of blood were recorded. Cost benefit analysis were ascertained for different dietary treatment groups at sixth and eighth weeks of age. Results of the study revealed that the mean cumulative body weight of broiler recorded at sixth week of age did not reveal any significant difference between dietary treatments. But body weight recorded at eighth week of age revealed significant difference (P<0.05) between dietary treatments. Broilers fed with control diet (Tl) recorded the highest (Pweight but is statistically comparable to group fed wi th 0.3 per cent sodium sulphate (T4). Broilers fed all vegetable protein diet with 0.4 per cent sodium sulphate (T4) is statistically comparable to T2, T3 and T5. Similar trend was followed in body weight gain also. Feed intake of broilers in the group fed with 0.2 per cent sodium sulphate (T3) statistically comparable to was the. lowest and was control group protein (Tl) . diet Broilers fed with with all vegetable supplemented methionine (T2) recorded significantly higher feed consumption. The cumulative feed consumption upto eight weeks of age was not affected by either sodium ~ulphate or methionine supplementation. Mean cumulative feed efficiency at sixth week of age recorded significant (P<0.05) difference between treatments. Broilers fed control diet and sodium sulphate supplemented diet recorded better feed efficiency when compared to all vegetable protein diet supplemented with methionine (T2). At eighth week of age cumulative feed efficiency was not affected by supplementation of either sodium sulphate or methionine. Processing yields or losses were not affected by different dietary treatments. Haemoglobin and serum protein were not influenced by dietary treatments. Mortality pattern showed no difference among the five dietary treatment groups. All vegetable protein rations prepared with the addition of either methionine or sodium sulphate had higher price when compared to control ration. Based on this study it was summarized that supplementation of methionine or sodium sulphate in all vegetable protein diet has no deleterious effects on the performance of broilers. Moreover it was revealed that sodium sulphate can be added at 0.2 per cent level in the broiler starter and finisher vegetable protein ration when good quality fish is not available.ThesisItem Open Access Comparative performance of new hampshire and indigenous naked neck hens in cages(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2000) Jayasree, K S; KAU; Peethambaran, P AAn experiment was carried out at the Kerala Agricultural University Poultry Farm, Mannuthy in order to evaluate the production performance of New Hampshire and Naked Neck hens in cages. Sixty (60) pullets each of New Hampshire (NH) and Naked neck (NN) at the age of 18 weeks were housed at random in identical cages in four replicates each at the rate of 15 birds per replicate and three birds per cage. Layer mash with BIS specifications was fed ad libitum throughout the experimental period. Standard routine management practices were followed in the study. The production performance in cages for five periods of 28-days each were recorded during January to June 1999. The objective of the study was to evaluate and compare the production performance of New Hampshire and Naked Neck hens from 20 to 40 weeks of age in cages. Body weight at 20 and 40 weeks of age in New Hampshire and Naked Neck were recorded individually and the respective mean values were found to be 1675.10 g and 1682.30 g at 20 weeks and 2635.45 g and 2703.65 gat 40 weeks of age. The average age at first egg was 164.50 days in New Hampshire and 164.71 days in Naked Neck hens. The mean ages at 10 and 50 per cent production were 168. 15 and 175.5 days in New Hampshire and 170.35 and 176.55 days in Naked Neck respectively. • ii The mean egg production recorded was 4.15 with 59.28 per cent in New t: ) Hampshire and 4.51 eggs with 64.42 per cent in Naked Neck on hen housed basis " and on hen-day basis 4.16 eggs with 59.42 per cent in New Hampshire and 4.52 eggs with 64.57 per cent in Naked Neck. The highest production was obtained at 31 weeks of age in New Hampshire and Naked Neck birds on hen-housed and hen-day basis. The mean daily feed consumption worked out was 123.06 gin NH and 123.46 g in NN. Feed conversion ratio on the basis of dozen eggs for New Hampshire was 2.60 and it was 2.45 in Naked Neck hens. Egg weight at last three days in each period was individually recorded and the overall mean egg weight for 21 to 40 weeks of age was 50.44 g in New Hampshire and 53.36 g in Naked Neck. The overall mean egg mass per day was 1.60 kg in NH and 1.84 kg in NN. The mean percentages of shell, albumen and ,yolk were 10.17, 58.59 and 31.24 in New Hampshire and 9.41, 57.65 and 32.94 in Naked Neck eggs respectively. The mean shell thickness was 0.44 mm in NH and 0.48 mm in NN eggs. The mean i indices of shape, albumen and yolk were i.34, 0.09 and 0.36 in New Hampshire and 1.32,0.07 and 034 in Naked Neck. The mean yolk cholesterol was 14.54 mg per g of yolk in New Hampshire and 14.46 mg per g of yolk in Naked Neck eggs. The mean Haugh Unit Score was 87.16 in 'New Hampshire and 80.58 in Naked Neck hens. The livability per cent from 21 to 40 weeks of age was 91.66 in New Hampshire and 93.33 per cent in Naked Neck. The feed cost per egg was 226 paise in New Hampshire and 212 paise in Naked Neck hens. 111 Based on the above findings, it is evident that the overall egg weight, egg mass and shell thickness were significantly higher (P<0.05) in Naked Neck birds. The overall mean albumen index and yolk index were significantly higher (P<0.05) in New Hampshire birds. The differences in body weight at 20 and 40 weeks, age at sexual maturity, overall HlR'-J, HDN and its percentages, overall feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, per cent shell, per cent albumen and per cent yolk., shape index, yolk. cholesterol and Haugh Unit Score were non- significant between New Hampshire and Naked Neck. Therefore it was concluded that Naked Neck birds have an edge over new Hampshire birds in egg production, egg weight, egg mass and shell thickness. However, New Hampshire birds had better albumen and yolk percentage. New Hampshire and Naked Neck were similar in characters of body weight, age at sexual maturity, egg production, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, per cent shell, per cent albumen, per cent yolk, yolk. cholesterol and Haugh Unit Score, when reared in cages. "
