Karanj Cake Research Articles

Effect of organic fertilisers on the yield and quality of giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) in Jharkhand

Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Hook. f. and Thoms. is an important medicinal plant belonging to the family Menispermaceae that is used in Ayurveda to improve the immune system and the body's resistance against infections. The experiment was conducted at the Botanical Garden, PG Department of Botany, Vinoba Bhave University, Hazaribag, to determine the effect of organic fertilisers on the yield of Tinospora cordifolia. The plants of Tinospora cordifolia were planted in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 12 treatments replicated three times. The seedling plant was transplanted in February 2021 on a plot size of 2 m x 2 m with a spacing level of 100 cm x 100 cm. The number of plants in each treatment was four. Farm Yard Manure (FYM), Vermicompost, Sunflower Cake (SC), Mahua Cake (MC), Linseed Cake (LC), Karanj Cake (KC), Mustered Cake (MC), Neem Cake (NC), Azotobactor, and Tricoderma were used as organic fertilisers for application in all treatments. The useful part of this plant is the stem, and the effectiveness of its medicinal value depends upon its thickness. The objective of this research was to find out the effect of organic fertiliser on the yield of Tinospora cordifolia in Jharkhand. Maximum significant stem yield per hectare (16781.00 kg/ha), dry stem yield per hectare (10695.42 kg/ha), and percentage of Giloy-satva (3.71%) were recorded from Treatment-7 (Application of Linseed Cake: 5 t ha-1). Linseed cake is the best organic fertiliser for the cultivation of Giloy. It will be significant to the farmers and medicinal plant growers interested in the commercial cultivation of Tinospora cordifolia in Jharkhand.

Influence of Organic Nitrogen Sources on Aromatic Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Cultivation in the Eastern Plateau and Hill Region of India

The field experiment was conducted at farm of Divyayan Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India during kharif season of 2021 following the three times replicated randomized block design with 7 organic N sources (control, 100% FYM, 100% vermicompost (VC), 100% Karanj cake (KC), 50% FYM +50% VC, 50% VC +50% KC, 50% FYM +50% KC) to study the response of transplanted aromatic rice to various organic N sources. The results expressed that N applied through manures ensured higher plant response over control and specifically, that through 50% VC +50% KC recorded the maximum plant height, tillers/m2 and leaves/plant. Further, this combined application of VC and KC also recorded maximum productive tillers/m2 (199.3), panicle length (24.1 cm), filled grains/panicle (172.8), test weight (22.9 g), grain yield (7.37 t/ha), straw yield (9.08 t/ha) and harvest index (44.8%) resulting in higher gross return (₹4,83,590/ha), net return (₹3,37,079/ha) and B:C (3.30). 100% N applied through KC remained as the second-best alternative in ensuring high growth, yield and profitability in aromatic rice.

Integrated management of dry root rot of Arachis hypogaea caused by Rhizoctonia bataticola

Groundnut a principal vegetable oilseed crop in India with about 85 percent area under rainfed conditions is prone to dry root rot causing considerable loss in the yield when left unmanaged. In order to find out an effective method of managing the disease, an experiment was conducted at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Tirupati during kharif 2019–20 as an integrated approach by combining the use of bio agents, organic amendments and fungicides. Native bacterial and fungal bio agents along with commercial formulations of Pseudomonas flourescens and T. harzianum, oil cakes and different fungicides were screened and tested for their efficacy against the pathogen under in vitro and field conditions. Experiment was laid out with the best performing bio agent, organic amendment and fungicide using single and combination treatments. Results revealed that, seed treatment with mancozeb @ 3g/kg and with commercial formulation of T. harzianum @ 5g/kg seed along with soil application of karanj cake @ 1.3 t/ha maintained its superiority over other treatments by recording the least PDI, maximum germination percentage (92.10%), root length (35.61 cm), shoot length (14.24 cm), number of pods per plant (26.97) and pod yield (3797.77 kg/ha) which proves the synergist effect of all the treatments viz., chemical, biological and organic amendment. Hence, integrated management of dry root rot combining chemical, biological and cultural practices effectively controls the disease besides enhancing the crop yields.

