PURSE 1998

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A Pathological study of white spot syndrome in Prawns(Peneaeus Monodon)
(University of Peradeniya, 1998-11-07) Andarawewa, P. K. L.; Wettimuny, S. G. De S.
The study was carried out in order to determine the gross and microscopic changes in White Spot Syndrome in prawns as early diagnosis of the disease is very necessary to control and prevent its spread. Samples of prawns weighing 8 to 24g were collected from randomly selected ponds in the Chilaw and Puttalam districts from April 1997 to April 1998 during sporadic outbreaks of the disease. Details pertaining to the out breaks, management systems, water parameters etc., were recorded. After gross examination of the prawns the gills, stomach, hepatopancreas and gut were fixed in Davidson's fixative for 24-72 hrs. They were then transferred to ethanol. The tissues were carefully trimmed, cleared and paraffin embedded. Paraffin sections were cut at 6~ and were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. During disease outbreaks there was a rapid reduction in feed intake with onset of high mortality within a few days. Most of the shrimps were seen surfacing frequently while some were seen at the pond edge. The majority of shrimps had white spots of 0.5 to 2mm in diameter on the cuticle. The histological sections of stomach, gills and mid gut revealed intranuclear eosinophilic to pale basophilic inclusion bodies in the epithelium. Some cells exhibited nuclei with basophilic marginated chromatin. Few inclusions were present in sections of mid gut. The inclusions were totally absent in the sections of hepatopancreas examined. The gills revealed certain structural changes in the lamellae. The lamellae were swollen and the cuticular layer was found separated from the underline tissue. The gross signs and histological changes were similar to those reported in literature.
A survey of calf management practices among farmers in mid-country dairy production system
(University of Peradeniya, 1998-11-07) Abeygunawardena, I. S.
Calf management stands out to be one of the key determinants of success of dairy fanning. Calf survival, prepubertal growth, postpartum fertility and total milk available for sale and hence the profitability of the farm operation very much depends on the method of suckling of calves that the fanner adopts in the farm. A field survey, therefore was conducted to determine the prevalent calf suckling management practices among fanners in mid-country dairy production system as a prelude to a long term investigation into the effects of various calf rearing methods on the above aspects. Two hundred smallholder farms were selected randomly and a field survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire to collect data on calf management practices. Results of the study have shown that 53.0% and 46.5% farmers practiced intensive and semi- intensive management systems, respectively. Extensive management was practiced by 1.5% of the fanners. Almost all the fanners were aware of the value of colostrum feeding. Limited suckling by calves was practiced by 96.4% farmers while zero suckling was practiced by 2.0% of the fanners. The remainder (1.6%) practiced ad- libitum suckling. Within the limited sucking group, 17.0% and 83.0% of calves were allowed to suckle the mothers once and twice a day, respectively. Within this group further differences were found as regard to the method of suckling. Fifty one percent of the fanners left milk in one full quarter for the calf and milked the other three quarters completely while 49.0% farmers milked all four quarters and left the residual milk for the calf. There were also differences as regard to time of suckling; 44.2% allowed both pre-and post-milking suckling and 53.8% allowed only post-milking suckling. the remainder (2.0%) practiced only pre-milking suckling. The average age at weaning was 26.2+ 12.62 weeks.
Allelopathic Effects of Gliricidia(Gliricidia Sepium) and Ipil Ipil (Leucaena Leuconcephala) Green manure on Seedling Growth of Rice Maize and Cowpea
(University of Peradeniya, 1998-11-07) Gunasekara, J. M. D. M.; Jayakody, A. N.
Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya. There are ample evidences that some plants found in intercropping systems and organic residuce of those produce and release chemicals to the environment which may interfere the performances of other crops. Such chemicals cause reductions of the growth of neighbouring crops which is termed as allelopathy. Hence the allelopathic effects of Gliricidia and Ipil-Ipil green manure on seedling growth of rice, maize and cowpea were tested adopting a pot experimental technique as these are been frequently used as green manures for other crops. Seedling biossays were conducted in acid washed sand, in a Reddish Brown Earth soil (RBE) and in a Immature Brown Loam soil (IBL) of Sri Lanka to ascertain the modifications of the allelopathic effects by soils. The experiment was conducted in a poly-tunnel and duration was 5 weeks. Green manures were incorporated to above substrata at a rate representing 3tJha dry matter. Each pot was consisted of 500 g of substratum and moisture levels were maintained at 60% maximum water holding capacity throughout. The treatments tested were substratum alone, substratum with Gliricidia and substratum with Ipil- Ipil. The treatments were triplicated. Plant heights and internode lengths were measured at weekly intervals. Root and shoot dry matter were determined at the harvest. N,P and K taken up by the plants in each pot was also determined. The results showed that the Gliricidia has negatively affected the growth performance of cowpea, rice as well as maize. This effect was to be seen only in relation to shoot dry weight in cowpea, root dry weight in rice and maize and N uptake in rice. N uptake in Ipil-Ipil treatment was reduced in rice. Besides, the modification of the possible allelopathic effect could be observed by different substrata. Growth performances by Gliricidia in RBE soil was significantly lower than the control whereas in the IBL the effects were not much considerable. When growth parameters were considered the plant heights were not affected by green manure, but the dry matter yields and N, P and K uptake have shown negative and positive differences. Negative effects observed may have been caused either by allelochemicals already present in green manure or by the chemicals produced in the process of decomposition. Hence, it could be concluded that there may be negative effects of green manure on different crops which may be modified by different substrata. Thus it is appropriate to test the compatibility of crops to different green manure before use to achieve maximum benefits in improved cropping systems.
