Vanaraja Birds Research Articles

Inclusion of Linseed (Linum usitatissimum) Meal on the Performance of Vanaraja Birds

The present study was carried out with the objective of studying the reproductive performance, blood constituents and economics of rearing Vanaraja birds as influenced by the dietary inclusion of linseed meal. The study was conducted at the poultry unit of the department. A total of 120 female Vanaraja chicks were reared for a period of nine months and were randomly divided into four treatment groups (T1, T2, T3, and T4) of 30 birds, each having five replications per treatment following a randomized block design. They were subjected to four dietary levels of linseed meal, containing 0%, 4%, 8%, and 12%, respectively. The birds were reared under a deep litter system up to 8 weeks of age and thereafter in cages following standard management practices. Initial body weight was recorded at 1 day old, and thereafter it was recorded fortnightly. Feed intake and egg production were recorded daily. The control group had higher egg production, clutch size, and egg weight. Higher yolk weight, albumen weight, and yolk cholesterol were recorded in T3, while group T4 had the maximum HU. The lowest cholesterol and triglycerides were recorded in T4, while the highest HDL and lowest LDL were observed in the control group. The cost of production was highest in T4 and lowest in T2, while higher net profit per bird and net profit per gain were recorded in T3 as compared to the control group.

Effect of nanosilver as feed additive on performance, blood biochemistry, caecal microbiology and intestinal histomorphology of Vanaraja chicken

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of nanosilver (NS) as feed additive on performance, blood biochemistry and intestinal histomorphology of Vanaraja chicken. Chicks (180 day old) after one week of age were distributed randomly into five treatment groups of four replicates, each having 9 chicks. Treatment groups consisted of T1 (Control) fed basal diet without any additive and in T2, T3, T4 and T5, NS was added to the diet @ 20, 40, 60 and 80 mg/kg diet, respectively. Cumulative body weight gain also improved significantly with the inclusion of NS with highest gain in T5. There was no difference in the feed consumption among various groups including control. Feed conversion ratio was better in T5 compared to other groups. There was no difference in blood biochemical parameters among groups except for the protein levels which were highest in NS supplemented groups than control. The total viable and coliform counts decreased significantly in the group wherein NS was fed in the diet compared to the control. Villus height in different segments of small intestine improved significantly with the inclusion of NS in the diet with better values in T5 followed by T4. From the present study, it could be concluded that nanosilver up to 80 mg/kg level was effective in improving the growth performance, caecal microbiology and intestinal histomorphology of vanaraja birds.

Effect of dietary supplementation of turmeric (Curcuma longa) powder on the haematological and biochemical constituents of Vana raja birds

Effect of dietary supplementation of turmeric (Curcuma longa) powder on the haematological and biochemical constituents of Vana raja birds

Comparison of meat quality attributes of improved native chicken varieties Vanaraja and Indbro with Commercial broiler chicken

There is great demand for native chicken meat due to its unique strong flavour, firm and hard texture and lower fat content and fetches almost thrice the price of broiler meat. During the last few years, improved native chicken varieties are being introduced to meet the demand and the market share is steadily increasing. The present study was conducted to compare the carcass characteristics and meat quality attributes of improved native chicken varieties viz., Vanaraja (dual purpose chicken) and Indbro (slow growing coloured broiler) with Commercial broilers. In this study, total of 30 birds, comprising 10 birds each from Vanaraja (56 days old), Indbro (49 days old), and Commercial broilers (38 days old) at their respective marketable age were selected for evaluation. Analysis of carcass traits revealed significantly (P<0.05) higher live wt, dressed carcass wt, and breast yield (% of live wt) for Commercial broilers compared to Indbro and Vanaraja birds, whereas the yield of legs, wings, and neck (% of live wt) were higher for Vanaraja birds compared to other groups of birds. The results of meat quality parameters like proximate composition revealed significantly (P<0.05) higher % of moisture, protein, and ash for meat of Vanaraja birds compared to other groups, whereas fat % was significantly (P<0.05) higher in Commercial broilers. Significantly (P<0.05) higher redness (a*) values, lower lightness (L*) values, higher muscle fibre diameter and hydroxyproline content was noticed in Vanaraja birds compared to other groups. Commercial broiler chicken meat showed significantly (P<0.05) higher pH, TBARS and water holding capacity (%) values compared to other groups. Sensory evaluation scores for cooked breast meat samples revealed comparatively higher appearance, flavour, juiciness, texture, and overall acceptability scores for Vanaraja and Indbro birds than Commercial broilers. Shear force values were significantly (P<0.05) higher for Vanaraja followed by Indbro and then Commercial broilers. Microbial analysis indicated lower total plate count (TPC), yeast and mould and psychrotrophic counts for Commercial broilers. The results of study indicated that though the Commercial broilers have better carcass traits compared to Vanaraja and Indbro birds, these improved native chicken varieties have better meat quality attributes and have potential to form a significant source of chicken with better sensory attributes.

