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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 Effect of dietary supplementation of Baker`s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on the performance of broilers(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 2004) Renjith, P M; KAU; Amritha ViswanathAn experiment was designed and conducted at the Department of Poultry Science to investigate the effect of feeding baker's yeast on growth, feed consumption and nutrient utilization of broilers. One hundred and forty four day old commercial broiler chicks were reared under three different treatments with four replicates per treatment. The treatment consisted of control diet with standard broiler ration (Tl ) and 1'2 and T3 with 0.3 and 0.6 per cent baker's yeast supplemented respectively with control diet. Chicks were reared under standard managemental conditions up to 8 weeks of age. Broiler starter ration was fed up to 6 weeks of age and finisher ration up to 8 weeks of age. Results of the study revealed that cumulative body weight and body weight gain up to six weeks and eight weeks of age were not affected by the inclusion of yeast. Mean weekly feed consumption recorded significant (P<0.05) difference between treatment during fifth, seventh and eighth weeks of age. Cumulative feed intake up to six weeks and eight weeks of age did not dfffer significantly. But yeast supplemented groups recorded numerically lower feed consumption compared to control group. Feed conversion ratio revealed significant difference (P< 0.05) at sixth week of age recording lower feed efficiency, in 1'2 and T3 compared to control (TJ). But cumulative feed conversion ratio from zero to six weeks and zero to eight weeks of age did not differ significantly. Supplementation of baker's yeast had no effect on processing yields and losses. Numerically lower fat deposition was recorded in yeast supplemented groups than in control group, eventhough there was no significant difference. The addition of yeast at 0.3 per cent and 0.6 per cent levels significantly increased (P<0.05) crude fiber digestibility. Other parameters like retention of dry matter, nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus were not affected by yeast supplementation. Serum protein, serum cholesterol and livability were not affected by yeast supplementation. The net profit per bird was less in yeast supplemented group compared to control group. The higher cost of feed resulted in lower economical return from the treatment groups. The result suggests that inclusion of yeast is not beneficial on economical point of view. However the lower fat deposition consequent to yeast supplementation seems to be advantageous.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 Effect of esterified glucomannan on alleviation of aflatoxicosis in broiler chicken(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2007) Maldhure, Niteen Arvind; KAU; Richard, Churchil RAn experiment was conducted at the Department of Poultry Science to investigate the effect of esterified glucomannan (E-GM) on alleviation of aflatoxicosis in broiler chicken. Day old broiler chicks numbering two hundred were reared under four different treatments with five replicates of ten chicks each. The four dietary treatments were T1 (control), T2 (1 ppm aflatoxin B1), T3 (0.1 per cent E-GM) and T4 (1 ppm aflatoxin B1 plus 0.1 per cent E-GM). Chicks were reared under standard managemental conditions up to six weeks of age. The broiler starter ration was fed from zero to four weeks and finisher ration from five to six weeks of age. Results of the study revealed that, inclusion of aflatoxin B1 (1 ppm) adversely affected the weekly body weight, weight gain, feed consumption, feed efficiency and overall livability during the experimental period. Serum concentrations of total protein, albumin and cholesterol in broilers fed 1 ppm aflatoxin B1 were significantly (P<0.05) depressed whereas; serum glucose level was significantly (P<0.05) elevated than control. Aflatoxin B1 caused significant increase in relative weights of liver, spleen and kidney. No significant difference existed between treatments for relative weights of bursa of Fabricius. The per cent dressed and eviscerated yields were significantly (P<0.05) decreased whereas giblet yield was significantly (P<0.05) increased in aflatoxin treated group. The per cent ready-to-cook yield, blood loss, feather loss and total loss were not influenced by dietary supplementation of aflatoxin B1. Supplementation of E-GM to toxin free diet caused no significant difference in the weekly body weight, weight gain, feed consumption, feed efficiency, relative organ weights, serum parameters and processing yields compared to control. Livability was better in T3 than control during the experimental period. Inclusion of E-GM in the aflatoxin B1 treated diet significantly counteracted the toxic effects of aflatoxin B1 on final body weight, cumulative weight gain and feed consumption and feed efficiency up to sixth week of age. Decreased level of serum total protein, albumin and cholesterol and increased glucose level due to aflatoxin feeding was restored to normal level. The altered relative weights of liver, spleen and kidney due to aflatoxin feeding were significantly improved by E-GM supplementation. The per cent eviscerated, dressed yield and giblet yield were restored by supplementation of E-GM