Influence of different organic manures on seed and oil yield and economics of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

A field experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2019-20 at Farm of Agronomy Section, College of Agriculture, Latur to find out the influence of different organic manures on growth and yield attributes of sesame. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with nine treatments and replicated three times. The treatments were T1-Control, T2-100%N (Urea), T3-75%N (Urea) + 25%N (FYM), T4-75%N (Urea) + 25%N (Vermicompost), T5-75%N (Urea) + 25%N (Poultry manure), T6-75%N (Urea) + 25%N (Neem cake), T7-75%N(Urea) + 25%N (Karanj cake), T8-75%N (Urea) + 25%N (Castor cake) and T9-75%N (Urea) + Azotobactor. Application of 75%N through (Urea) + 25%N through (Poultry manure) (T5) resulted in maximum seed yield (516 kg ha-1), oil content (48.67%) and oil yield (251 kg ha-1). Maximum gross monetary return (₹ 51642 ha-1), net monetary return (₹ 29106 ha-1), cost of cultivation (₹ 22536 ha-1) and B:C ratio (2.29) were also obtained due to application of 75%N through (Urea) + 25%N through (Poultry manure) (T5).

Integrated management of bacterial wilt of ginger incited by Ralstonia solanacearum

An experiment was conducted to find out the integrated management of Ralstonia solanacearum infecting ginger. Two antibiotics, two biocontrol agents, one phytoextract and one organic amendment and their combination were used. The average reduction in pre emergence seed rot and post emergence seedling mortality recorded with all the treatments tested were ranged from 16.50 to 80.39 per cent over untreated. However, significantly highest reduction in average preemergence seed rot and post- emergence seedling mortality was recorded with streptocycline + P. fluorescens (80.39%). This was followed by streptocycline + karanj cake (72.31%), streptocycline + T. viride (69.55%), streptocycline (58.68%), karanj cake + A. sativum (48.49%), P. fluorescens (44.94%), karanj cake (36.79%). Whereas, T. viride, A. sativum and gentamycin were found least effective with comparatively minimum reduction in average mortality, 26.94, 20.94 and 16.50 per cent, respectively. Of the treatments tested, significantly highest root length (8.60 cm), shoot length (18.43 cm) and vigour index (2342.69) were recorded with streptocycline + P. fluorescens.

Effect of inorganic, organic and Biofertilizers on growth characteristics of Albizzia lebbeck (L.) Benth at seedling stage

The study entitled “Effect of inorganic, organic and biofertilizers on growth characteristics of Albizzia lebbeck (L.) Benth at seedling stage” was conducted in research plots of faculty of forestry, BAU, Ranchi during the session 2018-2019. The nursery layout was made according to the requirements of the study. The study was conducted for time period of 6 months. The various treatment compositions were made by using inorganic, organic and biofertilizers with various levels. The seed characteristics were studied before sowing into the polybag. The germination, growth and quality parameters of Albizzia lebbeck under the influence of various treatments were studied. The growth parameters showed variation among the treatment combinations. Albizzia lebbeck seedlings under influence of applied treatment combinations showed that maximum was in PSB and Urea (40.73 cm), maximum was in PSB and Urea (29.10 cm), maximum was in Brady rhizobium japonicum and Karanj cake (5.07 mm). The quality parameters were found to be significantly different between treatments Albizzia lebbeck seedlings under influence of applied treatment combinations showed that maximum was in treatment containing sole Urea (1.29),vigour index (V.I) of Albizzia lebbeck seedlings under influence of applied treatment combinations showed that maximum was in treatment in PSB and Urea combination (6486.65),sturdiness quotient (S.Q) of Albizzia lebbeck seedlings under influence of applied treatment combinations showed that maximum was in PSB and Urea combination (8.95) and Dickson quality index (Q.I) of Albizzia lebbeck seedlings under influence of applied treatment combinations showed that maximum was in Brady rhizobium japonicum(1.92). The available nitrogen was found maximum in treatment combinations of Brady rhizobium japonicum and Karanj cake (T7) i.e. 371.2 kgha-1. While available phosphorous was found maximum in treatment combinations of PSB and Urea (T8) i.e. 37.83 Kgha-1.