Immunogenicity and Protective Efficacy of Iron-inactivated Pasteurella multocida A:1 Vaccine against Fowl Cholera in Backyard Chicken

Background: Fowl cholera is a highly fatal, contagious bacterial disease that incurs significant economic loss in commercial as well as back-yard poultry. Vaccination is the most effective way in controlling this disease. In this study, we prepared and evaluated the immunogenicity of iron- inactivated Pasteurella multocida A:1 vaccine and its protective efficacy against fowl cholera experimental infection in backyard chicken.Methods: Scaled up Pasteurella multocida A:1 culture with 5 X 108 CFU/ml equivalent to 2.5 mg of antigen per dose was used for preparation of experimental vaccines. Formalin inactivated and mixed with APS adjuvant (FIA), formalin inactivated-Freund adjuvant (FIF), Iron inactivated and adjuvanted with iron (III), Iron inactivated from iron supplemented media and adjuvanted with iron (ISII) and commercial oil emulsion vaccine (CV) were used in the study. A total of 120 Vanaraja birds (n=20/group) of 2 weeks age were immunized with these vaccine and booster were given at 3rd and 6th week with respective vaccine. Specific antibody titers were assessed by iELISA in the serum at weekly intervals. The birds were challenged (n=6 /group) with 5x104 CFU/ml of virulent isolate by intraperitoneal route and morbidity, mortality percentage were observed.Result: Protective antibody titers were induced by iron inactivated vaccine from 4th week of immunization and upon booster doses it induced significantly higher (P less than 0.05) antibody response. The iron inactivated experimental vaccine gave equivalent protection as that of commercial vaccine upon challenge infection.

Pathology, tissue tropism and antibody response of nephropathogenic infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) Indian isolate in experimentally infected chicken.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13337-021-00693-4.

Research Note: Disease tolerance/resistance and host immune response to experimental infection with Pasteurella multocida A:1 isolate in Indian native Nicobari chicken breed

Indigenous chicken breeds are considered to be more disease tolerant than exotic chicken breeds especially for the bacterial diseases. Nicobari and Vanaraja chicken were evaluated for the survivability/mortality patterns and host immune response after experimental infection with P. multocida A1 isolate. The birds were inoculated with 1.9 × 105 CFU/mL through intraperitoneal (I/P) and intranasal (I/N) routes at 2 different age groups viz., 12 wk and 18 wk. Symptoms, mortality rates, lesions in dead birds were observed; Serum from surviving birds of different groups from both breeds were collected at 5, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42nd d and specific antibody titers were measured by indirect ELISA. At 12 wk of age, the mortality rates were 100% and 16% in birds inoculated by I/P and I/N routes respectively in Vanaraja birds; whereas the mortality rates were 50% and 16% I/P and I/N routes respectively in Nicobari birds. At 18 wk of age the mortality rates were 16% and 50% for I/P routes in Nicobari and Vanaraja birds respectively. The mortality rates were 16% for I/N route in both Nicobari and Vanaraja birds. Lesions such as necrotic foci on liver, congestion in the liver were observed in dead birds. Serum titers were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in surviving Nicobari birds inoculated through I/P route followed by I/N route. The peak titers were reached on 14th d postinfection and declined thereafter. However, no significant difference was found in I/N route of inoculation between 2 breeds. Nicobari chicken breed showed significantly higher survivability and longer mean death time than Vanaraja germplasm to experimental Pasteuralla infection at both the ages however the survivability rate in both breeds improved at later ages.

