Browsing by Author "Jalaludeen, A"

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Cellulase supplementation in high fibre diet on the performance of layer chicken
(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary Science, Mannuthy, 1996) Ponnuvel, P; Jalaludeen, A
The effect of three levels of cellulose enzyme viz., 0.06, 0.12 and 0.18 per cent in high fibre layer rations on production performance and on nutrient availability of egg type chicken was evaluated using one hundred and fifty ‘F’ strain of Single Comb White Leghorn Pullets of 21 week of age for a period of 20 weeks. The birds were divided in to five dietary treatment groups viz., Standared layer ration (T1), high fibre layer ration (T2), high fibre layer ration with 0.06 per cent cellulase (T3) high fibre layer ration with 0.12 per cent cellulase(T4), high fibre layer ration with 0.18 per cent cellulase(T5). Standard layer ration (SLR) was formulated as per BIS (1992) specification for chicken layers. The high fibre layer ration was similar to SLR except the level of crude fibre which was enhanced to 12 per cent. The inclusion level of undecorticated sunflower cake was enhanced in order to obtain the desired level of crude fibre in the high fibre layer ration. The mean daily feed intake per bird was significantly (p<0.01) higher in birds fed high fibre diet with out enzyme and was different from all other groups. A numerical improvement in per cent hen-day and hen-housed egg production was noticed among enzyme supplemented groups. However, the increase was not statistically significant. Numerically superior feed efficiency was observed with all the enzyme supplemented groups when compared with standard layer diet as well as high fibre diet without enzyme. However, the differences among various treatments in feed per dozen eggs were not statistically significant. The gain in body weight of birds fed on high fibre diet with 0.12 per cent cellulase was significantly (p<0.05) higher than unsupplemented high fibre diet. Body weight gain was statistically comparable among birds fed on high fibre diet supplemented with different levels of cellulase and those fed with SLR. Cellulase supplementation did not have any significant influence on mean egg weight. Cellulase addition did not improve the dry matter digestibility. The apparent metabolisable energy (AME) values were significantly (P<0.01) higher in birds fed with high fibre diet supplemented with 0.12 and 0.18 per cent cellulase than unsupplemented high fibre control. The AME values of standard and enzyme fed groups were statistically comparable. Cellulase supplementation significantly (p<0.01) improved the apparent protein digestibility and ether extract digestibility when compared with high fibre control. Though numerical increase in the digestibility of fibre fractions viz., ADF and NDF was observed due to cellulase supplementation, differences were not significant among treatments, supplementation of cellulase enzyme significantly (P<0.01) reduced the moisture content of droppings when compared with unsupplemented high fibre diet. The viscosity of intestinal contents was significantly lower (p<0.01) in birds fed with high fibre diet supplemented with varying levels of cellulase. Cost of production of eggs was lower in all enzymes supplemented groups when compared with standard layer diet and high fibre diet without enzyme addition. Based on the above findings, it can be concluded that cellulase supplementation in high fibre later ration is beneficial especially when fibrous agricultural by-products are used as alternate feed ingredients in the chicken diet.