Analysis of Communication Pattern in a Private Sector Agricultural Company
(University of Peradeniya, 1998-11-07) Jayawardena, L. N. A. C.
Lack of proper communication pattern has become a serious problem in many of the organisations/companies. The overall objective of this study was to analyse the pattern of communication and its ultimate effects in a private sector company engaged in the agriculture sector. The specific objectives were studying the company structure, assessing the perceived usefulness of communication pattern, identifying the relationship between communication and management and establishing the relationship between communication and performance of the company. Data collection was done by interviewing the higher officials of the company and conducting a survey among the other officials using the same schedule. These were supplemented by personal observations and limited secondary data. Data were analysed using the SPSS computer package. Tabular analysis and measures of association were employed. Out of the seventeen communication methods used by the company, telephone was used by most of the employees, and was the most preferred as well. Face-to-face monthly meeting was perceived to be the most useful method and was second only to telephone in employee preference. Downward pattern was perceived to be the most useful and the most used pattern of communication. Delay in top level decision making and the limitations in downward flow of information were identified as the main disadvantages in the company's present communication mechanism. Significant associations were found between employee's sex and qualifications, work experience and number of promotions, importance of management to job performance and communication contribution to management, and job satisfaction with sex, civil status, age and contribution of communication to job satisfaction. Based on the findings, recommendations have been made for the betterment of the existing communication pattern.
Bio-veterinary instrumentation
(University of Peradeniya, 1998-11-07) Gamika, P. A.; De Silva, D. D. N.
Veterinary practitioners are often confronted with various diseases or abnormal conditions in which chemotherapeutic agents some times have a little value. Therefore it is necessary to think about alternative means of therapy especially using physical aids to overcome this constraint. In Sri Lanka the appropriate instruments for alternative approach for handling animals and treating them are not readily available. Certain difficulties were experienced during our clinical appointments and vacation training programs in the treatment and restraint of animals affected with diseases and disabilities. In fact these cases could not be treated satisfactorily due to the non availability of necessary devices. Therefore, this project was initiated to manufacture certain veterinary appliances which I felt were necessary to overcome possible constraints. 1. STILL DOG GRABBER- A hand-held restraining device with neck and mouth grabbing parts. This can be used for the restraint of rabid or ferocious dogs (Patent No. 11288 Sri Lanka). 2. DOWNER COW ELEVA TOR- is used to lift and keep recumbent cattle and buffaloes in up right position .. This is a portable equipment which can be assembled and dismantled within a short period of time (patent No. 11289 Sri Lanka). 3. DOG SITTER- A walking aid for dogs with hind leg paralysis. It also prevents disused atrophy of affected limbs. 4. TRACHEAL BLOWER- A devise to resuscitate dogs and cats in respiratory arrest. 5. A WIRE COILING DEVICE- for use in bone assembling and skeleton mounting. 6. AUTO PLUNGER - is a device which can be used for injecting intramuscular preparations to animals which are aggressive and difficult to restrain (Patent No. 11460 Sri Lanka).
Characterization of non-exchaneable ammonium nitrogen in rice growing soils of Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya, 1998-11-07) Nandasena, K. A.; Rizana, M.