Effect of Feeding Bio-fortified Maize on Performance and Slaughter Parameters in Vanaraja Birds

Background: The normal maize contains high zein fraction and devoid of lysine and tryptophan thus making lysine as second limiting amino acid in it. The opaque-2 and floury-2 mutants produce higher levels of lysine and tryptophan. Through plant breeding programme, bio-fortified maize (Provitamin-A enriched) is being produced. Therefore, the study was conducted to determine the effect feeding different bio-fortified maize based diets in Vanaraja birds.Methods: The experiment was conducted during January to April 2018 at ICAR-Directorate of Poultry Research. For the purpose, 175 day old chicks were randomly divided into 5 dietary groups each having 7 replicates with 5 birds each. Five experimental diets were formulated to contain normal maize (Diet 1), Vivek Hybrid 9 (Diet 2), APQH9 (Diet 3), Vivek QPM 9 (Diet 4) and white maize (Diet 5). The experimental diets fed ad libitum to all the chicks up to 6 weeks (nursery phase) and recorded performance parameters.Result: Improved feed efficiency was recorded in the group fed diet with APQH9 (Diet 3) compared to other experimental diets. The decrease in abdominal fat and increased breast muscle among the birds fed diet contained Vivek QPM 9 (Diet 4) and APQH9 (Diet 3) was recorded in comparison to other dietary groups. Hence, it is concluded that the birds fed QPM and QPM + Provit A showed an improved feed efficiency, reduced abdominal fat and increased breast muscle in Vanaraja birds during nursery phase.

A study on the influence of poultry feed on the size, weight and protein content of egg

Abstract: The egg of domestic fowl has been an important constituent of the cuisine of people around the world. The present study was carried out with the objective to analyse the influence of selected poultry feed on the size, weight and protein content of egg by feeding the hens with four different types of feed. Hens of the laying Gramasree variety were used in this experiments. Egg size, weight and the protein content was recorded as per standard procedures. Egg production significantly reduced in hen fed with cooked rice alone. When considering egg size and weight, domestic fowl fed with wheat, soya and groundnut had greater size. However, there has not been much variation in the protein content of all the eggs produced by the four hens in the present study. The study provides a baseline indication that the quality, size and weight of the egg are greatly influenced by their feed. Keywords: Dried Rice Distillers Grains with Solubles (RDGS), Vanaraja Birds, Production performance

Effects of inclusion of varying levels of dried Rice Distillers Grains with Solubles on the performance of Vanaraja birds

Abstract: Incorporation of unconventional feed ingredients in poultry ration plays a pivotal role in successful and economic poultry production. Distillers Dried Grains with Soluble is now becoming a popular unconventional ingredient for livestock as well as poultry feed due to its high nutritive value and lower price. In West Bengal Rice based Distillers Dried Grains with Soluble (RDGS) is predominantly available. When it comes to feeding Dried Rice Distillers Grains with Solubles (RDGS) to poultry birds, there is no formal recommendation regarding dietary concentration. Hence, the present study was conducted to assess the effects of varying levels of RDGS inclusion on “Vanaraja” chicken production performance. Total 144 numbers of Vanaraja birds were included to conduct the present study. They were divided randomly into three (3) groups (n = 48) with three (3) different dietary treatments that includes Control (C) without inclusion of RDGS, Treatment – I (T1) with 6% RDGS inclusion of the total diet / day and Treatment – II (T2) with 12% RDGS inclusion of the total diet / day respectively. The experiment continued up to 32 weeks of age of the birds. The performance parameters on the basis of body weight (BW) and egg production upto that age were recorded. Result showed that inclusion of RDGS increased body weight of the birds significantly than the group without inclusion of RDGS. Among the two supplemented groups the treatment group II (T2) i.e. inclusion of RDGS @ 12% of the total diet /day was having maximum body weight (2678.37±5.20 g / bird at 32 weeks). The egg production per hen also significantly increased in the supplemented groups than the non supplemented group. So among the two doses of RDGS inclusion, the second group (T2) showed best result. Therefore, it can be concluded from the above study that in rural condition where low quality feed is available to the birds, inclusion of RDGS as a protein source is beneficial to the birds. Keywords: Dried Rice Distillers Grains with Solubles (RDGS), Vanaraja Birds, Production performance

