ANITHA. AVENKATA SESHAIAH .CHVINOO .RVIJAYA LAKSHMI SIDDABATHINA2024-06-192024-06-192023-03https://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/5810210597An experiment was conducted to assess the effect of housing system on the dry matter intake, body weights, average daily gain, feed conversion ratio, morphometry, body condition scores, cleanliness scores, hoof condition and lameness scores, conjunctival mucosa colour, faecal egg count, physiological parameters and behaviour of weaned Nellore Brown lambs. Under this study, 20 weaned lambs of 3 to 7 months age from Livestock Farm Complex of NTR College of Veterinary Sciences, Gannavaram were randomly allotted to 2 groups viz., in slatted (T1) and moorum (T2) housing. The study was carried out for a period of 90 days with an acclimatization period of 15 days for lambs at sheep unit of Livestock Farm Complex (LFC). The study revealed significantly (P<0.05) higher body weights (kg) in slatted floor (17.03±0.38) compared to moorum floor (16.08±0.24). The overall mean average daily gain (g) was 79.54±5.25 in slatted floor and 58.35±3.98 in moorum floor which differed significantly (P<0.05). The overall mean DMI (kg) was significantly (P<0.01) high in slatted floor (0.66±0.03) compared to moorum floor (0.59±0.02). The overall mean FCR was 5.43±0.12 and 6.53±0.28 in slatted and moorum floors, respectively which differed significantly (P<0.01). The overall mean body length (cm) was 54.09±0.32 and 53.49±0.29 in T1 and T2, respectively. The overall mean height at withers (cm) of slatted and moorum floors was 9.40±0.33 and 59.28±0.29. The overall mean chest girth (cm) was 63.93±0.52 and 63.10±0.46 in slatted and moorum floors, respectively. The overall mean abdominal girth (cm) was 65.87±0.44 and 64.90±0.44 in T1 and T2, respectively. The overall mean thigh circumference (cm) was significantly higher (P<0.05) in slatted floor (28.70±0.55) than moorum floor (26.44±0.36). The initial mean BCS was 1.75±0.11 which was increased to 2.90±0.10 by the end of the study period under slatted floor. The mean initial BCS was 1.70±0.11 which was increased to 2.75±0.31 by the end of the study period under moorum floor. Overall BCS of lambs was 2.35±0.65 and 2.19±0.53 in slatted and moorum floors, respectively. Cleanliness scoring of lambs was done based on two parameters viz., fleece cleanliness and faecal soiling. Fleece cleanliness scores were significantly lower (P<0.05) in the slatted floor (1.3±0.15) at the end of the experiment and also the overall mean score was significantly lower (P<0.05) in slatted floor (1.10±0.54). The overall mean faecal soiling scores were significantly (P<0.01) lower in T1 (1.28±0.11) compared to T2 (1.77±0.61). The lower scores recorded in slatted floor indicated that the lambs are cleaner compared to moorum floor. Higher incidence of hoof lesions was observed in moorum floor (60%). The overall mean lameness score was significantly higher (P<0.05) in T2 (0.32±0.07) compared to T1 (0.1±0.03). Colour of the conjunctival mucous membrane was scored using FAMACHA chart to see the level of anemia and it showed relatively lower scores under slatted floor (1.74±0.07) than moorum floor (2.0±0.10). Faecal examination showed lower eggs per gram (EPG) under slatted floor (155±68.85) compared to moorum floor (325±68.85). The mean heart rate (beats/min) was 83.52±1.39 and 83.37±1.33 in slatted and moorum floors, respectively. The mean pulse rate (beats/min) was 82.05±1.45 under slatted floor and 82.27±1.41 under moorum floor. The mean respiration rate (breaths/min) was 26.92±0.50 and 26.34±0.55, under slatted and moorum floors respectively. The mean rectal temperature (0F) was 102.15±0.10 in T1 and 102.22±0.10 in T2. Housing system did not have any significant effect on the physiological parameters. The behavioural activities recorded in Nellore Brown lambs revealed that the mean standing time (min/day) was 311.79±10.77 and 367.56±9.89 under slatted and moorum floors, respectively. The mean lying time (min/day) was 803.08±13.64 under slatted floor and 777.56±13.88 under moorum floor. The mean eating time (min/day) was 325.16±6.77 and 294.88±10.49 under slatted and moorum floors, respectively. It was observed that significantly lower (P<0.05) standing time was present under slatted floor than moorum floor. Relatively higher lying and eating time were present in slatted floor indicating more comfort of the lambs compared to moorum floor.EnglishThesis