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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 Comparative evaluation of membrane protein and biofilm vaccines against duck pasteurellosis(Department Of Poultry Sciences,College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2008) Indu, K; KAU; Krishnan Nair, CA research work was undertaken to prepare effective vaccines against P. multocida grown under different conditions and assess their immunopotency in one month old ducklings. The purity of the Pasteurella multocida A: 1 strain (DP1) and A: 4 strain (PA4) was confirmed as per standard procedures. Pathogenicity of DP1 and PA4 was assessed in six to eight week old mice. The isolates killed the intraperitoneally inoculated mice within eight hours and within 24 h when injected by subcutaneous route. Pasteurella multocida A: 1 was used for the preparation of different vaccines. The organism was grown in BHIB for preparation of ordinary bacterin. The in vitro biofilm formation of the organism was assessed by growing it under nutrient restricted conditions. For this, the organism was grown in TSB (0.32 per cent) supplemented with 0.3 per cent bentonite clay. For preparation of OMP suspension, the organism was grown in iron restricted condition viz., BHIB supplemented with 100 µM 2, 2’ Dipyridyl and the OMPs were extracted using sodium lauryl sarcosinate. The protein concentration of OMP suspension was estimated to be 3 mg/ml. Median lethal dose (LD50) of DP1 was 10-7.5, which contained 32 viable cells/ ml and that of PA4 was 10-7.38, which contained 24 viable cells/ ml when determined in one month old ducklings. Oil adjuvant vaccines were prepared using ordinary bacterin, bacterin made from biofilm and OMP suspension and performed the sterility, safety and potency tests of the vaccine employing standard procedures. A total of 260 four week old ducklings were divided into four groups with 65 birds in each group and the first three groups were vaccinated with ordinary bacterin, OMP vaccine and biofilm vaccine respectively. The fourth group served as control. The birds were vaccinated with 0.5 millilitre of vaccine intramuscularly in the thigh region. Blood was collected from all the ducks pre-vaccination, at weekly intervals upto 3 weeks post vaccination (PV) and then at 15 days interval upto 60 days, by cardiac puncture or by jugular venipuncture. Passive haemagglutination using GA-SRBC sensitized with sonicated antigen of DP1 was used to measure the humoral immune response. The IHA titres obtained for biofilm vaccine group on day 14 was very much higher than the other two groups. The antibody titre was observed from day seven onwards for all the groups. All the vaccine groups have shown significant difference from the control group at all the stages of the study. On homologous challenging, biofilm vaccine gave higher protection rates of 80 per cent than the 70 and 50 per cent protection rates of ordinary bacterin and OMP vaccine respectively, when challenged with 100 LD50 dose on day 20 PV. On day 60 PV, biofilm vaccine gave higher protection rate of 70 per cent than the 60 and 50 per cent protection rates respectively of ordinary bacterin and OMP vaccine, when challenged with 100 LD50 dose. On heterologous challenging, biofilm vaccine gave higher protection rates of 70 per cent, while only 50 per cent protection was afforded by both bacterin and OMP vaccine, when challenged with 100 LD50 dose on 20 day PV. On day 60 PV, biofilm vaccine gave higher protection rate of 60 per cent while both the other vaccines gave only 50 per cent protection, when challenged with 100 LD50 dose. All the birds challenged on day 40 PV, either with homologous and heterologous organisms died. In most cases, the death occurred due to coliform infection along with stressful factor such as increased atmospheric humidity due to heavy rainfall at that time. In few cases, birds died due to pasteurellosis which might be due to lack of protective level of antibody titre. Biofilm vaccine proved to be the best among the three vaccines tried. Further field trials are to be done before advocating this vaccine for commercial use.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 Dietary supplementation of turmeric (Curcuma longa) and tulasi (Ocimum sanctum) in layer quails (Coturnix coturnix)(Department Of Poultry Sciences,College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2008) Bhadra, P V; KAU; Anitha, PAn experiment was carried out to study the effect of dietary supplementation of turmeric and tulasi on production performance of Japanese quail layers. One hundred and sixty Japanese quails at 6 weeks of age were allocated randomly to four dietary groups with four replicates of ten quails each. Quail layer ration containing 22 per cent crude protein and 2650 kcal ME per kg feed formed the control diet T1. The control diet supplemented with dried turmeric rhizome powder, dried tulasi leaves and a combination of both each at 0.3 per cent level formed the diets T2, T3 and T4, respectively. The experiment was carried out for five periods of 28 days each from 7 to 26 weeks of age. 