PG Thesis
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Item Evaluation of the utility of bypass nutrients in maintaining the growth rate of crossbred heifers under varying levels of thermal stress(College of Climate Change and Environmental Science, Vellanikkara, 2024-08-24) Gyathri, B S; Pramod, SA Study was conducted to evaluate the utility of bypass nutrients in maintaining the growth rate of crossbred heifers under varying levels of thermal stress. The study was conducted for 120 days, with equal periods of mild and moderate thermal stress. Eighteen female (5-12 months) cattle were used in the present study. The animals were randomly allocated into three groups of six animals each, viz. Treatment 1, Treatment 2, and the control group. Feed for Treatment Group 1 contained 50 % of dietary protein as natural bypass protein, while the control feed had 35 % of total protein as natural bypass protein. Animals in treatment group 2 were supplemented with 50 g of bypass fat per day along with control feed. The feed composition was prepared by using the formulation in ICAR, 2013. Feeding of cattle was done at 7.00 am and 2.00 pm daily. Also, a fixed amount of roughage was provided two times a day. The weather variables were recorded using an automatic temperature logger and the THI was calculated. The cattle's growth rate was determined by biweekly taking its body weight and biometrical parameters such as body length, chest girth, and body height. Physiological parameters such as respiration rate, pulse rate, rectal temperature, rumen motility, and body surface temperature were recorded at weekly intervals during forenoon and afternoon hours. By comparing the values in both the forenoon and afternoon, it was observed that the physiological rates such as respiration rate, pulse rate, rectal temperature, and body surface temperature were higher in the afternoon when compared with the forenoon. The rumen motility was higher in the forenoon than in the afternoon. The serological parameters such as glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, albumin, and total protein were analyzed. The study revealed significant differences in several parameters, including wither height and chest circumference (biometrical parameters), pulse rate (physiological parameter), and serum levels of glucose, calcium, cholesterol, triglycerides, and albumin about THI. It was also observed that bypass protein and fat supplementation did not significantly enhance the growth rate of crossbred heifers during the study period. Keywords: Bypass nutrients; Bypass fat; Bypass protein; Heat stress; Cattle; GrowthItem Impact of climate change on the temporal,and spatial distribution of the great pied hornbill (Buceros bicornis) in western ghats(College of Climate Change and Environmental Science, Vellanikkara, 2023-11-10) Fathima Hanna, M; Nameer, P OIn India's Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot, the convergence of challenges including extreme climatic events, habitat loss, and fragmentation poses a significant threat. These factors are particularly concerning for specialized species like Great Pied Hornbills (Buceros bicornis), which have specific requirements, are large-bodied, and depend on expansive territories. This study delves into the ramifications of climate change on the distribution patterns of Great Pied Hornbills along the Western Ghats. This study encompassed an area of approximately 130,874 square kilometers within the Western Ghats, which is regarded as a potential habitat for the species. The study utilized R software and ArcGIS for data management, while Maxent Software was employed specifically for modeling purposes. However, the study's results highlight that only about 20% of the Western Ghats region exhibits the presence of Great Pied Hornbills. Initially, a dataset of 7,470 presence locations of Great Pied Hornbills was utilized for the study. After undergoing a series of processes including duplicate removal, filtering, and data thinning, this dataset was reduced to 764 occurrence points. It's worth noting that these observations are concentrated in specific localized zones within the Western Ghats. These regions include protected areas like Kalakad Munduthurai Tiger Reserve, Agaisthyamal Forest Reserve, Shrivilliputhur Megamali Forest Reserve, Thenmala Reserve Forest, Periyar Tiger Reserve, Pampadum Shola National Park, Anamali Tiger Reserve, Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, Nelliyampathy Forest Reserve, Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary, Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary, Sholayar Reserve Forest, Silent Valley National Park, Attappadi Reserve Forest, New Amarambalam Wildlife Sanctuary, Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary, Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary, Kottiyoor Reserve Forest, Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Greater Thalacauvery National Park, Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, Anashi