Exploratory Studies on the Detoxification of Karanj Cake through Various Processing Techniques

Exploratory Studies on the Detoxification of Karanj Cake through Various Processing Techniques

Non-conventional meals and cakes in ruminants

A comprehensive review on nutritive value of non-conventional meals and cakes, viz. sal seed meal, neem cake, castor oil cake, karanj cake, rubber seed meal, guar meal and palm kernel cake, their safe levels of inclusion in ruminant diet and various processing methods for their detoxification was carried out. CP content in above feeds was well above 20% except sal seed meal (14%). Among several methods water washing, soaking, steam cooking, chemical and biological methods were the most abundantly tried by the researchers. Chemical treatment was effective in reducing toxic principles from sal seed meal (80–90%), neem seed cake, castor oil cake (around 100%) and karanj cake. In several cases, water washing after chemical treatment resulted in huge loss of dry matter (DM). Biological treatment with fungal culture was successful for the safe inclusion of guar meal and rubber seed cake. Thus non-conventional ingredients on detoxification hold a great promise in reducing the competition for feedstuff among human and ruminants and also in balancing ruminant ration.

INTEGRATED DISEASE MANAGEMENT OF BULL’S EYE PATHOGEN INFECTING LYCOPERSICON ESCULENTUM (TOMATO)

Early blight disease in Lycopersicon esculentum (Tomato) caused by Alternaria solani is a disease posing economical threat to tomato cultivation worldwide. The efficacy of fifteen plant extracts (Polyalthia longifolia, Azadirachta indica, Datura stramonium, Ocimum sanctum, Calotropis procera, Crotalaria juncea, Eucalyptus obliqua, Cassia fistula Agele marmelos, Croton bonplonadium, Pergularia daemia, Cleome viscose, Phyllanthus amarus, Bauhinia purpurea and Euphorbia hirta), five Trichoderma harzianum strains (T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5) and seven de oiled cakes (neem cake, castor cake, karanj cake, mustard cake, groundnut cake, salmeal cake and mahua cake) were investigated in vitro and in vivo conditions. In laboratory conditions, all the treatments inhibited the mycelium of A. solani. T5 strain of Trichoderma harzianum (81%), Eucalyptus obliqua (80.7% at 15% concentration) among plant extracts and karanj cake (48.6% at 10% concentration) among de oiled cakes recorded maximum mycelium inhibition of the pathogen. Pot culture experiments were further conducted to check the combined effect of selected plant extracts and de oiled cakes (from laboratory conditions) with Trichoderma harzianum. All the three compatible constituents were further evaluated in the field conditions. The combination of T5 + Eucalyptus obliqua + karanj cake recorded maximum inhibition of (59.8%) against A. solani and was comparable with fungicide mancozeb (71.8%). Foliar spray application of tomato plants with all the combined constituents has significantly reduced the early blight infection as compared to untreated control. Thus, it could be concluded that the synergistic effect of combined constituents may be an efficacious treatment against Alternaria solani as an invulnerable option to synthetic agrochemicals.

Expression patterns and immunohistochemical analysis of ERK, HRAS and MEK1 proteins during ovarian prehierarchical follicular development in Zi geese (Anser cygnoides)

Although, Karanj (Pongamia glabra) cake is an important proteinaceous feed resource for livestock but the presence of toxic principles such as karanjin, pongamol and trypsin inhibitors in raw solvent extracted karanj cake restricts its comprehensive use as safe animal feed resources. In the present investigation solvent extracted raw karanj cake was subjected to in vitro studies by incorporation in the concentrate mixture at four graded levels replacing soy bean meal on protein equivalent basis (25, 50, 75 and 100%) in order to understand the rumen fermentation pattern. The inclusion of graded levels of solvent extracted raw karanj cake in the concentrate mixture replacing protein in SBM even at 100% resulted no significant difference in rumen in vitro fermentation pattern in terms of substrate degradation and gas volume produced in 24 h, truly degradable organic matter in rumen (TDOMR; mg/ 200mg), TDOMR%, microbial biomass production (MBP; mg/200mg), efficiency of microbial biomass production (MBP/100mg TDOMR) and partitioning factor (PF).

Biochemical and histopathological changes in sheep fed different detoxified karanj (Pongamia glabra) seed cake as partial protein supplements.