Ammonium nitrogen (NH/-N) trapped in interlayer spaces of clay minerals frequently termed as non-exchangeable or fixed NH; +-N form of soil nitrogen. Amount of fixed or non-exchangeable NH/-N varies from soil to soil and depends on soil type, clay content and other soil environmental conditions. Quantification of non- exchangeable form of nitrogen in our soils has not been done adequately. Therefore, the objectives of the present study are;l ). To characterize non-exchangeable NH/-N in rice growing soils and ll).To Examine release and fixation pattern of nitrogen in soil under rice cultivation in green house Condition. Thirteen soils were collected from different agriculturally important areas of Sri Lanka. Rice plants (BG-300) were established in pots filled with soils and maintained in flooded conditions in greenhouse. Recommended fertilizers were applied except nitrogen. Soil sampling was done before and after the rice establishment. All soil samples were analyzed for non-exchangeable NH/-N using method described by Silva and Brenner (1966). Results showed that fixed or non-exchangeable NH; +-N in studied soils varied from 12 to 28% of total nitrogen. The average amount of fixed nitrogen in our soils is around 20%. The amount of non-exchangeable NH4+-N was highly correlated with the clay contents of the soils. Therefore, it can be deduced that the amount of non- exchangeable NH;+-N in a given soils depends on the clay content. Release and fixation of non-exchangeable NH/-N during the rice growing period were also monitored. No significant difference of the amounts of non-exchangeable NH/-N extracted before and after rice cultivation was observed. This relatively unchanged pattern of non- exchangeable NH4+-N during the growing period could be attributed to the experimental conditions such as short time period of experiment and no nitrogen fertilizer practice.
Critcal period of weed competition of two cowpea(vigna unguiculata L. walp.)varieties
(University of Peradeniya, 1998-11-07) Nissanka, S. P.; Marambe, B.; Samaranayake, S. P.
Competition from weeds has become a major barrier to reach higher yields of legumes. In Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) weed competition results in 46-81% yield loss. Conventional weed management practices have not been satisfactory over the past decades. Critical period of weed control and crop competitiveness can be effectively utilised to develop economical and environmentally sound weed management practices. The present study was conducted to determine the critical period of weed competition and crop competitiveness of two popular cowpea varieties "MI-35" and "Varuni" cultivated in Sri Lanka. The experiment was conducted at the University Experimental Station, Dodangolla, Kundasale in Maha season 1996/97. Crop was exposed to natural weed infestation in different growth stages. The plots were either kept weed free or weedy up to different growth stages viz two-nodes, four-nodes, 50% flowering and maturity. After imposing treatments, weeds were allowed to grow in plots that were kept weed- free and a weed-free condition was maintained in plots that were weedy. Phonological growth and yield measurements were taken to determine the varietal performance under different weed levels. In the variety MI-35, a rapid decrease in yield was observed when the plots were kept weedy beyond two nodes stage of the crop. A significant increase in yield was observed when plots were kept weed free from two nodes to flowering. Total yield loss in the unchecked weedy treatments were 49% and 29% in MI-35 and Varuni, respectively, when compared to all season weed-free treatments. The variety Varuni had a greater leaf area index, plant height, root and leaves biomass and root nodule number than MI-35. The results indicate that there is a variation in critical period of weed interference and crop competitiveness between the two cowpea varieties. The Critical period of weed competition for MI-35 falls between two nodes to flowering while for the variety Varuni between four nodes to flowering. The crop competitiveness may be attributed to the differences in phenological characters of two cowpea varieties.
Development of a computer package on agircultural project analysis for banks
(University of Peradeniya, 1998-11-07) Kumari, B. C. P.; Wickramasuriya, H. V. A.
Even though agricultural credit is provided by many banks in Sri Lanka, the default rate of agricultural credit is very high and has a detrimental effect on the banks as well as the national economy. It has been observed that a rigorous evaluation of agricultural credit applications before approval could prevent most of these defaults. This is not the normal practice of most banks, because of the lack of personnel and the high time consumption, which is about three hours for a complete project analysis. If a computerized system is used to carry out this task, it will be possible to overcome the above problems. The first objective of the project was to develop a computer package, which would provide annual cost-benefit streams of an agricultural project, and carry out a complete project analysis, which could be used as a Decision Support System for credit approval in banks. The scope was limited to agricultural project analysis regarding financial purposes of selected perennial crops. The second objective was to prepare a guide for its users. The programming language was dBase 5 for Windows. The necessary output was decided by interviewing bank officers and subject matter specialists. The development process included designing the menu, developing the database structure, hierarchical ordering, defining procedures and sub-routines, designing action diagrams, coding and testing and debugging at the unit and integration levels. After initial development, the computer package was tested at the system level, and debugged. A guide for the user was prepared as a help window, within the application. The design and the programming procedures were documented to facilitate future modification and maintenance. The computer package includes six procedure files, two menu files, six query files and a database. The total number of procedures is 243, and the number of lines of code is 8054. It could be used by non-agricultural personnel in financial institutions, as well as agricultural entrepreneurs. It is a user-friendly application with a graphical interface, requiring only very basic computer skills. The database provides cost-benefit streams of selected fruit crops. Financial analysis based on the user specifications of interest rate and time period is provided. A help feature is also included in the computer package. A report, which can be modified according to the user's needs, is generated while the project analysis is carried out. Using the computer package, the average time taken to analyse an agricultural project will be about fifteen minutes, which is a 1100% increase in efficiency, compared with the time taken to do it manually.
