Kumaresh Behera

Cognitive performance for 2 strains of broiler birds in homogenous and mixed grouping system

ABSTRACT 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 Jerisons formula and Cuviers 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. Jerisons formula is more highly correlated with brain weight than the traditional Cuviers equation. With the advancement of age, spatial memory involved in gathering and processing improves.

Influence of stocking density on growth performance of vencobb broiler.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the influence of stocking density on growth performance of vencobb commercial broiler reared upto 46 days under deep litter system. The birds were fed adlib with commercial broiler feed. Deep litter rearing arrangements were prepared 2 days prior to the arrival of chicks. Vaccination, housing, feeding and watering was done as per standard. A total of 120, day old chicks were divided in three equal groups (I, II and III) with 40 birds in each group. The birds were reared under stocking densities of 16 birds/m 2 (group I), 12 birds/m 2 (group II) and 8 birds/m 2 (group III). Feed consumption was significantly (p<0.01) higher under stocking densities of 12 birds/m 2 and 8 birds/m 2 as compared to stocking density of 16 birds/m 2 . Average live weight and carcass weight were significantly (p<0.01) higher under stocking density of 12 birds/m 2 . There was no significant difference in the feed conversion ratio (FCR) among all three groups. Dressing percentage was better with low stocking density of 12 birds/m 2 (71.05±2.98) and 8 birds/m 2 (72.29±1.04) as compared to high stocking density (16 birds/m 2 ). In group I, feed consumption was positively correlated with live weight (r=0.87), FCR (r=0.67) and dressing percentage (r=0.90) and carcass weight (r=0.91). Live weight was positively correlated with FCR (r=0.79), dressing percentage (r=0.90) and carcass weight (r=0.86). FCR was positively correlated with dressing percentage (r=0.90) and carcass weight (r=0.84). Dressing percentage was positively correlated with carcass weight (r=0.92). In group II, feed consumption was positively correlated (p<0.01) with live weight (r=0.97), FCR (r=0.98) and dressing percentage (r=0.96) and carcass weight (r=0.91). Live weight was positively correlated with FCR (r=0.97), dressing percentage (r=0.90) and carcass weight (r=0.93). FCR was positively correlated with dressing percentage (r=0.90) and carcass weight (r=0.92). Dressing percentage was positively correlated with carcass weight (r=0.98). In group III, feed consumption was positively correlated (p<0.01) with live weight (r=0.82), FCR (r=0.79) and dressing percentage (r=0.92) and carcass weight (r=0.91). Live weight was positively correlated with FCR (r=0.81), dressing percentage (r=0.79) and carcass weight (r=0.81). FCR was positively correlated with dressing percentage (r=0.83) and carcass weight (r=0.81). Dressing percentage was positively correlated with carcass weight (r=0.89).

Sex-related differences in hemato-biochemical indices of adult Vanaraja chickens during summer and winter seasons

Aim: The objective of this study was to evaluate the changes in hemato-biochemical indices in male and female Vanaraja chickens under tropical environment during summer and winter season. Materials and Methods: A total of 120 day-old sexed Vanaraja chicks were selected as experimental chickens and distributed equally in two groups having 60 female and 60 male chickens in each group, respectively. The experiment was continued for 8 weeks (56 days) and both male and female chickens were slaughtered by cervical dislocation method. All parameters were estimated at the end of the experiment in both seasons. Results: Male had higher blood glucose, Ca and P level. Blood glucose level significantly (p<0.05) reduced in summer. Female had higher total protein, albumin, globulin, and albumin/globulin ratio. Alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase enzyme concentration were significantly (p<0.05) higher in summer. Total erythrocyte count, total leukocyte count, hemoglobin (Hb), Hb/lymphocyte ratio, and packed cell volume were significantly (p<0.05) higher in males. Mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular Hb were significantly (p<0.05) higher in females. Conclusion: Sex of chickens had a significant (p<0.05) effect on different parameters whereas season had nonsignificant (p>0.05) effect in most of the observed parameters. Hence, Vanaraja chickens are adaptable to local tropical climate and can be reared efficiently as backyard poultry.

Studies of the macroscopic and microscopic morphology (hippocampus) of brain in Vencobb broiler

Aim: The aim of this study was to study the anatomy of different parts of brain and histology of hippocampus of Vencobb broiler chicken. Materials and Methods: A 12 adult experimental birds were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. After separation of the brain, gross anatomy features were studied. Brain tissue was fixed in 10% buffered neutral formalin for 2-3 days, and then routine dehydration process in ascending grades of ethyl alcohol was done. After xylene cleaning, paraffin impregnation was prepared. Paraffin blocks were cut, and slides were stained by Harris hematoxylin and eosin. Photography was carried out both under lower (×10) and higher (×40) magnifications. Results: The brain structure (dorsal view) of Vencobb bird resembled the outline of a playing card symbol of a “spade.” The brain subdivisions are cerebrum, cerebellum, and medulla oblongata. Cerebrum was devoid of usual convolutions (elevations), gyri, depressions (grooves), and sulci. The cerebral hemispheres were tightly apposed along a median sulcus called interhemispheric fissure and cerebrum and cerebellum were separated by a small transverse fissure. The olfactory bulb was small structures, and the pineal body was clearly visible. The optic lobes were partially hidden under cerebral hemispheres, but laterally, it was large, prominent rounded or spherical bodies of the midbrain. The hippocampal area appeared as dorso-medial protrusion. Different types of neurons were distinguished in the hippocampus were pyramidal neurons, pyramidal-like neurons, and multipolar neurons, etc. There was rich vascularization in the form of blood capillaries throughout the hippocampus. Conclusion: Cerebrum was pear shaped and largest part of the brain. Cerebrum hemisphere was smooth devoid of convolutions, gyri, and depressions, but in the surface of cerebellum, there was the presence of a number of transverse depression (grooves) and sulci subdividing into many folds. Olfactory bulb was poorly developed, whereas optic lobes were rounded and large. The exact boundary line of the hippocampus was not discernable. In hippocampus histology, two categories of neuron local circuit neurons and projection neurons, high vascularization and epididymal lining of lateral ventricle were observed. Hippocampal neurons were comparatively larger without any distinct layers. The afferent neurons projected to the medium septum.