The study investigated the long-term effect of feeding processed solvent extracted karanj (Pongamia glabra) cake (SKC) on gross pathology and histopathological changes in some vital organs, and on the activities of serum enzymes in Jalauni lambs. Twenty-four male lambs were divided into 4 groups and allotted randomly to a soybean meal (SBM) based control (CON) and 3 treatment groups receiving concentrate mixtures, containing water washed (WW), 2.5% lime (LM) and 0.4% binder (BN) treated SKC replacing 50% nitrogen of SBM to meet the protein requirements. Blood was collected after 150 days from all the lambs and serum activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were assayed. All lambs were sacrificed after 196 days, and vital organs screened for gross pathological lesions. The representative tissues of liver, intestine, parathyroid gland, testis, and epididymis were sampled, preserved in 10% formalin and processed to examine histopathological changes by staining with haematoxylin and eosin (HE). The serum enzyme activities of AST and ALT were similar in the treatments, but the activity of LDH was higher (P < 0.01) in processed SKC-fed groups than the control. The weight and size of the liver were decreased in BN group, while those of testes were decreased in both LM and BN groups. The histological sections of the testes and epididymis of lambs from LM group showed hypoplastic seminiferous tubules and empty ductules, respectively. The histological sections of the parathyroid gland in the same diet revealed smaller and non-secretory chief cells. The small intestine of lambs from BN group showed infiltration of mononuclear cells (MNC) in lamina propria with mild fibroplasia in intervillous areas. The histological section of liver from this group showed MNC infiltration in portal areas. The inclusion of water washed SKC in the concentrate mixture of lambs did not show gross pathological and histological alterations in the tissues in the vital organs; however, the activity of LDH was significantly (P = 0.001) elevated in processed SKC-fed groups than the control. Thus, feeding of water washed SKC in the concentrate at 225 g/kg for a longer period do not cause any adverse effect in lambs. This is supported by normal activities of serum enzymes and intact histological features in the tissues of liver, intestine, parathyroid gland and testis.

Effect of Dietary Inclusion of Solvent Extracted and Detoxified Karanj (Pongamia Glabra Vent) Cake on Feed Intake, Serum Biochemical Parameters and Economics

Effect of Dietary Inclusion of Solvent Extracted and Detoxified Karanj (Pongamia Glabra Vent) Cake on Feed Intake, Serum Biochemical Parameters and Economics

Comparative Nutritional Evaluation of Raw and Detoxified Karanj (Pongamia glabra) Cake by In vitro Gas Production Technique

Comparative Nutritional Evaluation of Raw and Detoxified Karanj <i>(Pongamia glabra)</i> Cake by <i>In vitro</i> Gas Production Technique

Haemato-biochemical and pathological changes in 7.5% karanj cake (Pongamia glabra) toxicity and its amelioration in broiler chickens

The present experiment was undertaken to study the effect of dietary incorporation of 7.5% expeller karanj cake (EKC) in partial replacement of soybean meal and its amelioration with 1.5% NaOH (w/w) and 0.1% activated charcoal, in order to find out the suitability of its inclusion in poultry ration. The chicks were divided into 5 treatment groups and each group was further replicated to 3 of 6 chicks each. G-1 birds were fed with basal diet as such and G-2 was maintained on 7.5% raw expeller karanj cake incorporated basal diet, and G-3 was fed on 7.5% EKC along with charcoal, while G-4 and G-5 were provided with 1.5% NaOH (w/w) treated EKC alone and in combination with 0.1% activated charcoal in basal diet for 42 days, respectively. An improvement in respect of body weights, feed consumption and feed conversion ratio was observed in G3, 4 and 5 as compared to G2. Haematological profile revealed significant (P < 0.05) reduction of TEC, PCV, Hb and TLC values in G-2 with respect to other groups. The serum biochemical profile revealed significant reduction in protein profile, cholesterol levels and a significant (P < 0.05) increase in creatinine, AST, glucose and A/G ratio in G-2 birds in comparison to other groups. The gross and histopathological changes in G-2 birds comprised of marked congestion and enlargement of liver with marked central venous congestion and mild degenerative changes (hydropic degeneration). Kidneys exhibited gross changes like enlargement and marked congestion which were correlated with marked intertubular haemorrhages, congestion and severe degenerative changes. Bursa and spleen showed slight reduction in size and histopathological sections revealed mild to moderate depletion of lymphocytes in the respective organs. The gross and histopathological changes of the ameliorative groups G-4 and G-5 were mild type in comparison to moderate changes exhibited by G-3 birds. It is concluded that alkali treatment (1.5% NaoH w/w) alone or in combination with activated charcoal was more effective, in comparison to activated charcoal alone, in counteracting the toxicity of karanj cake.

