120 days (60-180 days of age) and were compared to control (n=10) .The gilts were observed for estrus, ovarian activity and other reproductive traits including biometry of genital tract after slaughtering. The results showed a significant improvement not only in facilitating sexual maturity as early as 178 ±11days as compared to 234 ±17 days thereby reduction of 56 days indicating a good potential for efficient reproduction capacity but also showed good body score, growth rate and more daily weight gain as compared to control.
Induction of estrus and artificial insemination in anoestrous pigs
The study was conducted to initiate cyclicity in clinically anoestrous crossbred female pigs (n=06) and were compared with controls (n=06). In group –I, the animals were treated with PMSG 1000 IU followed by HCG 500 IU after 96 h of PMSG. In Group-II, the animals were injected with normal saline solution placebo. The animals were observed for onset of estrus, estrus behavior, estrus period, response to treatment etc. The animals were inseminated artificially with extended liquid semen and examined for pregnancy and the pregnant animals were followed up to parturition. The 83.40% of the treated animals responded to treatment with 67.75 conception rate as compared to 33.25 % from the control group. However, the difference in litter size was found to be non- significant between treated and control groups. The results showed that estrus can be induced successfully with optimum litter size in anoestrous female pigs with PMSG followed by HCG protocol.
Ovulatory response to exogenous gonadotropins in pubertal gilts
Crossbreeding along with early attainment of early sexual maturity are the possible strategies for getting more piglet crop per sow during her life time. Hence, the investigation was done to assess the capabilities of pubertal cross-bred gilts for successful reproduction by inducing early sexual maturity for maximising the piglet crop. The pubertal cross-bred Hampshire gilts (Hampshire x Khasi Local) (n=10) aged 5-6 months with average live body weight 56.320 ± 4.725 kg were administered with PMSG 1000 IU(I/M) followed by 500 IU HCG ( I/M) after 88-92 h. of PMSG and were examined for standing estrus and inseminated artificially. The observations for onset of estrus, estrus duration and intensity of estrus and other reproductive traits were recorded. The animals were slaughtered on day 03 post insemination and the observations for
ovarian activity ie. weight of ovaries, number of CL, number of anovulatory follicles present on the ovaries were recorded. The oviducts and each uterine horns were flushed separately using DBPS with 0.4% BSA and antibiotics and the flushings were examined for embryos/ova under steriozoom microscope. The embryos collected were evaluated for morphology as well as quality. The results showed that 80% animals responded to treatment and the time of onset of estrus from PMSG administration was 61.30±3.22 h. with estrus duration of 38.5± 4.25 h. The average weight of the ovaries was 6.245± 2.154 g.Total no.of CL including both the ovaries were 21.5±3.25, unovulatory follicles averaged 3.30±1.30 . Total no. of embryos/
ova recovered from both the oviducts and uterine horns averaged 10.25±3.50 showing a recovery rate of 47.67%.The unfertilized ova averaged 2.15± 0.18. The morulla, 8 cell, 4 cell and 2 cell embryos recovered were 72.33,17.49, 5.25 and 2.68% , respectively. As per gradation of embryos are concerned, 65.35%
embryos were graded as very good quality (A Grade), 23.85 % as good quality (B grade ) and 11.25% as poor quality. The results showed that pubertal gilts may attain the capability of successful reproduction with acceptable response as early as at 06 months of age with a body weight of 60 kg if managed properly.
Growth performance of Duroc pig under agro- climatic conditions of Meghalaya
A study was conducted to evaluate the growth performance of Duroc breed under agroclimatic conditions of Umiam, Meghalaya. A total 16 grower Duroc pigs (10 females and 6 males) were brought from National Research Centre on Pig, Guwahati, to study the productive and reproductive performance under hilly condition of Meghalaya (Fig 1). The study
Fig 1 Duroc pig maintained at livestock farm of animal production division
was conducted from 3 months to 9 months of age. All the pigs were reared under semi-intensive system.
Balanced grower ration was provided based on the body weight and age of the animal. Body weight gain was recorded at monthly interval and average daily body weight gain was also calculated at monthly interval. Average body weight of both males and females at 120, 150, 180, 210, 240 and 270 days were found to be 18.90 ± 2.60, 24.45 ± 5.15, 31.70 ± 3.01, 39.30 ± 3.20, 48.50 ± 5.30 and 56.78 ± 4.65 kg, respectively. However, higher body weight gain was recorded in males as compared to females.