National Park, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Mollem National Park, Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhondia Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary, Radhanagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, and Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary. To analyze the potential future suitable habitat scenarios, this study employed three distinct Shared Socio-economic Pathways (SSPs): SSP1-2.6, SSP3-7.0, and SSP5-79 8.5. These scenarios provide comprehensive frameworks that consider different trajectories of socio-economic development, population growth, and technological advancements. By using these SSPs, the study aimed to explore a range of possible future conditions, each characterized by varying degrees of greenhouse gas emissions and resultant climate change impacts. SSP1-2.6 envisions a future with ambitious mitigation efforts, leading to a pathway that has the least impact on the climate. In contrast, SSP3-7.0 and SSP5-8.5 represent scenarios with higher emissions and corresponding climate change impacts. Under the projected scenario of SSP5-8.5, it is anticipated that the species will encounter a substantial decline, resulting in the loss of approximately 7.37% of their current suitable climatic niche. This implies that a significant portion of the environmental conditions that currently support the species' existence and thriving will become less hospitable. This alteration in the climatic niche has the potential to bring about notable consequences for various aspects of the species, including its distribution, dynamics of population, and broader interactions within the ecosystem. However, the study reveals a concerning trend of contraction in future distribution due to the influence of changing climatic conditions. This impact extends beyond mere distribution, encompassing critical aspects such as nesting, breeding, and fruiting dynamics. The magnitude of this anticipated loss underscores the urgency of conservation efforts and the need to implement adaptive strategies that could mitigate the adverse impacts of such changes on the species' viability and ecosystem roles.Item Habitat ecology and land use change impacts on the heronries of Palakkad district, Kerala(College of Climate Change and Environmental Science , Vellanikkara, 2024-08-02) Vismaya.Item Vegetation and forest carbon dynamics in relation to anthropogenic impacts and climate variability at selected sites in India(College of Climate Change and Environmental Science , Vellanikkara, 2024-07-26) Swedha, P Sudevan; Vinay Kumar DadhwalHuman activities, particularly monoculture plantations and infrastructure development, significantly alter natural landscapes. Monitoring these activities in global biodiversity hotspots is crucial. This study focuses on spatiotemporal changes in vegetation and carbon dynamics in two distinct regions: Kottayam district in Kerala, and the Pualreng Wildlife Sanctuary (PWS) in Mizoram. The primary objective of the first study was to monitor the expansion of rubber plantations in Kottayam, Kerala, which is the state’s highest rubber-producing district. Mapping and estimating carbon stocks are essential to understand the environmental impacts resulting from rubber plantation growth. Remote sensing technologies, including Landsat 7 and LISS-IV satellite images and topographical maps, were used to identify spatiotemporal dynamics and assess carbon stock. Forest cover dynamics were evaluated using the Forest Survey of India (FSI) and multi-temporal data, revealing that rubber plantations now cover 56.93% of the district’s total geographical area. Additionally, 4.48% of the area consists of natural forests, including teak monoculture (2.01%). Estimating aboveground biomass (AGB) and carbon stock is critical for climate change considerations. The study estimated a total carbon storage of 8.3 teragrams for the entire study area in 2018. The second study focused on anthropogenic impacts, specifically the Tuirial hydroelectric project within Pualreng Wildlife Sanctuary (PWS), Mizoram. Using remote sensing techniques and satellite imagery from Landsat and Sentinel-2A, the study analysed tree loss over the past two decades. The results revealed a significant reduction in forest cover due to infrastructure development, leading to habitat fragmentation and biodiversity loss. Recommendations include environmental assessments and conservation initiatives to mitigate the impacts caused by the Tuirial hydroelectric project on PWS. Age-based approach for enhanced C-stock for rubber plantations. Understanding these dynamics and implementing conservation measures are critical for maintaining ecosystem health and resilience in these regionsItem Forest biomass dynamics using forest inventory data of Kerala(College of Climate Change and Environmental Science, Vellanikkara, 2024-07-26) Gopika S Pillai; Vinay Kumar DhadhwalThe study focuses on the