Crude fibre utilization and nutrient availability in indigenous layer ducks
(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Mannuthy, 2006) Anitha, P; Jalaludeen, A
Dietary protein and energy requirements of caged layers
(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Mannuthy, 1986) Jalaludeen, A; Ramakrishnan, A
A 4 x 4 factorial trial designed to study the dietary requirements of protein and energy for caged egg type layers under the hot - humid conditions of Kerala is presented in this thesis. Single Comb White Leghorn strain cross pullets (IWN x IWP ) of the Mannuthy centre of AICRP on Poultry for eggs formed the experimental subjects. The birds were randomly alloted to 16 dietary protein-energy combination groups. The dietary protein levels employed were 14,16,18 and 20 per cent and that of energy levels were 2400, 2500, 2600 and 2700 Kcal ME per kg diet. General observations of the experiment were recorded over 12, 28 day periods. The varying levels of protein and energy employed in this study did not have any significant influenced on body weight gain. Birds fed 18 per cent dietary protein had significantly higher hen-day egg production and it was significantly lower for birds fed 14 percent dietary protein. Egg production observed between 16 and 20 per cent and that between 18 and 20 per cent protein were not statistically significant. Hen-day egg production was not influenced by various dietary energy levels employed. The daily feed intake per bird per day was not affect by the le4vels of protein and energy employed in this experiment. A dietary protein levels of 16, 18 and 20 per cent showed significantly superior feed efficiency, when expressed both in terms of feed per dozen egg as well as feed per kilogramme egg. Feed conversion efficiency was not influenced by verying energy levels employed. The egg weight was significantly influenced both by protein and energy levels. However, the changes exerted due to feeding of various dietary combinations did not show any definite trend. The ,mean shell thickness was significantly influenced by dietary protein levels whereas energy did not have any effect. There was a statistically significant decrease in albumen index and Haugh unit score and albumen index was influenced significantly by the energy level in the diet. The yolk index decreased with increase in protein content in the ration, whereas it was inconsistent with the dietary energy levels. Biochemical parameters such as haemoglobin, serum protein, serum inorganic phosphorus and packed cell volume were not influenced either by protein or energy levels. The level of dietary protein did not influence the serum lipid levels whereas the dietary energy had influenced. The dietary- protein-energy combinations in the diet significantly influenced liver lipid and liver lipid and liver protein. The values obtained on carcass analysis were well within the normal biological limits and did not show any specific effect due to different dietary treatments . All the birds showed a positive nitrogen balanced irrespective of the protein or energy levels in the diet. On the basis of these results it can be inferred that the levels of dietary protein and energy required for optimum production for layers raised in cages are 16 per cent and 2400 Kcal ME per kg, respectively. However, in practical feed formulation where amino acids balancing especially that of the critical amino acids being a problems in developing countries it is suggested that a dietary protein level of 18 per cent can be considered as optimal. FINDINGS : A 4 x 4 factor
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; Jalaludeen, A
An 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.
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; Jalaludeen, A
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; Jalaludeen, A
An 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.
Effect of housing system on protein and energy requirements of white leghorn
(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1991) Anitha, P; Jalaludeen, A
An experiment was designed to study the influence of housing system on protein and energy requirements of strain cross White Leghorn chicken (ILM-90) from one day old to seventy two weeks of age. Seven hundred and twenty, one day old female chicks of ILM-90 (IWNxIWP) of the Mannuthy Centre of All India Co-ordinated Research Project on Poultry for eggs, were randomly divided into two groups of 360 chicks each, one group for floor and other for cage experiment. They were randomly alloted to 12 dietary protein energy combination groups with each treatment having three replicates and each replicate having ten chicks in both housing systems
Effect of phytase supplementation on phosphorus utilization and performance in layer chicken
(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1999) Sukumar, D; Jalaludeen, A
The effect of three levels of phytase enzyme viz., 200, 300 and 400 units per kg in the low available phosphorus layer ration on phosphorus utilization and performance in egg type chicken was evaluated using one hundred and fifty White Leghorn strain cross pullets (ATHUL YA) of 21 weeks of age for a period of 20 weeks. The birds were divided into five dietary treatment groups viz., standard layer ration (T1), low available phosphorus layer ration (T2), low available phosphorus layer ration with 200, 300 and 400 units of phytase per kg feed (T3, T 4 and T5), respectively. Standard layer ration was formulated as per BIS specification for layer chicken. Initially, the ration with 0.3 per cent available phosphorus was formulated. By the addition of appropriate levels of dicalcium phosphate to this ration, diets with 0.5 per cent available phosphorus was formulated. A numerical improvement in per cent hen-day egg production was noticed among enzyme supplemented groups. However, the increase was not statistically significant. Daily feed intake per bird was significantly higher among birds fed with different levels of enzyme in low available phosphorus layer ration. Phytase supplementation did not have significant influence upon feed per dozen eggs. Body weight gain was not influenced by enzyme supplementation. Significantly higher egg weight was obtained for the groups fed low available phosphorus diets supplemented with varying levels of phytase. Phytase addition to low available phosphorus diets significantly improved egg specific gravity. Supplementation of phytase resulted in significant increase in egg shell weight. Mean shell thickness was significantly more among enzyme supplemented groups. Serum calcium levels of the enzyme supplemented groups registered significantly (p < 0.01) higher values whereas only numerical improvement could be noticed in serum inorganic phosphorus levels. Per cent tibial ash and phosphorus content were not influenced by phytase supplementation. Enzyme supplementation resulted In a numerical improvement In the bio-availability of calcium. Bio-availability of phosphorus was significantly more among enzyme supplemented groups as well as standard layer mash fed birds. Phosphorus excretion in the droppings (g/kg DM intake) was significantly (p < 0.01) reduced in the enzyme supplemented groups. The per cent survivability of laying hens was not affected by phytase inclusion. Cost of the feed per kg was lower in all the enzyme supplemented groups than the standard layer ration of this study. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that by the inclusion of 200 units per kg of phytase enzyme in layer diet, the available phosphorus level in the feed can be reduced to 0.3 per cent without affecting the over all performance. This also facilitates to reduce phosphorus excretion which is an eco-friendly factor in commercial layer operations.