Evaluation of leucaena hay as a low cost substitute for coconut oil meal for goats grazing under coconut
(University of Peradeniy, 1998-11-07) Mahusoon, M. M.; Perera, A. N. F.; Perera, E. R. K.
A diet consisting of Coconut oil meal (COM) and Leucaena hay (LH) in different proportions were used as a supplementary feed for goats to evaluate the intake, growth performance and economic feasibility under extensive grazing situations of natural grass under coconut. The ratio of COM:LH in the supplementary diets were 100:00 (T1), 75:25 (T2), 50:50 (T3), 25:75 (T4) and 00:100 (T5). Cross bred goats (BoerXKottukachchiya) were used as the test animals. Twenty goats (10 males and 10 females) were alloted per treatment by weight. All the goats received similar management conditions and grazed together during the day. In the evening they were separated by treatment and offered the respective supplement ad libitum. Irrespective to the proportion of COM or LH, all supplementary diets improved the feed intake and growth performances. At 50% LH level, the ration dry matter intake was increased from 7.1 to 7.4 glkg BW075 and the average daily weight gain from 37.2 to 53.3 g/head. The highest benefit cost ratio was observed when 100% LH was offered. However, all the supplementary diets exhibited a benefit cost ratio of> I. These results suggest that LH at any level of substitution for COM is beneficial, while 100% level of substitution resulted the lowest cost with all other benefits.
Evaluation of production and growth performance of AI heifers under the Kerala heifer calf rearing programme
(University of Peradeniya, 1998-11-07) Silva, L. P.; Dematawewa, C. M. B.; Ibrahim, M. N. M.; Jagath, K. K.
Artificial Insemination (AI) is the most widely used tool in improving dairy stock in Sri Lanka since 1950's. The present study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the production and growth performance of AI crossbred heifers. The animals for this study were selected from the Kerala Heifer Calf Rearing programme which was launched by the department of Animal Production and Health with the objectives of increasing productivity (by inducing early sexual maturity) and reducing mortality of AI female calves through proper feeding and management. A set of 150 heifers registered under the Kerala scheme in North Western Province were considered in the study. Secondary data on production records and breeding records were analyzed. Primary data were collected from selected recipients of the programme by conducting a field survey. The results of the present study revealed that the average age at sexual maturity of all the heifers studied was 15.38 ± 2.97 months which is less than half of the age that an AI heifer would reach sexual maturity under normal circumstances. Pattern of growth showed that this age coincides with the peak growth rate of the heifers in most instances. The age at sexual maturity of the heifers was shown to vary with the paternal breed of the animal (where the maternal breed was predominantly nondescript coming from the local population). The average age at first calving was 26.89 ± 2.82 months. Accordingly, the average age at conception of these heifers was 17.89 ± 2.82 months. Rate of growth varied among heifers according to their age categories (66 - 685 g / day). The growth rates at different age categories, namely 1-6 months, 7-12 months and 13-24 months were compared with the standard rates of growth. Finally, a standard growth curve has been fitted for all the heifers before and after conception to separate the pre- and post-embryonic growth patterns of calves under the Kerala scheme. According to the results, it can be suggested that the objectives of the Kerala Heifer Calf Rearing Programme have been achieved. However, the actual production performance (during economical life time) of these heifers yet to be evaluated.
Low cost micropropagatoin for Its domestication
(University of Peradeniya, 1998-11-07) Peiris, S. E.; Peiris, B. C. N.