dynamics of forest carbon. The objectives of the study is to estimate the forest carbon dynamics using Working Plans and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques and analysis of carbon stock. Idukki and Palakkad districts of the state of Kerala are chosen as the study areas since they are the two districts with the highest forest cover in the state. Working plans (WP) prepared by Kerala Forest department, India State Forest Report prepared by Forest Survey of India (FSI) and data from published literatures are being used for the study. GIS technologies are used for the mapping and the estimation of the area of different plantation types and Reserve Forest of both districts. The forest beat boundaries of both the districts are mapped as well. The area obtained through mapping is corroborated with forest cover area as mentioned in the FSI reports. Around 1130 square kilometers of plantation area is present in Idukki district, which accounts for about 22 per cent of its geographical area. Tea, Cardamom and Eucalyptus occupy the largest areas of plantation respectively. Reserve Forests (RF) spans around an area 2800 square kilometers of the district accounting for approximately 55 per cent of its Geographical Area. The largest reserve forests are Malayattur, Periyar and Thodupuzha RF. In case of Palakkad district, around 370 sq. km of plantation area is present, accounting for about 8 per cent of the district’s geographical area. Teak, Rubber and Cashew occupy the largest area among all of the plantation types respectively. About 2130 sq. km of Reserve Forest area is present in Palakkad district which is around 47 per cent of the geographical area. From the estimation of natural forest tree cover loss and plantation tree cover loss (of the past two decades), it could be noted that the highest natural forest tree cover loss was during 2018-19 period in both the districts- around 900 ha and 750 ha in Idukki and Palakkad districts respectively. Whereas in the case of plantation tree cover loss, the highest loss was noted during the period of 2011-12 in Idukki district (100-120 ha) and 2018-19 in Palakkad district (220-250 ha). Spatial mapping of Above Ground Biomass (AGB) from the published data of Santoro indicates that the highest AGB is found in forest beat areas which is around 109 to 239 million tonnes and 88 to 240 million tonnes in Idukki and Palakkad districts respectively. For the teak plantation analysis, the age of the teak plantations of each range is calculated from the year of plantation and year of harvesting as mentioned in the WPs of the respective ranges. Whether the parameter is Mean Annual Increment (MAI) or Growing Stock (GS) or Volume of timber or Mass of firewood, they are heavily influenced by the age of the plantation tree along with certain other components like site quality and topography. The productivity of plantation trees is maximum around the mid 40 years of age and also, increases considerably after 60 years of age. The volume of different species belonging to the natural forests of the selected ranges of Idukki district are estimated. In the Kothamangalam division, Pali occupies the highest volume, meanwhile in the Anakulam and Mankulam ranges of Mankulam division, Nanku and Miscellaneous species occupy the highest volume respectively.Item Evaluation of the utility of bypass nutrients in maintaining the growth rate of crossbred heifers under varying levels of thermal stress(College of Climate Change and Environmental Science , Vellanikkara, 2024-08-24) Gayathri, B S.; Pramod, SA Study was conducted to evaluate the utility of bypass nutrients in maintaining the growth rate of crossbred heifers under varying levels of thermal stress. The study was conducted for 120 days, with equal periods of mild and moderate thermal stress. Eighteen female (5-12 months) cattle were used in the present study. The animals were randomly allocated into three groups of six animals each, viz. Treatment 1, Treatment 2, and the control group. Feed for Treatment Group 1 contained 50 % of dietary protein as natural bypass protein, while the control feed had 35 % of total protein as natural bypass protein. Animals in treatment group 2 were supplemented with 50 g of bypass fat per day along with control feed. The feed composition was prepared by using the formulation in ICAR, 2013. Feeding of cattle was done at 7.00 am and 2.00 pm daily. Also, a fixed amount of roughage was provided two times a day. The weather variables were recorded using an automatic temperature logger and the THI was calculated. The cattle's growth rate was determined by biweekly taking its body weight and biometrical parameters such as body length, chest girth, and body height. Physiological parameters such as respiration rate, pulse rate, rectal temperature, rumen motility, and body surface temperature were recorded at weekly intervals during forenoon and afternoon hours. By comparing the values in both the forenoon and afternoon, it was