Serum cytokine concentration in native Nicobari fowl of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Serological cytokine profile was studied in native Nicobari fowl of A&N Islands and its comparative evaluation was carried out in other local poultry population. Blood was collected from 150 poultry comprising 30 samples each of Nicobari fowl, commercial layer and broilers, desi bird and Vanaraja poultry. The concentration of cytokines viz. chicken interferon alpha and beta (IFN-α and IFN-β) (ng/L), chicken interleukin- 6 (IL-6) (ng/L), chicken interleukin-12 (IL-12) (pg/ml), chicken toll like receptor (TLR 4) (ng/ml) and chicken major histo-compatibility complex MHC (ng/ml) were determined by immunoenzymatic assay (ELISA). Results revealed that the concentrations IFN-α and IFN-β in serum is significantly higher in commercial layers that was statistically at par with Nicobari fowl. The cytokine, IL- 6 was significantly lowest in native Nicobari fowl and desi birds and highest in broilers and vanaraja birds. Significantly higher serum concentration of IL-12 was recorded in Nicobari fowl and it was statistically comparable with desi birds and broilers. Level of TLR4 in serum was significantly highest in broilers followed by commercial layers and Nicobari fowl. Commercial broilers, layers and vanaraja birds have significantly higher level of MHC followed by Nicobari fowl. Hence it can be concluded that the higher concentrations of serum IFN-α and β, IL-12, TLR4 and MHC in native Nicobari fowl indicates their innate immunological balance that maintain immune homeostasis and enhances immune function and resistance to disease by stimulating T and B lymphocyte formation modulating cytokine secretion profiles.

Azolla as Feed Supplementation on Growth Performance and Economics of Vanaraja Birds in Backyard System of North Western Odisha

This study was conducted by Krishi Vigyan Kendra Jharsuguda, Odisha under National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture Project in 2019-2020 in the operational villages Bhoimunda and Tharkaspur of Jharsaguda district of North-Western Odisha, India. A total of 300 unsexed brooded chicks, breed Vanaraja, were provided to the farmers under the project and were randomly distributed into three treatment groups (100 birds in each treatment group) with ten replications in each group, having ten birds in each replicate. The study was undertaken for a period of 7 months, from September, 2019 to March, 2020. The study started with birds of 4th week of age and continued up to 28th week of age. Vanaraja birds of group I were let out for foraging with no supplementation, in group II birds were provided with fresh Azolla @ 200 g per bird along with foraging and birds of group III were given commercial feed @ 50 g per bird along with foraging. Weekly body weight gain upto 16th week and egg production upto 28th week were recorded. The benefit cost analysis was also evaluated. The result of this trial indicated that supplementation of azolla in instrumental in increased body weight gain along with higher egg production with better Benefit Cost ratio. Therefore, it can be concluded that feeding of Azolla to poultry birds under backyard condition @ 200 g per day per bird may be highly effective method to get more profit. Under the prevailing situation of change in climatic condition, backyard poultry is a good insurance against crop loss and feeding of azolla to backyard birds will further strengthen the economic status of farmers.

Backyard poultry farming for meat and egg production: rural enterprise

Twenty farmers selected from each village for 6 villages of the district and skill based training on various aspects of backyard poultry farming. Participants enriched with sound knowledge were distributed with 25 Vanaraja &amp; Grampriya chicks per person. The records of mean body weight of Grampriya and Vanaraja at different week interval. The body weight of crosses differ significantly (p &lt; 0.05) after 4th week of age from their parents. The body weights of crosses were significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher than Hazra (Desi) birds and nearly similar to Vanaraja birds at different period of age attaining the sexual maturity in different groups of poultry birds. Vanaraja matures at the age of 141.62 days, Hazra (Desi) bird at 186.47 days and Grampriya at 158.32 days. The pullet egg weight of Vanaraja, Hazra (Desi) and Grampriya were 38.75, 30.82 and 34.94 g, egg weight at 40 weeks of age were 55.87, 42.89 and 51.26 g and increase in egg weight were 17.12, 12.07 and 15.42 g respectively. The hatchability percentages were 87.56%, 89.36% and 85.72% on fertile egg set and 68.23%, 68.92% and 64.74% on total egg set basis respectively in Vanaraja, Grampriya and local desi birds.

Practitioners‘ understanding of the german terms ‘kreuz’ resp. ‘kreuzanspannen’ (‘back’ resp. ‘bracing the back’) commonly used in equestrian parlance