Replacement of soybean meal with processed karanj ( Pongamia glabra) cake on the balances of karanjin and nutrients, as well as microbial protein synthesis in growing lamb

An experiment was conducted to study effects of feeding processed karanj ( Pongamia glabra) cake on digestibility, nutrient balances, karanjin balance and its effects on microbial crude protein (CP) synthesis. Twenty-four male lambs with a body weight of 12.9 ± 0.15 kg and aged 3.5 ± 0.79 months were equally divided into four groups and allotted to a soybean meal (SBM) based control (CON), or one of three concentrate mixtures containing processed solvent extracted karanj cake (SKC), water washed (WW), 25 g/kg lime (LM) and 4 g/kg binder (BN) treated SKC replacing 0.50 of the SBM in the CON. Respective concentrate mixtures were fed with ad libitum oat ( Avena sativa) straw. A metabolism trial was conducted after 90 days and balances of nutrients and karanjin were determined. Intake of all the nutrients was lower (P<0.01) in karanj cake based diets. Intake of dry matter and CP was lower (P<0.01) in all karanj diets versus the control, but digestibility of nutrients was unaffected. Retention of N was lowest (P<0.01) in BN. Lambs fed the WW diet retained more (P<0.01) Ca (g/d) than the control, and retention of P was lower (P<0.01) in karanj cake based diets. Among the SKC fed groups, intake of karanjin was higher (P<0.05) in WW and LM, but lowest in BN. The group fed BN retained less (P<0.01) karanjin than WW and LM. Excretion of purine derivatives (PD) (mmol/d) did not differ among treatments. Excretion of creatinine was higher (P<0.01) in LM and BN diets than in the control. Synthesis of microbial CP was also similar among diets. Feeding of processed SKC containing concentrate mixtures to lambs lowered retention of N and Ca in LM and BN, while higher karanjin was retained in the WW and LM diets. Feeding of processed karanj influenced the balance of N, Ca, P and karanjin, while it had no effect on the microbial protein synthesis.

Performance of growing lambs fed processed karanj (Pongamia glabra) oil seed cake as partial protein supplement to soybean meal

The aim of this study was to determine whether processed karanj (Pongamia glabra) oil seed cake can be used as a supplement to partially replace soybean meal (SBM). Male lambs (n = 24) of uniform body weight (12.88 +/- 0.15 kg) were equally allotted at random to a SBM-based control (CON) and three test concentrate mixtures, containing detoxified solvent extracted karanj cake (SKC) using three processing methods: water washing (WW), 2.5% lime (LM) and 0.4% binder (BN) treatment. The processed SKC replaced 50% nitrogen of SBM of CON. The respective concentrate mixtures were fed along with ad libitum chaffed oat (Avena sativa) straw for 196 days. Dry matter intake was significantly (p < 0.01) lower on WW, LM and BN. Apparent digestibility coefficient of nutrients was comparable, except for total carbohydrates, which was significantly (p < 0.01) lower in LM and BN. Total gain, average daily gain and feed: gain ratio was comparable (p > 0.05) between the CON and WW diets but significantly lower in LM and BN groups. Yield of greasy wool was lower (p < 0.05) in BN group. Comparable dry matter and nutrient (crude protein and total digestible nutrients) conversion efficiency was observed on CON and WW diet but the lambs on the LM and BN diets exhibited lower (p < 0.01) conversion efficiency. It is concluded that SKC after water washing could replace 50% of SBM nitrogen in protein supplementation.

Growth, Nutrient Utilization and Carcass Characteristics in Broiler Chickens Fed Raw and Alkali Processed Solvent Extracted Karanj (Pongamia glabra) Cake as Partial Protein Supplement