observed that the physiological rates such as respiration rate, pulse rate, rectal temperature, and body surface temperature were higher in the afternoon when compared with the forenoon. The rumen motility was higher in the forenoon than in the afternoon. The serological parameters such as glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, albumin, and total protein were analyzed. The study revealed significant differences in several parameters, including wither height and chest circumference (biometrical parameters), pulse rate (physiological parameter), and serum levels of glucose, calcium, cholesterol, triglycerides, and albumin about THI. It was also observed that bypass protein and fat supplementation did not significantly enhance the growth rate of crossbred heifers during the study period.Item Streamflow prediction using deep learning model in southern peninsular river basin(College of Climate Change and Environmental Science , Vellanikkara, 2024-07-11) Renjima, N; Rajat Kumar SharmaHalf of the world's population is living under the highly water-stressed areas, water availability and management (both in terms of quality and quantity) are going to be challenging in coming years due to changes in rainfall characteristics and LULC. Streamflow prediction is important for flood management, reservoir operation, and agriculture. In the present work, we have trained and tested four data-driven machine learning models SVM, RF, XGBOOST, and LSTM for streamflow prediction in the hydrologically similar catchments Meenachil, and Muvattupuzha rivers, situated in Southern Western Ghats, in the state of Kerala, India. All machine learning models performed quite well in streamflow prediction with NSE value > 0.56 in both studied river basins. RF model was found to be outperforming other candidate’s models for streamflow prediction both during model training and testing periods in daily time scale and LSTM model outperforms in monthly timescale. We have found that machine learning performed quite well in hydrologically similar catchments once hyperparameters are exchanged and resulted in almost similar model accuracy. Machine learning models found to have significant potential for predictions in ungauged basins, and thus can be tested in larger sample sets for future potential streamflow modelling in ungauged basinsItem Evaluation of the efficacy of bypass nutrients in maintaining the growth rate of Malabari got kids under varying levels of thermal stress(College of Climate Change and Environmental Science , Vellanikkara, 2024-08-24) Edwiga Joiel Nelson.; Prasad, AGoats are predicted to surpass other species in withstanding heat stress and are considered to be the ideal animal that is climate-resistant, however, their adaptive mechanism in response to heat stress might hamper their growth rate, production and welfare. So, it is vital to strategically alter the diet of goats through the usage of bypass nutrients as a nutritional intervention to improve the growth rate, production and welfare under heat stress. Thus, this study was conducted to evaluate the growth rate of Malabari goat kids under conditions of low and high temperature humidity index and to study the efficacy of dietary supplementation of rumen bypass fat and bypass protein as an adaptation strategy for thermal stress. The study was conducted for six months in prevailing conditions available on the farm. Eighteen female Malabari goat kids (3 to 9 months) were randomly allocated into three groups of six animals each C (n=6, Control), T1 (n=6, Treatment 1) and T2 (n=6, Treatment 2). Two types of ration were prepared in addition to control ration. Firstly, a ration formulated with high natural bypass protein (T1) and secondly, a control ration with bypass fat (T2). All meteorological parameters were recorded daily for the entire duration of the study. Physiological parameters were measured twice a day at 07:00 AM and 2:00 PM biweekly. Blood biochemical parameters and biometrical parameters were also measured and documented biweekly. Bypass fat supplementation did alter the biometrical parameters such as wither height, hip height, and paunch girth where significantly higher values were observed in the T2 group when compared to the C and T1 groups. Also, heart girth and body length showed significantly higher values in the T2 group when compared to the T1 group. However, no significant difference was observed in all biometrical parameters between low and high THI in all three groups. Also, no significant difference was observed in body weight in all three groups against the feed. A significant difference was observed in ADG under high THI with higher values in the T2 group compared to the T1 group. A significant difference was also observed in DMI between low and high THI with higher values in high THI periods in all three groups and also significantly higher DMI was observed in the T2 group when compared to the C and T1 groups. However, FCR did not show any significant