Sixty-day-old chicks from the commercial broiler strain, Vencobb, and 60-day-old backyard Vanaraja chickens, were selected as experimental birds for assessing learning and cognitive performance. Learning and cognitive ability were assessed on the basis of maze trial performance, self-recognition trial (SRT), detour trial (DT), tonic immobility (TI) trial, serum leptin concentration, and encephalization quotient (EQ). The mazes were prepared by using locally available cardboard, papers, and bamboo strips. Three maze trials—T maze trial, Y maze trial, and radial maze trial—were performed. Birds were trained from the second to 10th day for maze tests. The maze test schedules started from 11th day, and data were taken 11th-17th day, 25th-31st day, and 39th-45th day in trial I, trial II, and trial III schedules, respectively. The response of birds to different maze tests and performance in different cognitive trials were assessed on the basis of latency in time to acquire the food and complete the tasks. At the end of the trials, serum leptin concentration was assayed. EQ was calculated by Jerison's formula and Cuvier's formula. Vencobb birds showed a better response to different cognitive and learning trials. In T maze trials, the Vencobb variety performed significantly better (P < 0.05) than Vanaraja birds (trial I, P = 0.001; trial II, P = 0.001; and trial III, P = 0.01). Vencobb birds, when housed in group with Vanaraja birds, performed significantly (P < 0.05) worse in trial I (P = 0.012), trial II (P = 0.020), and trial III (P = 0.045). In the Y maze trial, homogeneously housed Vencobb birds performed significantly better (P < 0.05) than did Vanaraja birds (trial I, P = 0.04; trial II, P = 0.01). Vanaraja birds performed significantly (P < 0.05) better when they were homogeneously housed than mixed housed (trial I, P = 0.10; trial II, P = 0.001; and trial III, P = 0.008). There was significant improvement (P < 0.05) in the performance of Vencobb birds with advancement of age from trial I to trial II in all cases (homogenous group, P = 0.012; mixed group, P = 0.010). Similarly, significant (P < 0.05) improvement in performance was observed in homogeneously housed Vanaraja birds (trial I-II, P = 0.012; trial II-III, P = 0.040) and mixed housed Vanaraja birds (trial I-II, P = 0.042; trial II-III, P = 0.021). In the case of the R maze trial, Vencobb birds (homogenous) performed significantly (P < 0.05) better as compared with Vanaraja birds (homogenous) in all 3 trials (trial I, P = 0.01; trial II, P = 0.001; and trial III, P = 0.03). In homogeneous housing system, the performance of Vencobb birds was significantly better (P < 0.05) than Vanaraja birds in SRT (trial I, P = 0.01; trial II, P = 0.001; and trial III, P = 0.001), whereas Vanaraja birds performed significantly better (P < 0.05) than Vencobb birds in the DT (trial I, P = 0.05; trial II, P = 0.05; and trial III, P = 0.07) and TI trial (trial I, P = 0.02; trial II, P = 0.05; and trial III, P = 0.04). In the SRT test, Vanaraja birds performed significantly better (P < 0.05) in mixed housing than in homogeneous groups (trial II, P = 0.01; trial III, P = 0.01). Vencobb birds showed a significant improvement (P < 0.05) from trial I to trial II in homogeneous and mixed housing (P = 0.04 and P = 0.02). In mixed housing, significant improvement (P < 0.05) in the performance of Vanaraja birds was seen from trial I to trial II (P = 0.001). In DT, homogeneous Vencobb birds (trial I) performed significantly worse (P < 0.05) as compared with mixed grouped birds (P = 0.05). In case of Vanaraja birds, mixed housed birds showed significantly (P < 0.05) better performance than did homogeneous birds (P = 0.001) in trial I. In the TI trial, there was significant improvement (P < 0.05) in the performance from trial I to trial II in homogeneous Vencobb (P = 0.04) and mixed Vanaraja birds (P = 0.05). The EQ maximum was 2.31 in intelligent or superior birds and 1.85 in dull birds. The cognitively superior Vencobb birds showed a significantly higher level of serum leptin concentration than did the dull birds (0.78 ± 0.12 vs. 0.42 ± 0.08 ng/mL, P = 0.02), a result similar to that in Vanaraja birds (1.03 ± 0.13 vs. 0.62 ± 0.06 ng/mL, P = 0.01). It may be concluded that the genetics of the birds affects cognitive and learning ability. Mixed group housing negatively affects the cognitive abilities of birds. Jerison's formula is more highly correlated with brain weight than the traditional Cuvier's equation. With the advancement of age, spatial memory involved in gathering and processing improves.