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary incorporation of raw and alkali [1.5% NaOH and 3% Ca (OH)2, w/w] treated solvent extracted karanj (Pongamia glabra) cake (SKC) on growth performance and carcass characteristics in broiler chickens during 0 to 6 weeks of age. A basal reference diet was formulated containing soybean meal (SBM) as the major protein source. Another six isonitrogenous and isocaloric test diets were formulated incorporating SKC, 1.5% NaOH treated SKC (NaOH-SKC) and 3% Ca (OH)2 treated SKC (Ca (OH)2-SKC) at 6.43 or 5.5% during starter phase and 12.86 or 11.0% during finisher phase replacing SBM nitrogen of reference diet at 12.5 and 25%, respectively. Each diet was offered ad. libitum to 4 replicates of 10 chicks each. The body weight gain and feed efficiency of broilers fed 6.43% NaOH-SKC incorporated diet was comparable with reference diet during 0 to 28d. However, weight gain and feed efficiency reduced in all karanj cakes incorporated diet during 29 to 42d. The overall weight gain during 0 to 42d was significantly higher in the reference diet. Significantly higher nutrient intake was observed in the reference group except 6.43% NaOH-SKC diet during both the balance trials and 6.43% Ca (OH)2-SKC during 2nd trial. The percent retention of DM, N, Ca, P and GE did not differ significantly. Higher liver weight was observed due to dietary incorporation of SKC and NaOH-SKC at 25%, and Ca (OH)2-SKC. The gizzard weight was significantly higher in SKC incorporated diet, at both the levels of replacement compared to reference diet. The breast yield lowered significantly when soybean meal nitrogen was replaced with processed or unprocessed karanj cake at 25% level. The findings suggested that 1.5% NaOH (w/w) treated SKC could be incorporated upto 6.43% level, replacing 12.5% of soybean nitrogen of reference diet in broiler chicken upto 4 weeks of age.

Quantification of Karanjin, Tannin and Trypsin Inhibitors in Raw and Detoxified Expeller and Solvent Extracted Karanj (Pongamia glabra) Cake

Despite being a rich source of protein (28-34%), karanj (Pongamia glabra) cake is found to be bitter in taste and toxic in nature owing to the presence of flavonoid (karanjin), tannin and trypsin inhibitor, thereby restricting its safe inclusion in poultry rations. Feeding of karanj cake at higher levels (>10%) adversely affected the growth performance of poultry due to the presence of these toxic factors. Therefore, efforts were made to detoxify karanj cake by various physico-chemical methods such as dry heat, water washing, pressure cooking, alkali and acid treatments and microbiological treatment with Sacchraromyces cerevisiae (strain S-49). The level of residual karanjin in raw and variously processed cake was quantified by high performance liquid chromatography and tannin and trypsin inhibitor was quantified by titrametric and colorimetric methods, respectively. The karanjin, tannin and trypsin inhibitor levels in such solvent and expeller pressed karanj cake were 0.132, 3.766 and 6.550 and 0.324, 3.172 and 8.513%, respectively. Pressure-cooking of solvent extracted karanj cake (SKC) substantially reduced the karanjin content at a cake:water ratio of 1:0.5 with 30-minute cooking. Among chemical methods, 1.5% (w/w) NaOH was very effective in reducing the karanjin content. Ca (OH) 2 treatment was also equally effective in karanjin reduction, but at a higher concentration of 3.0% (w/w). A similar trend was noticed with respect to treatment of expeller pressed karanj cake (EKC). Pressure cooking of EKC was effective in reducing the karanjin level of the cake. Among chemical methods alkali treatment [2% (w/w) NaOH] substantially reduced the karanjin levels of the cake. Other methods such as water washing, dry heat, HCl, glacial acetic acid, urea-ammoniation, combined acid and alkali, and microbiological treatments marginally reduced the karanjin concentration of SKC and EKC. Treatment of both SKC and EKC with 1.5% and 2.0% NaOH (w/w) was the most effective method in reducing the tannin content. Among the various methods of detoxification, dry heat, pressure cooking and microbiological treatment with Saccharomyces cerevisiae were substantially effective in reducing the trypsin inhibitor activity in both SKC and EKC. Based on reduction in karanjin, in addition to tannin and trypsin inhibitor activity, detoxification of SKC with either 1.5% NaOH or 3% Ca (OH) 2 , w/w) and with 2% NaOH were more effective. Despite the effectiveness of pressure cooking in reducing the karanjin content, it could not be recommended for detoxification because of the practical difficulties in adopting the technology as well as for economic considerations.

Growth Performance, Humoral Immune Response and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens Fed Alkali Processed Karanj Cake Incorporated Diet Supplemented with Methionine