Average daily body weight gain of male and female were found to be 178.33 ± 5.15, 175.65 ± 6.85, 246.67
± 9.10, 248.33 ± 9.95, 288.33 ± 10.40 and 312.54 ± 13.45 g between 90-120, 120-150, 150-180, 180-210, 210-240 and 240-270 days, respectively. However, the daily body weight gain in males was non-significantly higher than in females. Six, out of 10 females exhibited first estrus. The average age at puberty was found to be 264.45 ± 8.64 days. The study revealed that the performance of Duroc breed is at par with other genetic groups maintained under same condition.
Pig-Fish integrated system
Crossbred (Hampshire x Khasi local) pigs were integrated with composite fish culture in a 468 sq m pond area at Livestock farm under Animal production Division in order to increase the profitability per unit area by reducing the feeding cost of fish through addition of fresh dung into the pond (Fig 2). Fish species combination and ratio was 2:1:1 for Mrigal:Gonius:Bata. The fingerlings was stocked at the rate of 10,000/ha pond area. The pig (5 months)
was integrated at the rate of 40 grower pigs / ha. The fresh dung of two grower piglets were collected and dropped into the pond daily at four corners of the pond.
The productive performance of fish was studied for six months during July to December (Tables 1-2). Total fish production from 468 sq m pond area was found to be 51.31 kg during six months. In integrated pig-fish culture, under above mentioned conditions, the fish yield was 2150 kg /year/ ha water area. It was observed that the growth of Gonius was significantly higher than Mrigal and Bata. During the six months study period, the pig gained 70 kg body weight. Feeding cost of pig was also reduced by replacing 20% of the concentrate feed with vegetables grown by addition of pig manure.
Table 1 Weight and length increment of fishes in pig-fish integration
Parameters Mrigal Gonius Bata
Weight increment
Initial weight (g) 11.23 15.5 10.58 Final weight (g) 91.02 118.02 72.85
± 8.48 ± 9.79 ± 15.02 Absolute growth (g) 79.79 102.52 62.27
Growth increment 0.44 0.57 0.34
(g/fish/day) Length increment
Initial length (cm) 8.64 8.55 8.12
Final length (cm) 23.18 20.75 18.51
± 0.87 ± 0.75 ± 0.66 Absolute length (cm) 14.54 12.20 10.39
Length increment 0.08 0.06 0.05
(cm/fish/day)
Fig 2 Harvesting of fish under pig-fish integration system at livestock farm, division of animal production
Table 2 Fish productivity under pig-fish integrated system (6 months of growth)
Fish Survival Average Fish Productivity species % weight harvested (t/ha/yr)
(kg/fish) from 468 m2 pond area (kg)
Mrigal 94.5 91.02 ± 8.48 23.66 2.150 Gonius 96.0 118.02 ± 9.79 16.99
Bata 97.7 72.85 ± 15.02 9.66
Assessment of fertility and reproductive disorders of dairy cattle in Meghalaya
A total of 200 dairy cattle have been screened for the fertility status in East, West and South Garo Hill Districts of Meghalaya. Out of total animals screened, 140 (70 %) were normal cyclic/ pregnant and rest 60 animals (30 %) showed some sort of reproductive disorders. Fertility status of dairy cattle was assessed in terms of age at puberty, age at first conception, gestation period, age at first calving and inter-calving interval etc. Out of total infertility cases, repeat breeding and anoestrous were found to be major reproductive disorders in village as well as on State Govt. Cattle Breeding Farms, which comprised of 43.38% and 33.90%, respectively. Fertility status of dairy cattle was assessed based on the analysis of the data obtained from Govt. Cattle Breeding Farms as well as from farmer’s field, which is presented in table 3.
Table 3 Reproductive parameters in crossbred dairy cattle in Meghalaya
Parameters No. of Days Range
observations (mean ± SE) (days)
Age at puberty 95 798.45 644-1115
± 24.75
Age at first 116 886.54 720-1185
conception ± 31.23
Gestation period 95 278.40 270-282
± 0.30
Age at first 165 1160.23 1027-1465
calving ± 27.32
Reproductive disorders in dairy cattle were assessed on the basis of gynaecological examination of cows and reproductive history of the animal. Animals were classified into normal cyclic/ pregnant, repeat breeder, anoestrous and infertile. Animals showing some sort
of reproductive disorders were further classified into different categories (Table 4).