Effect of Different Selenium Sources on Antioxidant Enzymes and Bioavailability in Goats

To assess the antioxidant effect of selenium (Se) yeast and sodium selenite, 18 non-descript male kids (2–3 months old, 6.63±0.24 kg body weight) were divided into three groups (6 each) following completely randomized design. Animals in the control group (T1) were fed concentrate mixture and oat straw ad libitum, while animals in T2 and T3 were additionally supplemented with 0.30 mg selenium/kg of diet through Se yeast and sodium selenite, respectively. RBC GSH-Px activity was significantly (P<0.05) higher in T2 and T3 as compared to T1. CAT activity of erythrocytes increased significantly (P<0.05) in T2 and T3 kids compared to control kids. Malonaldehyde (MDA) values were significantly (P<0.05) lower in T2 and T3 as compared to control. The SOD enzyme activity was significantly (P<0.05) higher in kids supplemented with organic Se compared to other groups The mean Se levels in serum of kid at 180 days of the experiment were 210, 330 and 265 ppb in T1, T2 and T3 groups, respectively. It was found that supplementation of selenium both in organic and inorganic form significantly (P<0.05) increased antioxidant enzymes activity and Se bioavailability in goats, organic Se was more effective than inorganic Se.

Effect of Age and Sex on Litter Moisture Level in Deep Litter Rearing of Vanaraja Chickens

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of age and sex on moisture level of litter material in Vanaraja chicken for nine weeks. One hundred fifty Vanaraja chicks (75 male+75 female) were used for experiment. Litter moisture levels were measure at an interval of 3 weeks. Litter from male group had a significantly (p<0.05) higher moisture per cent than that of other two groups. Similar trend was also observed at 42 days of age. Moisture level between all three groups varied significantly (p<0.05). But at 63 days of age continued trend changes and litter materials from female group had a significantly (p<0.05) higher moisture per cent than that of other two groups. Litter moisture per cent is a good indicator of antibacterial property of litter materials so it should be monitored regularly and should be changed at a regular interval.

Effect of Serum Leptin Concentration on Cognitive Ability of Male and Female Vanaraja Chickens

In males, the intelligent birds had significantly higher level of serum leptin than the dull birds (0.62 ±0.06 vs. 0.42b±0.08ng/ml). Similar trend was also visible in female birds (1.03±0.13 vs. 0.78b±0.12 ng/ml). Leptin acts to facilitate long-term potentiation in the hippocampus, a process important for memory processing, which was evident from the present study. Hence, this may be a reliable indicator of cognition. Females had a higher level of leptin concentration in serum than males, but that did not necessarily reflect their performance in terms of cognitive and conditioning abilities. This might be due to higher adiposity in females than males.

Effect of partial supplementation of sun-dried Azolla as a protein source on the immunity and antioxidant status of commercial broilers

Aim: The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of partial supplementation of sun-dried Azolla as a protein source on the immunity of commercial broilers in coastal Odisha. Materials and Methods: A 180 day-old broiler chicks were distributed in six dietary treatments viz. C1: Basal diet, C2: Basal diet + enzyme, T1: Basal diet +5% protein from Azolla, T2: Basal diet + 5% protein from Azolla + enzyme, T3: Basal diet +10% protein from Azolla, and T4: Basal diet + 10% protein from Azolla + enzyme. Cutaneous basophilc hypersensitivity (CBH) and humoral immunity response were determined at the 38th day of age. At 42nd day, the weight of lymphoid organs, an antioxidant enzyme, and lipid peroxidation activity were determined. Results: The CBH response did not differ significantly among the treated groups, but the sheep red blood cells response was significantly higher in T4. The weight of lymphoid organs or immune organs of all the treated groups did not differ significantly (p>0.05). The erythrocyte catalase level of T4 group was found to be significantly higher than rest of the treated groups except T3. Conclusion: It may be concluded that supplementation of Azolla at 10% of dietary protein requirement along with enzyme supplementation in an isonitrogenous diet showed a better immune response in broilers.

Effect of sodium selenite supplementation in goats

An experiment was conducted on 12 male Black Bengal kids (2–3 months of age) to elucidate the effect of supplementation of sodium selenite on their growth and blood chemistry. Kids were randomly divided into two equal groups and fed a basal diet consisting of concentrate mixture and paddy straw. Gr-I served as control (without any supplementation), whereas animals in Gr-II were supplemented with 0.3 mg selenium/kg dry matter as sodium selenite. Experimental feeding continued for a period of 90 days, during which fortnightly body weights were recorded to assess their growth rate. Blood samples were collected on day 0 and 90 days of the experimental feeding to study the haematology and blood chemistry of goats. Results revealed significant (P<0.05) increase in average daily gain in selenium supplemented group than the control. Hemoglobin content, packed cell volume, glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin, A: G ratio and urea were similar between the two groups. Activities of serum aspirate amino transferase (AST), serum alanine amino transferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) did not differ between the groups. It may be concluded that supplementation of 0.3 ppm selenium as sodium selenite enhanced the growth without affecting blood biochemistry of goats.