An opportunistic pilot study of radiographs of equine nasal bones at the usual site of nosebands

Sixty-day-old chicks from the commercial broiler strain, Vencobb, and 60-day-old backyard Vanaraja chickens, were selected as experimental birds for assessing learning and cognitive performance. Learning and cognitive ability were assessed on the basis of maze trial performance, self-recognition trial (SRT), detour trial (DT), tonic immobility (TI) trial, serum leptin concentration, and encephalization quotient (EQ). The mazes were prepared by using locally available cardboard, papers, and bamboo strips. Three maze trials—T maze trial, Y maze trial, and radial maze trial—were performed. Birds were trained from the second to 10th day for maze tests. The maze test schedules started from 11th day, and data were taken 11th-17th day, 25th-31st day, and 39th-45th day in trial I, trial II, and trial III schedules, respectively. The response of birds to different maze tests and performance in different cognitive trials were assessed on the basis of latency in time to acquire the food and complete the tasks. At the end of the trials, serum leptin concentration was assayed. EQ was calculated by Jerison's formula and Cuvier's formula. Vencobb birds showed a better response to different cognitive and learning trials. In T maze trials, the Vencobb variety performed significantly better (P < 0.05) than Vanaraja birds (trial I, P = 0.001; trial II, P = 0.001; and trial III, P = 0.01). Vencobb birds, when housed in group with Vanaraja birds, performed significantly (P < 0.05) worse in trial I (P = 0.012), trial II (P = 0.020), and trial III (P = 0.045). In the Y maze trial, homogeneously housed Vencobb birds performed significantly better (P < 0.05) than did Vanaraja birds (trial I, P = 0.04; trial II, P = 0.01). Vanaraja birds performed significantly (P < 0.05) better when they were homogeneously housed than mixed housed (trial I, P = 0.10; trial II, P = 0.001; and trial III, P = 0.008). There was significant improvement (P < 0.05) in the performance of Vencobb birds with advancement of age from trial I to trial II in all cases (homogenous group, P = 0.012; mixed group, P = 0.010). Similarly, significant (P < 0.05) improvement in performance was observed in homogeneously housed Vanaraja birds (trial I-II, P = 0.012; trial II-III, P = 0.040) and mixed housed Vanaraja birds (trial I-II, P = 0.042; trial II-III, P = 0.021). In the case of the R maze trial, Vencobb birds (homogenous) performed significantly (P < 0.05) better as compared with Vanaraja birds (homogenous) in all 3 trials (trial I, P = 0.01; trial II, P = 0.001; and trial III, P = 0.03). In homogeneous housing system, the performance of Vencobb birds was significantly better (P < 0.05) than Vanaraja birds in SRT (trial I, P = 0.01; trial II, P = 0.001; and trial III, P = 0.001), whereas Vanaraja birds performed significantly better (P < 0.05) than Vencobb birds in the DT (trial I, P = 0.05; trial II, P = 0.05; and trial III, P = 0.07) and TI trial (trial I, P = 0.02; trial II, P = 0.05; and trial III, P = 0.04). In the SRT test, Vanaraja birds performed significantly better (P < 0.05) in mixed housing than in homogeneous groups (trial II, P = 0.01; trial III, P = 0.01). Vencobb birds showed a significant improvement (P < 0.05) from trial I to trial II in homogeneous and mixed housing (P = 0.04 and P = 0.02). In mixed housing, significant improvement (P < 0.05) in the performance of Vanaraja birds was seen from trial I to trial II (P = 0.001). In DT, homogeneous Vencobb birds (trial I) performed significantly worse (P < 0.05) as compared with mixed grouped birds (P = 0.05). In case of Vanaraja birds, mixed housed birds showed significantly (P < 0.05) better performance than did homogeneous birds (P = 0.001) in trial I. In the TI trial, there was significant improvement (P < 0.05) in the performance from trial I to trial II in homogeneous Vencobb (P = 0.04) and mixed Vanaraja birds (P = 0.05). The EQ maximum was 2.31 in intelligent or superior birds and 1.85 in dull birds. The cognitively superior Vencobb birds showed a significantly higher level of serum leptin concentration than did the dull birds (0.78 ± 0.12 vs. 0.42 ± 0.08 ng/mL, P = 0.02), a result similar to that in Vanaraja birds (1.03 ± 0.13 vs. 0.62 ± 0.06 ng/mL, P = 0.01). It may be concluded that the genetics of the birds affects cognitive and learning ability. Mixed group housing negatively affects the cognitive abilities of birds. Jerison's formula is more highly correlated with brain weight than the traditional Cuvier's equation. With the advancement of age, spatial memory involved in gathering and processing improves.