A study was conducted to see the effect of dietary incorporation of alkali (1.5% NaOH, w/w) processed solvent extracted karanj cake (SKC) supplemented with methionine on growth performance, humoral immune response and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens from 0 to 8 weeks of age. One hundred and twenty, day- old broiler chicks were wing banded, vaccinated against Marek's disease and distributed in a completely randomized design (CRD) into 3 groups of 40 chicks each, which was further replicated to 4 and fed on diet containing soybean meal and those of test groups were fed diets containing alkali (1.5% NaOH) treated SKC partially replacing soybean meal nitrogen of reference diet (12.5%) without or with supplementation of methionine (0.2%). Individual body weight of chicks and replicate-wise feed intakes were recorded at weekly intervals throughout the experimental period. Feed consumption from 1 to 14, 28, 42 and 56 d of age was recorded for each replicate and feed conversion efficiency (weight gain/feed intake) for the respective period was calculated. Mortality was monitored on daily basis. On 28 t h day of experimental feeding, two birds of each replicate in each dietary group (8 birds/diet) were inoculated with 0.1 ml of a 1.0% suspension of sheep red blood cells (SRBC) and the antibody titre (log 2) was measured after 5 days by the microtitre haemmagglutination procedure. After 42 days of experimental feeding, a retention study of 4 days (43-47 d) duration was conducted on all birds to determine the retention of various nutrients such as DM, N, Ca, P and GE. On 43 r d day of experimental feeding, one representative bird from each replicate of a dietary treatment (4/dietary group) was sacrificed, after fasting for two hours with free access to water, through cervical dislocation to observe the weight of dressed carcass, primal cuts (breast, thigh, drumstick, back, neck and wing), giblet (liver, heart and gizzard), abdominal fat and digestive organs. The body weight gain of chicks fed reference diet and those fed diet incorporated with NaOH treated SKC (12.5% replacement) with or without methionine supplementation was comparable during 0 to 4 weeks of age. However, dietary incorporation of alkali processed SKC replacing 12.5% nitrogen moiety of soybean meal resulted in growth retardation, subsequently as evidenced by significantly (p<0.05) lowered body weight gain during 0 to 6 weeks of age in birds fed diet incorporated with alkali processed SKC at 6.43% without methionine as compared to those supplemented with methionine or reference diet. Dietary incorporation of alkali (1.5% NaOH) processed SKC replacing 12.5% of soybean meal nitrogen in the diet of broiler chickens had no adverse effect on feed conversion ratio during all the weeks of experimental feeding. The humoral immune response (HIR) as measured by the antibody titre in response to SRBC inoculation was comparable among all the dietary groups. No significant difference in the intake and retention of DM, N, Ca, P or GE was noted among the chicks fed reference and alkali processed SKC incorporated diets with or without methionine supplementation. None of the carcass traits varied significantly due to dietary variations, except the percent weight of liver and giblet.

Effect of long term feeding of expeller pressed and solvent extracted karanj ( Pongamia pinnata) seed cake on the performance of lambs

Fifteen healthy non-descript growing male lambs (10.6 ± 0.5 kg) were divided into three equal groups following completely randomized design and were fed a concentrate mixture containing de-oiled groundnut cake, expeller pressed karanj cake and solvent extracted karanj cake, respectively, in groups 1–3. The digestibility of dry matter, organic matter and ether extract was comparable (P>0.05) among three groups. Digestibility of crude protein and neutral detergent fiber was significantly (P<0.05) lower in group 2 than group 1. However, digestibility of acid detergent fiber and total carbohydrates was significantly (P<0.05) lower in groups 2 and 3. All the animals were on positive balance of nitrogen (N), which was significantly (P<0.05) lower in groups 2 and 3. The intake of crude protein and total digestible nutrients (g/kg W 0.75) was significantly lower in groups 2 and 3 as compared to group 1. The daily gain (g) from 14th to 34th weeks was significantly (P<0.05) lower in groups 2 and 3 as compared to group 1. The pH and concentration of ammonia-N, total-N and trichloroacetic acid precipitable-N in the rumen liquor was similar among three groups, but the concentration of total volatile fatty acids in strained rumen liquor was significantly (P<0.05) lower in groups 2 and 3. Serum glutamic oxalo-acetic transaminase (P<0.05), lactate dehydrogenase (P<0.05) and acetylcholine esterage (P<0.01) activities were significantly different among three groups. The fasted live weight (P<0.01) and hot carcass weight (P<0.05) were significantly lower in group 2 as compared to groups 1 and 3, however, weight of skin, head and hooves did not differ significantly among three groups. The radiographic appearance of radius of sheep fed EKC and SKC revealed thinner and less dense cortices and widened medullary cavity. No gross pathological lesions could be seen in vital organs among three groups but spermatogenesis was affected. Long term feeding of expeller pressed and solvent extracted karanj cake revealed deleterious effects on the performance of lambs.