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. Even though the age at first egg in the flock in dietary groups T1, T2, T3 and T4 was 48, 50, 49 and 49 days respectively, the mean age at 50 per cent production were almost similar in all dietary groups. The results obtained in the study revealed that period wise and cumulative mean values of quail housed and quail day egg number and per cent production, egg mass, daily feed consumption, FCR per dozen eggs and per kg egg mass did not differ significantly between dietary groups. The overall mean egg weight for three consecutive days towards the end of 10,14, 18, 22 and 26 weeks of age were non significant. Statistical analysis of the data pertaining to dressed, eviscerated, giblet and ready-to-cook yields revealed no significant difference between dietary groups. The loss of blood in dietary groups were significantly (P≤0.05) higher in group in T1 in comparison with group T4. While the mean values of feather loss showed no significant difference. The dietary supplementation of turmeric and tulasi combination (T4) significantly improved the haemoglobin and total leucocyte count in comparison with the control group whereas total erythrocyte count revealed no significant difference. The mean values of total cholesterol in serum differed significantly among each other (P≤0.05). Egg yolk cholesterol in group T3 and T4 showed significantly lower values in comparison with T1 (P≤0.05). Serum protein level in various dietary groups did not differ significantly among each other. The overall livability per cent was not adversely affected in turmeric and tulasi fed quails. The cost of feed per egg was lower in T2 and T3 (Rs. 0.43) compared to T1 (Rs. 0.47) and was intermediary in T4 (Rs. 0.45). The critical evaluation of the results revealed that the supplementation of dried turmeric and tulasi leaves separately and in combination, each at 0.3 per cent level in quail layer diets resulted in numerical increase in egg production leading to economical advantages.ThesisItem Restricted Effect of dietary inclusion of azolla (Azolla pinnata) on production performance of broiler chicken(Department Of Poultry Sciences,College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2008) Balaji, K; KAU; Jalaludeen, AAn experiment was carried out at the Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Kerala Agricultural University, Mannuthy, to investigate the effect of dietary inclusion of sun dried and ground Azolla (Azolla pinnata) on growth performance of broiler chicken. The study was conducted for a period of six weeks with one hundred and sixty, day-old commercial broiler chicks. The chicks were divided into four different treatments with four replicates of ten chicks each. The T1 was control with standard broiler ration and dried Azolla powder was supplemented in the basal diet at 1.5 per cent (T2), 3.0 per cent (T3) and 4.5 per cent (T4). The rations were made isocaloric and isonitrogenous. Chicks were reared under standard managemental conditions up to six weeks of age. The broiler starter ration was fed from 0 to 4 weeks of age and thereafter finisher ration during fifth and sixth week of age. Results of the present study revealed that supplementation of dried Azolla did not influence final body weight of broilers. The cumulative body weight gain up to sixth week of age did not reveal any significant difference among treatments. However, there was numerical reduction in both body weight and weight gain due to Azolla supplementation. The cumulative feed intake up to sixth week of age did not reveal any significant difference among treatments. But numerically lower feed consumption was recorded in 1.5 per cent (T2) and 3.0 per cent (T3) Azolla supplemented groups. The cumulative feed efficiency up to six week of age revealed no significant difference among the treatment groups. Although feed efficiency was numerically more with Azolla supplemented groups the differences were negligible. The per cent dressed yield, eviscerated yield, ready-to-cook yield, feather loss and total loss in broilers were not influenced by dietary supplementation of dried Azolla. The per cent giblet yield of birds fed with 4.5 per cent Azolla (T4) was significantly higher (P≤0.05) than control and other treatments. Giblet yield was low (P≤0.05) with 3.0 per cent Azolla supplemented group. The dietary supplementation of dried Azolla at 1.5 per cent level numerically reduced the serum total cholesterol level, while at 3.0 and 4.5 per cent levels (T3 and T4) there were significant (P≤0.05) reductions in serum total cholesterol. The dietary supplementation of dried Azolla at 4.5 (T4) per cent had significantly higher (P≤0.05) serum creatinine value than other treatment groups. The supplementation of Azolla at 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 per cent levels significantly (P≤0.05) reduced the breast meat cholesterol in broilers. The supplementation of Azolla at 3.0 and 4.5 per cent levels significantly reduced the thigh meat cholesterol in broilers than control and 1.5 per cent Azolla fed groups. The livability of birds in all four treatments were comparatively similar up to two weeks of age. However, at the end of experiment birds in 3.0 and 4.5 per cent Azolla supplemented groups livability per cent was less to the extent of 5 and 2.5 per cent respectively than control and 1.5 per cent Azolla fed group. Net profit per kg body weight was slightly lowered as a result of inclusion of dried Azolla at all three levels in broiler diet. The results of the present study suggest dried Azolla can be incorporated in broiler rations up to 4.5 per cent without affecting the economic traits. Moreover, dietary inclusion of dried Azolla in broiler rations is beneficial for substantial reduction in the cholesterol content of poultry meat.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.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of garlic (allium sativum) powder and neem (azadirachta indica) seed cake on cholesterol content in broiler chicken(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2006) Lonkar Vijaysing, Dhansingh; KAU; Jalaludeen, AAn experiment was conducted at the Department of Poultry Science to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of garlic (Allium sativum) powder and neem (Azadirachta indica) seed cake and their combination on the performance and cholesterol content of meat and serum in broiler chicken. Two hundred and ten day-old straight run commercial broiler chicks were reared under seven different treatments with three replicates of ten chicks each. The T1 was control with standard broiler ration and garlic powder (GP) and neem seed cake (NSC) were supplemented in the basal diet to form diets T2 to T7. The experiment was carried out with two levels of GP supplementation, 0.5 per cent (T2) and 1.0 per cent (T3), two levels of NSC supplementation, 1.0 per cent (T4) and 2.0 per cent (T5) and two levels of GP and NSC combination, 0.5 per cent GP and 1.0 per cent NSC (T6) and 1.0 per cent GP and 2.0 per cent NSC (T7). The rations were made isocaloric and isonitrogenous. 