Are views regarding show horse welfare influenced by owners perceived locus of control

Sixty-day-old chicks from the commercial broiler strain, Vencobb, and 60-day-old backyard Vanaraja chickens, were selected as experimental birds for assessing learning and cognitive performance. Learning and cognitive ability were assessed on the basis of maze trial performance, self-recognition trial (SRT), detour trial (DT), tonic immobility (TI) trial, serum leptin concentration, and encephalization quotient (EQ). The mazes were prepared by using locally available cardboard, papers, and bamboo strips. Three maze trials—T maze trial, Y maze trial, and radial maze trial—were performed. Birds were trained from the second to 10th day for maze tests. The maze test schedules started from 11th day, and data were taken 11th-17th day, 25th-31st day, and 39th-45th day in trial I, trial II, and trial III schedules, respectively. The response of birds to different maze tests and performance in different cognitive trials were assessed on the basis of latency in time to acquire the food and complete the tasks. At the end of the trials, serum leptin concentration was assayed. EQ was calculated by Jerison's formula and Cuvier's formula. Vencobb birds showed a better response to different cognitive and learning trials. In T maze trials, the Vencobb variety performed significantly better (P < 0.05) than Vanaraja birds (trial I, P = 0.001; trial II, P = 0.001; and trial III, P = 0.01). Vencobb birds, when housed in group with Vanaraja birds, performed significantly (P < 0.05) worse in trial I (P = 0.012), trial II (P = 0.020), and trial III (P = 0.045). In the Y maze trial, homogeneously housed Vencobb birds performed significantly better (P < 0.05) than did Vanaraja birds (trial I, P = 0.04; trial II, P = 0.01). Vanaraja birds performed significantly (P < 0.05) better when they were homogeneously housed than mixed housed (trial I, P = 0.10; trial II, P = 0.001; and trial III, P = 0.008). There was significant improvement (P < 0.05) in the performance of Vencobb birds with advancement of age from trial I to trial II in all cases (homogenous group, P = 0.012; mixed group, P = 0.010). Similarly, significant (P < 0.05) improvement in performance was observed in homogeneously housed Vanaraja birds (trial I-II, P = 0.012; trial II-III, P = 0.040) and mixed housed Vanaraja birds (trial I-II, P = 0.042; trial II-III, P = 0.021). In the case of the R maze trial, Vencobb birds (homogenous) performed significantly (P < 0.05) better as compared with Vanaraja birds (homogenous) in all 3 trials (trial I, P = 0.01; trial II, P = 0.001; and trial III, P = 0.03). In homogeneous housing system, the performance of Vencobb birds was significantly better (P < 0.05) than Vanaraja birds in SRT (trial I, P = 0.01; trial II, P = 0.001; and trial III, P = 0.001), whereas Vanaraja birds performed significantly better (P < 0.05) than Vencobb birds in the DT (trial I, P = 0.05; trial II, P = 0.05; and trial III, P = 0.07) and TI trial (trial I, P = 0.02; trial II, P = 0.05; and trial III, P = 0.04). In the SRT test, Vanaraja birds performed significantly better (P < 0.05) in mixed housing than in homogeneous groups (trial II, P = 0.01; trial III, P = 0.01). Vencobb birds showed a significant improvement (P < 0.05) from trial I to trial II in homogeneous and mixed housing (P = 0.04 and P = 0.02). In mixed housing, significant improvement (P < 0.05) in the performance of Vanaraja birds was seen from trial I to trial II (P = 0.001). In DT, homogeneous Vencobb birds (trial I) performed significantly worse (P < 0.05) as compared with mixed grouped birds (P = 0.05). In case of Vanaraja birds, mixed housed birds showed significantly (P < 0.05) better performance than did homogeneous birds (P = 0.001) in trial I. In the TI trial, there was significant improvement (P < 0.05) in the performance from trial I to trial II in homogeneous Vencobb (P = 0.04) and mixed Vanaraja birds (P = 0.05). The EQ maximum was 2.31 in intelligent or superior birds and 1.85 in dull birds. The cognitively superior Vencobb birds showed a significantly higher level of serum leptin concentration than did the dull birds (0.78 ± 0.12 vs. 0.42 ± 0.08 ng/mL, P = 0.02), a result similar to that in Vanaraja birds (1.03 ± 0.13 vs. 0.62 ± 0.06 ng/mL, P = 0.01). It may be concluded that the genetics of the birds affects cognitive and learning ability. Mixed group housing negatively affects the cognitive abilities of birds. Jerison's formula is more highly correlated with brain weight than the traditional Cuvier's equation. With the advancement of age, spatial memory involved in gathering and processing improves.

