The experiment was conducted to study the efficacy of different types of litter amendments on litter quality and broiler performance during winter (December-January). A total number of 180, day-old (Vencobb) broiler chicks were randomly assigned to three equal groups. One bearing control group and other two comprise litter amendments with alum (ATL) and sodium bisulphate (SBTL) treatment groups, each having 60 birds in three replications of 20 numbers for 6 weeks. The findings of the study revealed significant variation (p < .05) in the moisture content and pH of the control and treated litter. This clearly indicates the efficiency of litter treatment products improving the quality of litter thus in turn the ambient environment for the bird. The average body weight was significantly highest (p < .05) in the SBTL group (1912 g) followed closely by the ATL group (1865 g) in comparison to the control group (1822 g) at the end of sixth week. The growing chicks gained significantly (p < .05) more body weight with better FCR, PER, EER and survivability in respective order of succession. The overall hygiene of the broiler chicks was better with less cake formation and without any foot pad dermatitis or breast blister lesion in the treatment groups. Thus it can be concluded that litter amendment with alum (ATL) and sodium bisulphate (SBTL) treatment had significant influence on quality of litter and in turn improved the performances of broiler chicks without any adverse effect. ARTICLE HISTORY

No abstract

The present paper deals with use of discriminant function analysis for developing wheat yield forecast model for Kanpur (India). Discriminant function analysis is a technique of obtaining linear/Quadratic function which discriminates the best among populations and as such, provides qualitative assessment of the probable yield. In this study, quantitative forecasts of yield have been obtained using multiple regression technique taking regressors as weather scores obtained through discriminant function analysis. Time series data of 30 years (1971-2000) have been divided into three categories: congenial, normal and adverse, based on yield distribution. Taking these three groups as three populations, discriminant function analysis has been carried out. Discriminant scores obtained from this have been used as regressors in the modelling. Various strategies of using weekly weather data have been proposed. The models have been used to forecast yield in the subsequent three years 2000-01 to 2002-03 (which were not included in model development). The approach provided reliable yield forecast about two months before harvest.

With an objective to reduce the weaning stress through improved body reserves, 24 Beetal kids weighing 3-4 kg, ageing 5 days, were randomly distributed in three treatments i.e. W 2:3 (Soybean oil at 3% of concentrate feed of up to 2 months and by-pass fat at 3% thereafter for 3 months), W 3:2 (Soybean oil up to 3 months and by-pass fat for 2 months at same dose of W 2:3 ) and W 0:0 (No additional supplementation, Control). Different observations like milk, feed, fodder intake and body weight were recorded for 150 days. The concentrate feed intake was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in W 2:3 and W 3:2 group than control. Average daily gain (ADG) was 22.98% and 15.53% higher in W 2:3 and W 3:2 over control (W 0:0 ), respectively. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was slightly higher in control than other two treatment groups. It was concluded that supplementing diet with soybean oil for 2 months and by-pass fat for 3 months from birth at the rate of 3% of feed could be a suitable strategy for improving the body reserve of kids as well as for getting better performance in terms of body weight, ADG and FCR.

No abstract