Table 4 Incidence of reproductive disorders of dairy cattle in RiBhoi and East Khasi Hill Districts of Meghalaya
Reproductive disorders Incidence (%)
Animals examined 200
Animals with rep. disorders 30 % (140/200)
A. Anestrous 41.66 % (25/60)
B. Repeat breeding 26.66 % (16/60) C. Retained placenta 15.0 % (9/60)
D. Abortion 11.60 % (7/60)
E. Pyomettra 6.66 % (4/60)
F. Dystocia 5.0 % (3/60)
Morphometric characteristics of Assam Hill goat The morphometric characteristics of Assam hill goats are being studied under standard management conditions (Table 5). The predominant colours are black, black and white, and brown with patches of different colours in the body. Three types of ears are observed in which the percentage of horizontal medium-sized ear is dominant over the erect and pendulous. The thick and small sized (7.7 cm) black horns in female shows upward and backward
Table 5 Body measurement of Assam Hill goat
Physical Mean Physical Mean
parameters ± S.E parameters ± S.E
(in cm) (in cm)
Live body weight 21.18 Neck
(adult) ± 1.00 Kg i. Length 36.50
± 1.02
Head ii. Circumference 28.50
i. Length 17.50 ± 0.90
± 0.90 Barrel
ii. Breadth of 3.80 i. Body 84.23
forehead ± 0.25 length ± 1.30
iii. Eye to eye 9.80 ii. Oblique 49.35
± 0.34 body length ± 1.80
Horn iii. Height at 55.50
i. Horn Length 7.70 wither ± 0.86
± 0.80
ii. Distance 6.12 Girth
between horn ± 0.32 i. Heart girth 63.85
iii.Circumference 5.50 ± 1.15
± 0.28 ii. Abdominal 77.80
Ear length 12.59 girth ± 1.21
± 0.42 iii. Paunch girth 69.26
± 1.84 Tail length 10.25
± 0.86
orientation. But in male the orientation is straight upward.
Productive and reproductive parameters of Assam Hill goat
The body weight of Assam Hill goats are being recorded in every 30 days interval up to 360 days. The average birth weight was found to be 1.58±0.04 kg in male and 1.39 ±0.04 kg in female (Table 6). The average body weight of male and female kids were14.2± 0.87 kg and 11.91±0.8 kg, respectively at 360 days. The body weight of male kids was significantly higher as compared to the female kids (P<0.05). Some of the reproductive parameters of Assam Hill goat under semi-intensive managemental condition are given in tables 7 & 8.
Table 6 Average monthly body weight of Assam Hill goat
Age (days) Male (kg) Female (kg) Overall At birth 1.58 ± 0.04 1.39±0.04 1.48±0.03
30 3.83 ± 0.13 3.7±0.11 3.77±0.09
60 5.56 ± 0.28 5.19±0.21 5.38±0.18
90 6.87 ± 0.31 6.1±0.22 6.48±0.19
120 8.26 ± 0.38 7.44±0.26 7.85±0.23 150 9.15 ± 0.36 8.13±0.31 8.66±0.25 180 10.26±0.39 8.93±0.37 9.32±0.29 210 10.25±0.76 8.34±0.31 9.51±0.39 240 11.1 ± 0.67 8.83±0.43 9.91±0.46 270 11.73±0.79 9.45±0.54 10.41±0.51 300 12.38±0.82 10.2±0.59 11.12±0.53 330 12.88±0.82 11.0±0.68 11.84±0.56 360 14.20±0.87 11.91±0.8 12.93±0.64
Table 7 Reproductive parameters of Assam Hill goat
Traits Mean ± SE
Twinning percentage 38.45 %
Triplet percentage 2.98 %
Singe birth percentage 58.56 % Inter kidding period (days) 257.2 ± 1.95 Gestation period (days) 147 ± 0.21 Age at first kidding (days) 439 ± 0.54
Table 8 Birth weight of kids under different types of birth
Type of birth Male Female
Single 1.71±0.06 1.52±0.06
Twin 1.49±0.05 1.35±0.07
Triplet 1.30±0.13 1.19±0.05
Effect of season on reproductive traits of Assam Hill goat
A study is being carried out to observe the effect of seasons and types of birth on reproductive traits. Study on the effect of season on reproductive traits revealed a season-wise variation of age at 1st conception, age at puberty, age at 1st kidding and gestation period (Table 9). However, the winter borne kids of Assam Hill goats were found to be more efficient in regards to the reproductive traits. However, the gestation period was same for all the seasons.
