Himachal Journal of Agricultural Research

Ajit Bangthai ¹, Pankaj Sood ¹, Madhumeet Singh ¹, Ravinder Kumar ¹, P. K. Dogra ¹, Trilok Nanda ², Ravindra Sharma ², T. M. Vishwaradhya ², Pankaj Kumar ², Pravesh Kumar ¹

Affiliations
1 DGCN College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, CSK HPKV, Palampur, 176 062, H.P., IN
2 Lalalajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, 125 001, IN

Abstract

The present study evaluated the efficacy, lactation response, certain attributes of the milk induced and plasma alongwith reproductive changes periodically from day 5 to 75 using a 13 day protocol (day of first injection as day 1) of diethylstilbestrol, hydroxyprogesterone caproate and dexamethasone. A total of 22 non-lactating and infertile/sterile Jersey crossbred cows (G1=19, in goshalas; G2=3, with individual farmers) were used. In addition, normal postpartum cows (C=5) were also used to compare normal and induced milk. The overall efficacy of the protocol was 31.8% (21% in G1; 100% in G2). The milk yield at all recordings (five) was significantly higher in G2 than G1, the average being 1.0 and 3.6 L/d, respectively. Except for low milk Ca, especially in G1, comparable Na, K and Mg, declining estrogen and IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor-1) by day 30-35 and normal specific gravity and fat percentage at different evaluation intervals (two to six) in the induced milk suggested it to be safe for consumption after one month of induction. There was a significant correlation in Ca and Mg concentrations between blood versus milk as well as with increase in milk quantity at different days of lactation in the induced cows. Further, 2 of the 3 G2 chronic repeat breeder cows became pregnant. Higher BCS in G2 versus G1 (3.3 ± 0.1 versus 2.7 ± 0.14) was the probable reason for superior efficacy, better lactation response and setting up of pregnancy in G2.

Keywords

Cows, Induction of Lactation, Diethylstilbestrol, Progesterone.

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Varun Sankhyan ¹, Y. P. Thakur ¹, S. Katoch ¹, P. K. Dogra ¹

Affiliations
1 Animal Genetics and Breeding, DGCN College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur-176 062, IN

Abstract

An investigation was carried out to study the effect of season, genotype, age of breeder hen and source of egg collection on fertility, hatchability and chick survivability at Palampur during July 2010 to August 2012. There was significant effect of season on the fertility (P<0.01). The highest average fertility was observed in winter (90.54±0.64%) followed by monsoon (86.74±1.45%) and summer (84.73±1.67%). The highest mean fertility was found in Native, followed by Native x Dahlem Red (DR) and Native x Rhode Island Red (RIR). The highest average fertility and hatchability were observed in 40-60 week age group followed by 26-40 week and 60 and above. The source of collection of egg also has significant effect on hatchability as well as fertility (p<0.01). Eggs collected from farmer's flock had lower fertility (81.06±1.33%) and hatchability (67.61±1.80%) when compared with fertility (88.27±0.88%) and hatchability (74.70±1.17%) of farm's eggs. The hatchability operation under sub temperate condition of the region can be effectively carried out throughout the year without much reduction in fertility and hatchability, although greater care and managemental precision must be exercised in winter season both during hatching as well as brooding in the region.

Keywords

Fertility, Hatchability, Chick Survivability.

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Varon Sankhyan ¹, P. K. Dogra ¹, Y. P. Thakur ¹, Sanjeet Katoch ¹, Rakesh Thakur ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Dr. G.C. Negi College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur-176 062, IN

Abstract

The migratory/transhumance system of goat production traditionally followed by tribal 'Gaddi' community of Himachal Pradesh is generally associated with slower growth rate, high mortality and low survivability of kids which are main limiting factors in profitable goat husbandry. By analyzing different causes of mortality, it is possible to develop appropriate remedial strategies to improve productivity, reduce production losses due to ailments and mortality and increase overall profitability of this avocation. The present study was, therefore, conducted to analyze various factors associated with pre weaning mortality under migratory rearing of Gaddi goats. Pre weaning mortality incidence was studied in three field units under different migratory routes over a period of 3 years in relation to various predisposing factors and causes of mortality. The participatory rural appraisal technique and routine flock visits were adopted to collect the data on field units. The study revealed that weaning is practiced at 4-5 months of age and sub-optimal management practices were adopted for care and management of pregnant/lactating does and new born kids of Gaddi goats. Overall kid mortality incidence of 11.5 % and survival rate of 88.5 % up to weaning was recorded. Overall pre weaning mortality in base line (1st), 2nd&3rd year were obtained as 15.70%, 10.83% and 8.67 % respectively. Progressive reduction in mortality was observed over the years in different units that could be attributed to better management practices. From the study, it is evident that causes of pre weaning mortality were multifactorial and can be resolved by developing suitable and effective interventions.