difference between low and high THI in all three groups. Bypass fat supplementation did alter physiological parameters with rectal temperature (Forenoon and Afternoon) and body surface temperature (Forenoon and Afternoon) having significantly lower values against the feed in the T2 group when compared to the C and T1 groups. No significant difference was observed in rectal temperature (Forenoon) and body surface temperature (Forenoon and afternoon) between high and low THI in all three groups. However rectal temperature (Afternoon) showed a significant difference in the T2 group between high and low THI with lower values in the low THI compared to the high THI period. Respiration rate (Forenoon and Afternoon) and Pulse rate (Forenoon and Afternoon) showed no significant difference against the feed in all three groups. However, respiration rate (Afternoon) showed a significant difference between low and high THI in both T1 and T2 groups with lower values in high THI periods whereas respiration rate (Forenoon) did not show a significant difference between low and high THI in all three groups. Pulse rate (Forenoon) did not show a significant difference in T1 and T2 groups between low and high THI. However, the pulse rate (Afternoon) differed significantly in the T1 group between low and high THI with lowered pulse rate during low THI periods. Bypass fat supplementation did alter blood biochemical parameters such as serum glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, calcium, magnesium, albumin, and total protein levels with significantly higher values in the T2 when compared to the C and T1 groups. Blood biochemical parameters such as cholesterol and triglyceride levels showed a significant difference between low and high THI in all three groups with higher values in high THI periods and also, higher levels were observed in the T2 group compared to the C and T1 groups respectively. Serum calcium levels also showed a significant difference between low and high THI in the T2 group where higher values were observed during the high THI period compared to the low THI period. However, no significant difference was observed in serum glucose, total protein, albumin, phosphorus, and magnesium levels between low and high THI in all three groups (C, T1, T2). Hence, this study revealed that bypass fat supplementation could be considered an ideal nutrient strategy to be used in heat-stressed animals to increase the energy and nutrient density of the diet thereby helping to maintain the growth and welfare of the Malabari goat breed in the hot tropical climate of Southern IndiaItem Assessing the correlation of thermal stress and oxidative status during the late gestation period in cross-bred dairy cattle(College of Climate Change and Environmental Science , Vellanikkara, 2024-07-27) Anupama; Beena, VThe production of crossbred dairy cattle is adversely affected by the thermal stress, specifically in hot humid states as that of Kerala. Thus the assessment of stress intensity and its correlation with physiological alterations are of profound significance in laying down appropriate mitigation strategies specifically when thermal stress induces oxidative stress in the late gestation period. Hence this study is formulated to assess the correlation of thermal stress and oxidative status during the late gestation period in cross-bred dairy cattle. Two distinct sets of six healthy crossbred cows completing their 210 days of gestation were selected from the University Livestock Farm and Fodder Research and Development Scheme, KVASU, Mannuthy for the present study. The first set included six crossbred cattle that completed the 210th day of gestation in December 2023, serving as the control group (season Ⅰ). The second set consisted of animals that completed 210th day of gestation in March 2024 (season Ⅱ) so their late gestation period (last two months) fell in the period of elevated temperature humidity index (THI) (Jisha et al., 2020). The animals were maintained at standard feeding (ICAR, 2013) and management practices during the study period. Clean drinking water was provided ad libitum. During the study period, ambient temperature and relative humidity were collected. In-house temperature, in-house relative humidity, respiration rate, rectal temperature, and skin temperature (forehead, ear, neck, fore leg, hind leg, and udder) were recorded at 10.00 A.M., 2.00 P.M., and 5.00 P.M. Blood collection was done during the 9th month from dams and new-born calves. The climatic and physiological parameters were recorded on three-day intervals specifically at 10.00 A.M., 2.00 P.M., and 5.00 P.M during the study period. All the climatic parameters were significantly elevated in the heat-stressed season (season Ⅱ) compared to the season Ⅰ. In season Ⅱ, there was a significant increase in respiratory rate, rectal temperature, and skin temperature. The heat stress did not result in significant differences in various biochemical parameters such as