Table 9 Season-wise variation of reproductive traits in Assam Hill goat (days)
Reproductive Seasons
parameters
Summer Monsoon Winter Age at 295 ± 1.07 289 ± 1.33 279 ± 1.20 1st conception
Age at puberty 270 ± 1.05 266 ± 1.54 261 ± 1.85 Age at 1st kidding 447 ± 1.56 442 ± 1.08 437 ± 1.48 Gestation period 147 ± 0.22 146 ± 0.19 147 ± 0.21
Effects of types of birth on reproductive traits are also being studied and revealed that age at puberty, age at 1st conception and age at 1st kidding came earlier in single born group than in twins and triplets (Table 10).
Table 10 Birth-wise variation of reproductive traits in Assam Hill goat (days)
Reproductive Type of birth
parameters
Single Twin Triplet
Age at 287 ± 1.42 290 ± 1.49 295 ± 1.25 1st conception
Age at puberty 258 ± 1.37 262 ± 1.26 269 ± 1.54 Age at 1st kidding 434 ± 1.30 437 ± 1.22 443 ± 1.85 Gestation period 147 ± 0.52 148 ± 0.44 147 ± 0.76
Estrus synchronization and AI in goat
Studies on sexual maturity, estrus induction, estrus synchronization and artificial insemination in Assam hill goats were carried out (Figs 3,4 &5). The sexual maturity in males was observed as early as 224 +16 days with a body weight of 11.245 + 1.320 kg whereas in females the sexual maturity was recorded at 289+
23 days with a body weight of 10.875+ 1.355 kg. The kids born single showed sexual maturity earlier by about 45-50days as compared to kids born as twins.
Estrus was induced (n=16) using tiaprost trometamol (225µg/animal I/M) in randomly selected anoestrous goats with 62.50% success rate (n=10) in treated group compared to 16.66 % (n=01) in control group (n=06).
Estrus synchronization in goats was attempted (n=10) using intra vaginal progesterone sponge for 12 days followed by removal of sponge and subsequent administration of 225µg/animal I/M injection of tiaprost trometamol. 70.00% (n=7) animals responded to treatment and were inseminated artificially with 70.14% (5/7) conception and 55.55 % (4/7) kidding rate with one abortion.
Growth performance of broiler rabbit fed with locally available resources
A total of 30 New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits were selected after weaning for feeding trial at Livestock farm of ICAR Complex, Umiam. All animals were randomly distributed in to 5 groups viz., C, T-1, T-2, T-3 and T-4, each group consisting of 6 rabbits.
The group C was solely fed on concentrate feed while groups T-1, T-2, T-3 and T-4 were given locally available fodder (cauliflower and cabbage leaves) replacing concentrate feed @ 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% in the respective groups. The body weight was recorded at weekly interval for all rabbits individually.
The growth performance of rabbits (NZW) at weekly interval has been given in the table 11. The growth performance was found to be superior in control
followed by T-1, T-4, T3 and T-2 respectively.
However, average body weights were significantly not different amongst the groups.
Table 11 Growth performances of NZW rabbit fed on locally available feed resources
Age of Average body weight (kg) rabbit in
weeks C T-1 T-2 T-3 T-4
8 0.89 0.93 0.82 0.94 0.81
9 1.00 1.03 0.87 1.06 0.93
10 1.14 1.15 0.99 1.20 1.03
11 1.25 1.27 1.15 1.30 1.13
12 1.30 1.34 1.26 1.40 1.23
13 1.46 1.45 1.48 1.58 1.47
14 1.57 1.57 1.48 1.58 1.47
15 1.60 1.60 1.50 1.65 1.60
16 1.77 1.67 1.57 1.74 1.70
17 1.90 1.74 1.68 1.85 1.80
18 1.97 1.80 1.70 1.80 1.80
19 2.04 1.87 1.77 1.80 1.80
20 2.04 1.90 1.80 1.85 1.87