Effect of probiotic supplementation on the performance of white pekin ducks
(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2003) Shibi Thomas, K; Jalaludeen, A
One hundred and forty-four straight run day-old broiler ducklings, randomly divided into three treatment groups of four replicates with 12 ducklings each were used to study the effect of probiotic 'Livesac' (Lactic acid bacilli, live yeast cells and traces of enzymes) supplementation on the performance of Vigova variety of White Pekin ducks for a period of eight weeks. Standard broiler rations formulated as per BIS specifications (1992) were used as duck starter and finisher rations. Ducklings in T: were fed with control ration, T2 control + 0.025 per cent probiotic and T3 control + 0.05 per cent probiotic. Similar managemental practices were followed for all treatments. The 0.05 per cent probiotic supplemented group recorded a significantly higher body weight from second fortnight and followed a similar pattern till the end of the experiment. The fortnightly body weight gains were significantly higher (P<0.05) in 0.05 per cent probiotic supplemented group during the second and fourth fortnights, while the cumulative body weight gain showed a significantly higher (PThe weekly feed consumption was statistically significant (P. was higher in 0.05 per cent probiotic supplemented group during third, fourth and C< fifth weeks. The cumulative feed consumption upto six and eight weeks also showed similar trend. The cumulative feed conversion ratio was statistically significant (Pper cent supplemented group upto six and eight weeks of age. The serum cholesterol level was not affected by probiotic supplementation. The serum protein level was significantly higher (Psupplemented group. The processing yields were not significantly influenced by probiotics. Livability percentage between treatments was not affected by probiotics. The total feed cost per kg body weight was lower in the 0.05 per cent probiotic supplemented group upto six and eight weeks of age. Thus it can be concluded that probiotic supplementation at 0.05 per cent level was beneficial in the overall production performance of White Pekin ducks.
Egg weight profile In three strains of white leghorns
(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary Science, Mannuthy, 1996) Prabhakaran, K B; Jalaludeen, A
An experiment was conducted to study the egg weight profile in three strains of White Leghorn viz., IWN, IWP and control population (CP) maintained at the All India Co-ordinated Research Project on Poultry improvement, Mannuthy Centre. One hundred pullets from each strain chosen at random at 18 weeks of age were used for the study. The body weight at 20 and 40 weeks of age, average age at first egg, per cent hen housed production, weekly egg weight, 28-day period-wise egg weight, weight of first egg, magnitude of variation in egg weight, per cent variation in egg weight, distribution of eggs under different weight classes and correlation of egg weight with body weight and production were studied from 19 to 52 weeks of age. The mean body weight at 20 weeks of age was 1.339, 1.421 and 1.229 kg in IWN, IWP and CP respectively. The corresponding values at 40 weeks of age for the above strains were 1.539, 1.546 and 1.445 kg respectively. The results indicated a statistically significant difference between three strains at both the periods. Mean age at first egg was 149.53, 136.41 and 153.85 days in IWN, IWP and CP respectively. The overall mean hen housed egg production from 19 to 52 weeks of age was 65.48, 60.50 and 64.42 per cent for the above strains respectively which were statistically comparable. The overall mean egg weight from 19 to 52 weeks of age was 49.02, 48.14 and 45.10 g respectively for the strain IWN, IWP and CP. The difference in egg weight between weeks within each strain was statistically significant. Statistical analysis of period-wise mean egg weight showed a significant difference between strains. It was significantly higher in IWN strain, lower in control population and medium in IWP strain. The weights of first ranged from 29.8 to 57.1 g in IWN strain, 29.8 to 63.2 g in IWP strain and 29.7 to 51.0 g in CP. The net gain in egg weight from 20 to 52 weeks was 20.5, 15.33 and 18.8 g for strain IWN, IWP and CP respectively. Per cent variation in weekly mean egg weight was higher in the initial