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, supplementation of GP at 0.5 or 1.0 per cent and NSC at 1.0 or 2.0 per cent levels and a combination of 1.0 per cent GP and 2.0 per cent NSC significantly (P≤0.05) depressed the final body weight, while a combination of 0.5 per cent GP and 1.0 per cent NSC did not influence final body weight of broilers. The cumulative body weight gain up to sixth week of age was significantly (P≤0.05) lower by supplementation of GP or NSC alone or their combination in broiler diet. The cumulative feed intake up to sixth week of age did not reveal any significant difference between treatments. But numerically lower feed consumption was recorded in T5 and T7 where NSC was included at 2.0 per cent level. Cumulative feed efficiency up to six weeks of age was significantly (P≤0.05) inferior in T7 and was superior with control group (T1) and groups T1 to T6 was in a homogenous comparable group. The per cent dressed yield, eviscerated yield, ready-to-cook yield, blood loss, feather loss and total loss in broilers were not influenced by dietary supplementation of GP and NSC alone or in combination. The per cent giblet yield of birds supplemented with 0.5 per cent GP and 1.0 per cent NSC (T6) was significantly (P≤0.05) lower, while other levels of GP and NSC and their combination did not influence the same. The weight of bursa of fabricious and spleen at sixth week of age was increased by supplementation of GP and NSC and their combination in broiler diet. The dietary supplementation of GP at 0.5 per cent and NSC at 1.0 per cent level numerically reduced the serum total cholesterol level, while in T3, T5, T6 and T7 there was significant (P≤0.05) reduction in serum total cholesterol. The supplementation of GP and NSC alone and in combination significantly (P≤0.05) reduced the breast and thigh meat total cholesterol in broilers. Supplementation of GP and NSC alone and in combination in broiler diet did not influence the serum total protein and breast and thigh meat crude protein. Livability of all treatment groups was 100 per cent. It shows that dietary supplementation of GP, NSC and their combination at the levels employed in this study had no deleterious effect in broilers. Net profit per kg body weight was reduced as a result of inclusion of GP and NSC alone and their combination in broiler diet. The results of the present study suggest that supplementation of garlic powder and neem seed cake in broiler rations is beneficial for substantial reduction in the cholesterol content of poultry meat.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of dietary supplementation of turmeric (Curcuma longa ) on production performance of broiler chicken(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2007) Simi, G; KAU; Anitha, PAn experiment was conducted at the Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy to study the effect of dietary supplementation of turmeric (Curcuma longa) on performance of broiler chicken. One hundred and ninety two, day-old commercial broiler chicks (Vencob) were reared under four dietary groups with four replicates of twelve birds each. The group Ti was the control group and turmeric powder was supplemented in the basal diet at 0.2 per cent (T2), 0.4 per cent (T3) and 0.6 per cent (T4). The chicks were reared under standard managemental conditions up to six weeks of age. The broiler starter ration was fed from zero to four weeks of age and finisher ration from five to six weeks of age. Results of the present study revealed that supplementation of turmeric at 0.6 per cent level significantly (P S 0.05) depressed the final body weight of broilers at 6 weeks of age. The cumulative feed intake and feed conversion ratio up to sixth week of age did not reveal significant difference between the dietary groups. The ready to cook yield, blood loss and total loss were not influenced by the dietary supplementation of turmeric. The dressed yield in groups fed 0.2 and 0.4 per cent turmeric were significantly higher (P S 0.05) than that of the control group. The giblet yield in all the turmeric supplemented groups were significantly higher than the control group (P S 0.05). The per cent weight of thymus and bursa were increased by . the supplementation of 0.6 per cent turmeric. The dietary supplementation' of turmeric improved the haematological parameters as haemoglobin, packed cell volume, total leucocyte and erythrocyte counts. The dietary supplementation of turmeric at 0.4 and 0.6 per cent levels (T3 and T4) resulted in a significant (PS 0.05) reduction in serum cholesterol level. The supplementation of turmeric did not influence the level of serum total protein. The supplementation of turmeric at 0.4 and 0.6 per cent levels (T3 and T4) significantly (PS 0.05) reduced the serum total lipids in broilers. The level of liver enzymes ALT and AST was significantly (PS 0.05) reduced by the supplementation of turmeric at 0.6 per cent level. The supplementation of turmeric at 0.4 per cent reduced the thigh meat cholesterol in broilers (P~ 0.05). Livability of birds in all dietary groups was 100 per cent. The results obtained in the present study showed that the supplementation of turmeric at the levels 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 per cent employed in the study had no deleterious effect in broilers .The net profit per kg body weight was reduced as a result of inclusion of turmeric powder in broiler diet. However, the higher dressed and giblet yields, lower meat cholesterol consequent to turmeric supplementation seems to be advantageous.