Keywords

Gaddi Goats, Pre-Weaning Mortality, Migratory Rearing.

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Rakesh Thakur ¹, Varun Sankhyan ¹, P. K. Dogra ¹

Affiliations
1 CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Hamirpur-177 044, IN

Abstract

Maize is one of the major ingredients of poultry feed and being a major Kharif crop in H.P., it is readily available in the area. But majority of the broiler poultry farmers in the region are using readymade feed. In the present study, the cost of feeding broilers was studied where in one group was fed weighed quantity of starter and finisher ration from 8-21 and 22-40 days of age respectively while the second group was fed grounded local maize plus booster ration in the ratio of 50:50 from 8-21 days and 60:40 from 22-40 days of age. Results revealed that the feed conversion ratio and weight gain was comparable among two groups but the cost offeeding per broiler was Rs 113.27 in readymade feed fed group while it was only Rs 99.75 in maize plus booster ration fed group. Thus, it may be concluded that feeding of maize plus booster ration to broiler chicks effectively reduced the cost of feeding per broiler and increase return per bird without any untoward impact on broiler performance.

Keywords

Broiler, Maize, Booster and Readymade Feed.

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Devina Sharma ¹, R. K. Agnihotri ¹, P. K. Dogra ², Divya Sen ¹, Ajay Katoch ³

Affiliations
1 Department of Veterinary Parasitology, DGCN College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur ­176 062, IN
2 Department of Livestock Production and Management, DGCN College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur ­176 062, IN
3 Department of Veterinary Medicine, DGCN College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur ­176 062, IN

Abstract

A study was conducted to observe the incidence of gastrointestinal parasitic infections, qualitatively and quantitatively in apparently healthy Chegu goats from the tribal area of Lahaul and Spiti of Himachal Pradesh to generate a baseline data of the natural parasitic infections in that area. The qualitative coprological studies revealed that 76.66% goats were positive for one or another type of gastrointestinal parasites. The coccidian oocysts, ova of strongyles and amphistomes were found in 71.42%, 17.85% and 3.57%, animals, respectively. The quantitative coprological studies revealed the average egg per gram of faeces (EPG) to be 257.14 ± 62.67 with a range of 100­ 1200. Eimeria parva, Eimeria ovina and Eimeria ninakohlyakimovae were the species of coccidia that were identified. The average oocyst per gram of faeces was found to be 1010.71 ± 93.72 and it ranged between 300­-2300.

Keywords

Incidence, Gastrointestinal Parasites, Chegu Goat.

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Rakesh Thakur ¹, P. K. Dogra ²

Affiliations
1 CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Krishi Vigyan Kendra Mandi at Sundernagar - 175 019, IN
2 Department of Instructional Livestock Farm Complex, DGCN College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur - 176 062, IN

Abstract

Minerals though required in very minute quantity, hold potential to bring about remarkable changes in animal productivity. As the rainfall and mineral profile of soil varies across different regions, the mineral content of feed and fodder resources grown in that area also changes. As a result the availability of minerals for livestock feeding across different regions is also not uniform. Keeping this in view, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya has developed four different area specific mineral mixtures (ASMM) for different agro climatic zones of Himachal Pradesh. In the present Front line demonstrations the farmers' feedback on dietary ASMM supplementation in milch animals in District Mandi which falls in Zone II of Himachal Pradesh is elucidated. The results revealed that ASMM supplementation improved milk yield, hair coat and reproductive performance in milch animals but the awareness and availability of ASMM in the area need upscaling.

Keywords

Area Specific Mineral Mixture, Awareness, Milk Yield, Reproduction.

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