period in all the strains. As compared with CP pullets, the IWN and IWP strains laid heavier eggs from 19 to 52 weeks of age. Per cent marketable eggs were higher in IWN strain, lower in control population and medium with IWP strain. Correlation between egg weight and bodyweight indicated that 20 and 40 week body weight had significant correlation with 40 week egg weight in IWN and CP strain. Weekly egg weights were significantly correlated from 28 to 52 weeks in IWN and CP while from 24 to 36 weeks in IWP strain. Twenty four week egg weight with 24 to 52 week egg number had significant correlation in IWN and CP strain but in IWP, the values were negative. Considering the overall egg weight profile in the above strains, the ideal period for the measurement of egg weight for selection purpose in IWN strain was found to be 29 to 30 weeks of age and 28 weeks of age in IWP strain.
Growth and dressing percentage of turkeys reared of diffrent feeding regimen
(Department Of Poultry Sciences,College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2008) Chandini Herman; Jalaludeen, A
Influence of microbial phytase on nutrient utilization in broilers
(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2000) Balasubramanian, D; Jalaludeen, A
Influence of phytase on phosphorus utilization in broilers
(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1998) Kanagaraju, P; Jalaludeen, A
An investigation was carried out utilizing 216 commercial day-old broiler chicks to evaluate the influence of supplementation of phytase enzyme on phosphorus utilization and subsequent performance. The birds were divided into six dietary treatment groups viz., standard broiler ration (T1) I broiler ration with 0.3 per cent available phosphorus (AP) (T2) I broiler ration with 0.4 per cent AP (T3) I standard broiler ration with 750 units of phytase per kg of feed (T4) I broiler ration with 0.3 per cent AP supplemented with 750 units of phytase per kg of feed (T5) and broiler ration ,with 0.4 per cent AP supplemented with 750 units of phytase per kg of feed (T6). Standard broiler ration was formulated as per BIS (1992) ) specifications. Initially, the ration with 0.3 per cent AP was formulated. By the addition of appropriate levels of dicalcium phosphate to this ration, diets with 0.4 and 0.5 per cent AP were formulated. The groups fed standard broiler starter and finisher rations with and without phytase and those fed rations containing an AP of 0.4 per cent supplemented with phytase had significantly (P<0. 01) higher body weights and body weight gain than other treatments. All enzyme supplemented treatments consumed significantly (P<0.0l) more feed (g/bird/day) than their respective unsupplemented groups except in the group offered 0.4 per cent AP. Significantly (P<0.01) superior feed efficiency was recorded in groups fed a diet having 0.4 per cent AP supplemented with 750 units of phytase per kg of feed. Phytase supplementation had a positive effect on tibial ash. Serum calcium and inorganic phosphorus (mg per cent) were significantly (P<0.0l) higher in enzYme supplemented groups than their respective counterparts at sixth week of age but were not influenced at eighth week of age. Bioavailability ofcalcium and phosphorus was significantly (P<0. 01) more in enzyme supplemented groups than their corresponding unsupplemented groups. Phosphorus excretion in the droppings I' (g/kg DM intake) was significantly (P<0. 01) reduced in enzyme supplemented groups. The per cent dressed yield and ready-to-cook yield were significantly (P<0. 01) higher in groups fed a diet having 0.4 per cent AP supplemented with phytase than other groups. The per cent giblet yield was significantly (P<0. 01) more in group fed a standard diet supplemented with phytase than other groups. The per cent livability was better with enzyme supplemented groups. The cost of production per kg live weight (when feed cost alone was considered) was cheaper in groups fed with 0.4 per cent AP supplemented with phytase. The net profit per kg live weight was 13 paise higher in groups maintained on 0.4 per cent AP supplemented with phytase compared to standard broiler ration. Based on the above findings it can be concluded that by the addition of 750 units of phytase per kg of diet I the available phosphorus level in broiler rations can be reduced by 0,1 per cent without affecting the overall performance.