to aflatoxin B1 treated feed. However no effect was observed on ready to cook yield, blood loss, feather loss and total loss compared to other treatments. The reduction in net profit per kg body weight caused by dietary aflatoxin was increased substantially by supplementation of E-GM to the contaminated feed.ThesisItem Open Access Utilisation of dried fish waste and fermented fish waste silage in japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix Japonica) layer ration(Department of Poultry Science,College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Mannuthy, 2007) Preeta Raghavan; KAU; Amritha ViswanathAn experiment was conducted in Japanese quail layers from 7 to 26 weeks of age by 100 per cent replacement of unsalted dried fish with dried fish waste and fermented fish waste silage on protein basis. The objective of the study was to assess the production performance as well as the economics of feed cost over production. One hundred and forty four Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) pullets of 6 weeks of age were randomly allotted to three treatment groups with four replicates of 12 quails each. Quail layer ration containing 10 per cent unsalted dried fish formed control ration (T1). The other two diets were formulated by 100 per cent replacement of unsalted dried fish by dried fish waste (T2) and fermented fish waste silage (T3). The experiment was conducted for five 28- day periods from 7 to 26 weeks of age. Data on meteorological parameters, body weight, body weight gain, egg production, egg quality characteristics, sensory evaluation, livability and economics were the criteria used for evaluation. The body weights in groups T1, T2 and T3 were 189.37, 192.69 and 187.07g at 6 weeks and 213.15, 219.42 and 211.72g at 26 weeks of age respectively. The body weight and body weight gain during observation period for different dietary treatments did not differ significantly (P<0.05). All the birds in treatments viz., T1, T2 and T3 attained sexual maturity at the age of 42.5, 43.3 and 42 days. The age at sexual maturity, the age at 10 and 50 per cent production did not differ significantly (P<0.05) between treatments. The quail housed egg production and quail day egg production were statistically comparable among the treatment groups. The cumulative quail housed number of eggs in the different dietary groups were 77.96, 91.74 and 82.51 respectively. The cumulative quail day number of eggs were 80.57, 92.79 and 85.64 respectively. The overall mean feed consumption per bird per day were 30.89, 31.42 and 31.33g for T1, T2 and T3 respectively. Significantly lower feed consumption was noted in control group (T1). Overall mean feed efficiency were 0.61, 0.65 and 0.67 for treatment groups T1, T2 and T3 respectively. The overall mean egg weight of three dietary treatment groups T1, T2 and T3 were 11.91, 11.97 and 11.80g respectively and did not differ significantly (P<0.05). The cumulative mean egg quality traits such as shape index, albumen index, yolk index, internal quality unit and shell thickness did not differ significantly among the treatment groups. The mean score of sensory evaluation of quail eggs did not differ significantly among different dietary treatment groups. The livability per cent in treatment groups T1, T2 and T3 were 87.5, 85.4 and 70.8 per cent respectively. The cost of feed per egg was Rs.0.54, 0.37 and 0.42 for treatment groups T1, T2 and T3 respectively. Marked reduction in the feed cost was noticed in the diet containing dried fish waste (T2) followed by fermented fish waste silage included diet (T3) The overall evaluation of the study reveals that dried fish waste and fermented fish waste silage could be used economically to replace unsalted dried fish protein completely in Japanese quail layer rations, without any adverse effect on overall performance.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of dietary supplimentation of azolla (Azolla pinnata) on production performance in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)(Department of Poultry Science,College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Mannuthy, 2006) Raseena Karim; KAU; Jalaludeen, AThe utility of dried Azolla in the production performance of Japanese quails were evaluated using one hundred and ninety two layer quails for a period of 20 weeks. They were randomly allotted to four treatment groups with four replicates of 12 quails each. Quail layer ration containing 22 per cent crude protein, 2650 kcal per kg metabolisable energy, 3.0 per cent calcium and 0.45 per cent phosphorus formed the basal diet (T1). Dried Azolla was included in the basal diet at levels of 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 per cent to form the treatments T2, T3 and T4, respectively. All the rations were made isocaloric and isonitrogenous. Data collection was done for five periods of 28 days each from 7 to 26 weeks of age. At the end of the trial, blood was collected from two birds per replicate and was utilised for serum profile studies. The body weight at 6 and 26 weeks of age and the body weight gain during experimental period did not differ significantly between dietary treatments. Age at sexual maturity, 10 and 50 per cent production were not influenced by inclusion of Azolla in quail diets. The quails fed with Azolla recorded numerically higher feed intake than control group. The cumulative feed conversion ratio was