Performance, slaughter and serum biochemical variables of Vanaraja chicks in intensive farming system fed under different nutrient regimes

An experiment was conducted to study the performance of Vanaraja under intensive farming system with different nutrient regimes, i.e. Vanaraja standard (VSD), layer chick (LCD), layer grower (LGD) and broiler starter diet (BSD) up to 12 weeks of age. Dietary nutrient regimes significantly influenced the body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) up to 6 weeks of age. The BWG was significantly higher in groups fed BSD and LCD compared to those fed LGD during the initial 6 weeks of age. The BWG was significantly higher in Vanaraja birds fed BSD and LCD compared to other two groups at 7th week. The growth of birds fed VSD was significantly higher than those fed LGD. At the end of 12 weeks of age, BWG of birds was not affected due to dietary regimens. There was no significant variation in serum biological variables (total protein, albumin, globulin, cholesterol and triglycerides) at 6th and 12th week among the groups fed different dietary regimens. Relative weights of ready to cook yield, liver, abdominal fat and giblet were not affected with variation in nutrient regimen in diet. The Vanaraja birds gained uniform body weight without affecting slaughter variables at 12 weeks of age on diets containing diversified nutrient regime. The study concluded that Vanaraja birds can perform optimally with low nutrient diets resulting in reduced feed cost per unit weight gain.

Factors affecting fertility, hatchability and chick survivability of Vanaraja birds under intensive rearing in sub-temperate condition

The study was conducted to determine the effect of various factors viz. season, age of hen, egg weight and source of egg on reproductive performance of Vanaraja birds at an altitude of 1300 m at mean sea level in Sikkim. Fertility rate during summer was significantly higher than spring and winter. Fertility rate was significantly higher from 41 to 50 age of week as compared to 51 weeks onwards. Significantly higher fertility rate was observed in medium size egg as compared to other groups. The fertility rate of eggs produced in the farmers field were significantly lower than at farm. Hatchability on fertile egg set was highest during spring followed by summer while it was significantly lower during winter. Significantly higher hatchability was observed in age of 26 to 40 weeks compared to 51–60 and 61–70 weeks of age. Also, significantly higher hatchability was observed in medium size egg group than the other two groups. Chick weight on day of hatching was significantly higher in summer compared to autumn and winter. Egg weight also significantly affects chick weight which was highest in medium size egg. Significantly higher chick’s survivability was recorded in summer, spring and autumn season as compared to winter. Although, season, age of hen, egg weight and source of egg affected the production performance of Vanaraja birds, but it can be reared successfully throughout the year for production purpose.

Effect of age and sex in determining cognitive ability in Vanaraja chickens

ABSTRACT(1) To evaluate the cognitive ability of male and female Vanaraja birds, three hundred and sixty 1-d-old sexed chickens were reared under similar conditions in three treatment groups with 4 replicates in each group: 120 females in Treatment 1, 120 males in Treatment 2 and both males and females (60 + 60) as a mixed group in Treatment 3.(2) To assess learning ability, the birds were trained in T- and Y-mazes and tested at 3-week intervals in 4 test schedules (21, 42, 63 and 84 d). The birds were put into tonic immobility (TI) in each test schedule.(3) In each maze test, the latency to find the feed was regarded as a successful completion of the task. In the TI-test, the time taken to stabilise on a plane surface after swinging in the hanging cradle for 20–25 s was recorded.(4) The results indicated that male birds appeared to be cognitively superior to females in terms of learning and cognitive evolution in all the mazes, but by d 84, the females performed as well as the males. With increasing age, spatial memory gathering and processing improved. In the TI-test, the effect of sex or grouping system had no significant effect on the performance of birds at the various ages.

Effect of season on growth and reproduction performance of improved backyard poultry in North Eastern Hill Region

A study was undertaken to evaluate the seasonal influence on performance of Vanaraja (n=3924) and Gramapriya (n=2227) maintained in five different batches during 2011-14. Better growth was observed in summer during brooding. At brooding, mortality was significantly higher during winter in Vanaraja and during summer in Gramapriya. The egg production was higher when birds started laying in winter than in summer. The overall Hen Day Egg Production (HDEP) was higher in Vanaraja (p&gt;0.01) than the Gramapriya. The fertility level varied between 68 to 90% in both varieties. The hatchability percentage on fertile egg set (FES) varied within the range of 70 to 90. It was concluded that better egg production performance could be obtained from Vanaraja birds, raised in summer and those initiated laying in winter. Therefore, the seasonal factors should be taken care of while raising parent line to achieve optimum production.