triglycerides (TG), serum albumin, albumin:globulin (A/G), Total cholesterol, Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and Total protein (TP) in dams. Significant differences due to heat stress were absent in hematological parameters of haemoglobin level (Hb), RBC count, WBC count, packed cell volume (PCV), differential leukocyte . count (DLC), and blood glucose in dams. Endocrine parameter cortisol exhibited no significant change as well. Vitamin C and vitamin D had no change between the seasons in dams. In addition, an insignificant difference was observed in calves’ biochemistry of total cholesterol and calves’ haematology of haemoglobin level (Hb), RBC count, WBC count, packed cell volume, and blood glucose. Gestation length and calves’ birth weight followed a similar trend of insignificance. A significant difference of decreased glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and increased serum albumin was noted in dams. Vitamin A and vitamin E exhibited a significant decrease in the high THI season. Calves’ biochemistry showcased a significant difference in TG (increase), serum globulin (increase), A/G (decrease), and GGT (increase). Furthermore, a significant decrease in lymphocytes and an increase in monocytes and granulocytes were observed in calves’ during the high THI period. This study revealed that there was a heat stress induced oxidative stress on the animals during their late gestation period, even though the effect of heat stress was not manifested at the biochemical or haematological level.Item Assessment of the correlation between thermal stress and mineral status during late gestation in cross bred dairy cattle(College of Climate Change and Environmental Science,Vellanikkara, 2024-07-27) Devamalini,B S.; Harikumar,SIn a hot, humid tropical state like Kerala, the production of crossbred dairy cattle is severely impacted by thermal stress. To implement appropriate mitigation strategies and achieve sustainable production, it is crucial to assess the level of stress and its relationship to physiological changes, particularly when both thermal stress and metabolic stress occur during the late gestation stage. Hence this study was formulated for the assessment of the correlation between thermal stress and mineral status during late gestation in cross-bred dairy cattle. Two distinct sets of six healthy Holstein Friesian crossbred cows (Frieswal) from the 210th day of gestation to the day of calving were selected from the University Livestock Farm and Fodder Research Development Scheme, KVASU, Mannuthy for the present study. The first set included six animals commencing their 210th day of gestation in December, serving as the control group (season Ⅰ). The second set consisted of another six animals commencing their 210th day of gestation in March (season Ⅱ). Thus, the late gestation period of these animals fell in the period of elevated temperature humidity index (THI) (Jisha, 2020). The animals were maintained at standard feeding (ICAR, 2013) and management practices for the entire study period. Clean drinking water was provided ad libitum. During the study period, ambient temperature and relative humidity were collected. Inhouse temperature, inhouse relative humidity, inhouse floor temperature, respiration rate, rectal temperature, and skin temperature (forehead, ear, neck, forelimb, hindlimb, and udder) were recorded at 10:00 A.M., 2:00 P.M., and 5:00 P.M. The blood was taken on 210th, 240th, and 270th days of gestation. The blood samples were collected from the animals two times at the beginning of the 8th and 9th months and from newborn calves. The meteorological and physiological parameters were recorded on three-day intervals from the 210th day specifically at 10:00 A.M., 2:00 P.M., and 5:00 P.M. till the day of calving. All the climatic parameters were significantly elevated in the heat-stressed season (season Ⅱ) compared to the season Ⅰ. In season Ⅱ, there was a significant increase in respiration rate, rectal temperature, and skin temperature. 93 Minerals like Cu, Se, Fe, and Co showed a significant difference. Biochemical parameters like glucose, total protein, albumin, and globulin did not show a consistently significant change. Also, a significant increase in thyroxine (T4) during the heat stress period was noted. Even in the low THI period, the animal started responding to variations in temperature. Microenvironment manipulations like intermittent wetting, ventilation, and forced ventilation as well as mineral supplementation could be adopted for alleviating thermal stress in the terminal stage of gestation in dairy cows for optimizing production in the subsequent lactation period and also the health of the calf born. This observation also pointed to the fact that the thermoneutral zone of different categories of dairy cattle corresponding to different physiological states has to be reassessed with continuous monitoring of physiological parameters in a climate-controlled environment.