In the present study, additive main effects and multiplicative interactions (AMMI) biplot analyses was used to dissect genotype x environment interaction (GEI) and to identify location specific and widely adapted genotypes for root branches, diameter and length in ashwagandha [Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal]. Trials were conducted in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two replications over three consecutive years at three different locations. ANOVA analysis revealed environment, G×E interaction and genotype effects to contribute significantly (p less than 0.001) towards total sum of squares for root branches (61.00%, 22.18% and 14.00%); root diameter (51.06%, 24.26% and 15.34%) and root length (65.67%, 20.82% and 11.39%). Further, the GEI for these traits was mostly explained by the first, second and third principal component axis (IPCA1, IPCA2 and IPCA3). AMMI1 and AMMI2 biplot analyses showed differential stability of genotypes for root branches, diameter and length with few exceptions. Environmental contribution towards the genotypic performance from AMMI1 and AMMI2 analysis for root traits except environment Bhi16 contribution for root diameter and root length. AMMI1 biplots and simultaneous selection index (SSI) statistics identified SKA-11 as the most desirable genotype for root branches and length while SKA-26 and SKA-27 for root diameter. The ashwagandha genotypes identified for root attributes could be advocated either for varietal recommendation or in varietal development program.

No abstract

A study was conducted to assess the growth performance of pre-ruminant crossbred calves maintained on different feeding strategies. Eighteen four days old crossbred calves were selected from University Livestock Farm and Fodder Research and Development Scheme, Mannuthy. The calves were randomly allotted to three dietary treatments- T1 (fed with milk @ 1/10th of body weight during first six weeks, 1/15th of body weight during next two weeks, 1/20th of body weight during next four weeks), T2 (fed with milk at 15 per cent of body weight for first month and weaned at six weeks of age) and T3 (fed with milk replacer (22 per cent CP) at 15 per cent of body weight for first month and weaned at six weeks of age. Calf starter having 22 – 24 per cent CP and 70 per cent TDN was fed to T1 and one with 20 per cent CP and 70 per cent TDN) was fed to T2 and T3 as per standard feeding practices followed in the farm. Average daily gain and body weight gain were higher (p<0.05) in T2 compared to T3. However outcome of groups T2 and T1 and the comparison of the aforesaid parameters between T3 and T1 were similar. The fortnightly average daily dry matter intake of the calves did not differ between the various groups except for the fourth and fifth fortnight. The mean feed conversion ratio of experimental calves of T1, T2 and T3 were 3.46 ± 0.09, 3.11 ± 0.23 and 3.41± 0.19 respectively and the values were statistically similar (p>0.05).

A study was undertaken to access the nutritive value of fruits and flowers of cannon ball tree (Couroupita guianensis Aubl.) harvested from different trees at the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, Thrissur. The samples were oven dried at 100ºC until constant weight was obtained for dry matter determination. The dried samples were ground and subjected to proximate analysis. Results showed that Couroupita guianensis fruit and flowers contain moderate crude protein, nitrogen free extract and total ash. For animal experimentation fifteen healthy Wistar rats of three weeks of age were selected and divided into three groups of five each and allotted randomly to three experimental treatments T 1 (control), T 2 (T1 + 1% Couroupita guianensis flower (CGF) on dry matter basis), T 3 (T1 + 2% CGF on dry matter basis). All the experimental animals were fed with feed containing 24% CP and 3000 kcal/kg energy and were fed as per NRC standard. Feeding trial was conducted for a period of 30 days. The results showed that dry matter intake and body weight of animals were similar among the groups. Haemato-biochemical parameters such as haemoglobin, total protein and plasma glucose were similar among the groups whereas the triglycerides and total cholesterol were significantly lower in CGF supplemented group.

An experiment was conducted to assess the effect of supplementation of biotin on rumen fermentation parameters and microbial biomass production by in vitro gas production technique. Biotin was supplemented to the substrate - total mixed ration (TMR) at various doses viz., T1-0 (control), T2-0.5, T3-1.0, T4-1.5 and T5-2.0 mg/kg DM. The in vitro true dry matter degradability, total gas production, metabolizable energy and microbial protein production were found be increased proportionally to the dose of biotin. However, the methane and volatile fatty acid production were not affected by biotin supplementation. Results revealed that the positive effects on in vitro ruminal fermentation were dose-dependent and biotin can be incorporated in the diet of dairy cows to improve nutrient digestibility and rumen biomass production.