Studies on water restriction in caged layers
(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1976) Jalaludeen, A; Ramakrishnan, A
This thesis embodies the results of investigation carried out to study the efficacy of water restriction as a means of controlling manurial moisture among caged layers. The effects of water restriction on the other productive traits were also studied. Single Comb White Leghorn pullets housed in individual cages formed the experimental subjects. Two methods of water restriction namely, continues and intermittent were employed. Restricting the watering time resulted in significant reduction in manurial moisture content. Intermittent restriction was found to be superior in respect of feed efficiency. Feed consumption and water consumption were more with birds on ad libitum water than restricted birds. Hen-day egg production was essentially same for all the groups. The birds in all the treatments maintained normal body weight through out the experimental period. Internal egg quality traits such as per cent shell, per cent thin albumen, per cent thick albumen, per cent total albumen and per cent yolk showed no change attributable to treatments. Packed cell volume and proximate composition of droppings were comparable for all treatments. However, egg weight was lower for the water restricted groups. On the basis of these results it was concluded that restricting water intake among caged layers could be used as a means of controlling manurial moisture. However, its impact on egg weight should be borne in mind while advocating this system.
Utilisation of dried cuttle fish (Sepia officialis) waste silage in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) layer ration
(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Mannuthy, 2005) Lekshmy, M A; Jalaludeen, A
An experiment was conducted in Japanese quail layers from six to 26 weeks of age by replacing unsalted dried fish with cuttle fish waste silage on crude protein basis. The objective was to assess the production performance as well as the economics of feed cost over production. Two hundred and forty Japanese quail pullets of six weeks age were divided randomly into twelve groups of 20 birds each. They were randomly allotted into three treatment groups, T1, T2 and T3 and maintained on isonitrogenous and isocaloric diet. The unsalted dried fish content in the control ration (T1) was replaced by cuttle fish waste silage at 50 and 100 per cent levels in T2 and T3, respectively. The initial and final body weight were recorded. Data collection was done for five periods of twenty eight days each from seven to twenty six weeks. At the end of the trial pooled yolk samples and two liver samples from each replicate were analysed for fatty acid profile. The initial and final body weight and the body weight gain during experimental period for different dietary treatments did not differ significantly. The birds belonged to group T2 attained sexual maturity first followed by the control group T1. There was a slight delay for group T3 in attaining sexual maturity (P<0.01). The age at 10 and 50 per cent production did not differ significantly between treatments. The period wise mean daily feed consumption was lower in T3 than T1 and T2 (P<0.01). The mean feed intake was highest in T1 followed by T2 and T3 and the treatments differed significantly (P<0.05). The cumulative feed conversion efficiency was superior inT1 and T2 (P<0.01) than T3. The cumulative hen housed and hen day egg number of T1 and T2 were significantly higher (p<0.01) than T3. Though the per cent hen housed and hen day egg production of birds in treatments T1 and T2 were significantly higher in all the periods, the overall mean values did not show any significant difference. The egg quality traits recorded viz., shape index, albumen index, yolk index, internal quality unit and shell thickness did not differ significantly between treatments in any of the periods (P>0.05). The oleic acid content of quail liver was significantly higher in T3 than T1 but no significant difference was noticed among the egg yolk fatty acids. The cost of feed per egg was lowest in T2 followed by T1 and T3.Overall evaluation of the study reveals that the cuttle fish waste silage could be used economically to replace 50 per cent of crude protein from unsalted dried fish on protein basis in Japanese quail layer rations, without any adverse effect on growth, production and egg quality and feed cost.