numerically higher in Azolla fed groups. Eventhough the cumulative mean quail housed and quail day egg number and per cent production were statistically comparable among the dietary groups, the groups T2 and T4 performed better than the control (T1). The cumulative mean egg weight from 7 to 26 weeks of age was highest for T3 followed by T2, T4 and T1. Cumulative egg weight was significantly (P<0.05) higher in 3.0 per cent Azolla fed group. The statistical analysis of the overall mean values of egg quality traits revealed no significant difference between dietary groups with the exception in yolk index. The cumulative mean yolk index was significantly (P<0.01) lower in Azolla fed birds. The mean yolk carotenoids level was significantly higher (P<0.01) with Azolla supplemented groups in all individual periods and for the whole experimental period taken together. Mean per cent giblet and ovary and oviduct weight were numerically higher for Azolla supplemented groups. The group fed with 1.5 per cent Azolla (T2) recorded numerically higher dressed yield (83.73 %) and the group fed with 4.5 per cent Azolla (T4) recorded numerically higher ready-to-cook-yield (60.07 %). While the statistical analysis of the mean values of these traits showed no significant difference. Mean serum total cholesterol was significantly (P<0.01) lower in 3.0 and 4.5 per cent Azolla fed groups compared to control. Serum total protein, creatinine, and uric acid were not influenced due to Azolla inclusion. Livability was comparatively better in Azolla fed birds. The cost of feed per egg was lowest in T4 followed by T1, T2 and T3. Overall evaluation of the results of the study indicated that incorporation of the dried Azolla at 4.5 per cent level in quail layer ration was beneficial.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of dietary supplementation of lysine and methionone on production performance of japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2006) Preethymol, Joseph; KAU; Peethambaran, PAn experiment was carried out to study the effect of dietary supplementation of lysine and methionine on production performance of Japanese quail layers. Two hundred and fifty six Japanese quails at 6 weeks of age were allocated randomly to four dietary groups with four replicates of sixteen quails each. Quail layer ration containing 22 per cent crude protein, 2650 kcal ME per kg feed with 1.0 per cent lysine and 0.45 per cent methionine formed the basal diet T1. The other three diets were formulated by supplementing the basal diet with 0.25 per cent L-lysine (T2), 0.25 per cent DL-methionine (T3) and a combination of both at 0.25 per cent level (T4). The experiment was carried out for five periods of 28 days each from 7 to 26 weeks of age. The mean body weight of the quails in all the dietary groups was comparable at the beginning of the experiment, but at 26 weeks of age the group T3 (215.04 g) had significantly lower mean body weight than that of T1 and T2 (225.83 and 225.60 g). Even though the age at first egg in the flock in each dietary group was 42 days, the group T3 attained 50 per cent production early (49 days) and T2 late (54 days). The overall mean quail housed and quail day number and per cent production were statistically comparable among the dietary groups. The mean EW in the group T1 (11.17 g) was significantly (P≤0.05) lower than that of amino acid supplemented groups. The cumulative mean egg mass per quail on quail day basis did not differ significantly between groups. The overall daily feed consumption per quail was numerically higher in T2 (31.53 g). Feed conversion ratio per dozen eggs as well as per kg egg mass did not show any significant difference among dietary groups. Statistical analysis of the overall mean values of egg quality traits revealed no significant difference between dietary groups. The per cent dressed yield excluding skin was significantly higher in T3 (86.63) compared to T2 and T4 while per cent of skin and feather put together showed the opposite trend. The per cent losses of blood and ovary and oviduct were comparable among the dietary groups. The per cent yield of eviscerated carcass and ready-to-cook yield excluding skin, liver and giblet did not show significant difference between the dietary groups. The mean value of serum protein was comparable in all groups. Serum total cholesterol was significantly higher in T4 (248.62 mg/dl) compared to T1 and T2 and was comparable to that of T3. The overall livability per cent did not differ significantly among dietary groups. The cost of feed per egg was significantly lower in T1 (35.21 paise) compared to T4 (39.92 paise) and was intermediate in T3 (37.06 paise) and T2 (38.91 paise). The critical evaluation of the results revealed that the supplementation of 0.25 per cent L-lysine, 0.25 per cent DL-methionine or its combination significantly improved mean egg weight in cage reared quails. The quail layer ration containing 22 per cent crude protein with 1.0 per cent lysine and 0.45 per cent methionine was the most economical without supplementation of crystalline amino acids. The supplementation of the ration with 0.25 per cent DL-methionine was the next cost-effective, followed by the ration with 0.25 per cent L-lysine supplementation. The combined supplementation of L-lysine and DL-methionine was economically not feasible in quail layer diets.
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