Micropropagation in vitro requires aseptic environment and sterilized cultures. Equipment such as autoclaves and laminar airflow cabinets are used for this purpose. These two pieces of equipment alone cost Rs. 300,000-500,000 plus their running cost. This unbearable cost hinders the use of micropropagation for planting material production. A method of micropropagation was developed in the tissue culture laboratory of the Crop Science Department, Faculty of Agriculture to overcome the constraints of using these expensive pieces of equipment. In this method two chemical solutions, CSUPW and CSUPM, were used for sterilization of glassware and culture media, respectively. These solutions were tested on orchid seed germination, orchid seedling growth and anthurium multiplication under in vitro condition. The jam jars used for orchid seed germination cultures were sterilized with 10% CSUPW solution and the medium with the CSUPM solution in concentrations of 0, 1, 2.5, 5 and 10%. Non sterilized, as well as autoclaved culture media were used as controls. Orchid (Dendrobium spp) seeds were established, in the media sterilized in the above manner, on a laboratory bench. The laminar flow environment was used for autoclaved culture media. Orchid seedlings in 1 and 2 em sizes were cultured, in test tubes sterilized with CSUPW solution in 5,10,15 and 20% concentrations, and in the autoclaved medium as a control. Anthurium plants in 1, 2 and 3 ern sizes were cultured on an anthurium multiplication medium, which contained 1% CSUPM solution. The jam jars used for this were sterilized using 5,10, 15 and 20% CSUPW solutions. An autoclaved medium was used as a control. Storability of the both solutions were also examined. All jars which sterilized with 10% CSUPW gave 100% contamination free cultures. The jars which contained 1% CSUPM solution and the autoclaved cultures gave 100% orchid seed germination and cultures with 2.5, 5 and 10% CSUPM solutions had 70, 40 and 30% germination, respectively. Orchid seedling media sterilized with 5% CSUPW gave 30% contaminated cultures. All other orchid seedling media were 100% contamination free. Anthurium cultures, when sterilized with 5% CSUPW solution, had 40% contaminated cultures. All other anthurium cultures were contamination free. However, lcm anthurium plants in the jars sterilized with 20% CSUPW had toxic appearance. The solutions gave the same results after storing 3 months. The solutions, 10-15% CSUPW and 1% CSUPM, developed in this study can be used to replace high cost equipment such as autoclaves and laminar air flow cabinets for micropropagation to obtain contamination free cultures.
Possibilities of rearing spider mite predator amblyseious californicus on Pollen
(University of Peradeniya, 1998-11-07) Wickrematillake, W. S.; Ahangama, D.
Amblyseious californicus is a very effective predatory mite, used as a biological agent to control the spider mites on foliage plants. Presently Amblyseious californicus is imported to be used on foliage plants grown for export market. Though this predatory mite is efficient in suppressing the spider mite populations, during rainy seasons when spider mite populations are drastically reduced, predatory mite populations too are reduced due to lack of food (prey insects). Thus availability of an alternative food source for these predators is of importance for their continuous maintenance. Egg laying capacity, duration of developmental stages and adult longevity of Amblyseious californicus were compared by feeding them with pollen of Crysalidocarpus, Balsam and compositae flowers. The natural host,spider mite was used as the control. There was no significant difference in egg laying capacity of the predatory mite fed on pollen of Crysalidocarpus, Balsam and compositae. However, the number of eggs laid by the predator fed on its natural host, spider mite was significantly higher than those fed on different pollen varieties. The adult longevity of the predator fed on natural host and pollen showed no significant difference. A. califomicus took shorter time to complete the development when fed on pollen alternative with mites than feed on pollen alone. Developmental time was significantly shorter when fed with mites. These results show that, pollen can be used as an alternate food for this predatory insect during absence of its natural host.
Protected culture for yield stability and high quality of tomato under different weather and agro-climatic conditions
(University of Peradeniya, 1998-11-07) Weerakkody, W. A. P.; Peiris, B. C. N.
Protected (indoor) culture is renowned for high yield, quality and production stability of crops in a range of undesirable environments. Therefore, the applicability of protected culture to Sri Lankan vegetable cultivation was investigated in two steps. In the first step, indoor structures and few improved technologies were compared with the conventional open-field culture in two seasons. In the second step, the treatments were further modified and tested under different farmer situations and agro-ecological conditions. In the first step, the highest yield was reported by the polythene house under rainy conditions (during Yala) and the shed house under dry conditions (during Maha). The effect of indoor culture on marketable fruit number, fruit damages and locular materials varied with the weather. Improved technology produced high quality fruits under rainy conditions. Improvements in the yield and fruit quality indicated a potential increase in farmer income despite the high cost of protected culture. In the second step, protected culture (modified) and the location, Rahangala assured enhanced yield components, fruit size and damage-free fruits. In addition, the interactions gave rise to higher yield components and fruit size at Rahangala and high acidity and locular material content at Peradeniya under protected culture. The fruits at Peradeniya had the highest Brix value. High and stable farmer income was reported due to high fruit quality, and yield assurance at Rahangala during extremely high rainy season. The polythene house with improved technology was more productive and economical for the agro-ecological conditions at Rahangala in terms of yield and external fruit quality of tomato while it was more suitable for Peradeniya in terms of internal fruit quality of tomato.
Provenance variation in condensed tannin content of calliandra calothyrsus
(University of Peradeniya, 1998-11-07) Premaratne, