Himachal Journal of Agricultural Research

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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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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Rakesh Thakur ¹, Arun Sharma ¹, P.K. Dogra ¹

Affiliations
1 CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kangra-176 001, IN

Abstract

Milk production follows a seasonal fluctuation which corresponds to the availability of green fodder. To sustain milk production during lean season’s use of various nutrient dense feed supplements is advocated. In the present study effectiveness of UMMB licks vs PEM bolus was assessed under field conditions. These supplements were provided to milch animals of randomly selected dairy farmers regularly for fifty days and the farmers feedback was collected through personnel interview. The information so generated revealed that both UMMB and PEM supplements were effective in improving milk production but has no apparent impact on body condition. Further in terms of ease of feeding PEM bolus supplementation was reported good while that of UMMB was poor. Farmers also gave the feedback that keeping quality of PEM bolus is not satisfactory and need to be improved.

Keywords

UMMB, PEM, body condition, milk production

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