Himachal Journal of Agricultural Research

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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Loopamudra Sarma ¹, S. Katoch ¹, Y. P. Thakur ¹, Varun Sankhyan ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur ­176 062, IN

Abstract

Wool yield data on first and second annual wool clips and cumulative yield over first two years on 588 German Angora rabbits of either sex, maintained at Angora Rabbit Breeding Farm, Kandwari, Palampur (HP) in sub­ temperate, mid­hill region of Himachal Pradesh at altitude of 1300 mts above MSL over a period of 8 years (2000 to 2007) were analysed to study the effect of year and season of kindling and sex of the animal on performance for these wool yield traits. All rabbits were farm bred progeny obtained during subsequent generation mating of a foundation stock (8 bucks and 32 does) of an improved imported strain of German Angora breed. The overall least squares means estimated were 594.22 ± 67.13 g, 591.82 ± 193.67 g and 1185.96 ± 202.96 g for first annual, second annual and cumulative wool yields respectively. The year of kindling effect was observed significant (P<0.01) on all wool production traits under study while seasonal influence was significant (P<0.05) for first annual wool clip only. The sex differences were observed statistically non­significant. From the results, it can be concluded that among different non­genetic factors, the period of kindling is the single largest effect influencing performance of German Angora rabbits for annual and cumulative wool production traits.

Keywords

Annual Wool Yields, German Angora Rabbits, Non­ Genetic Factors.

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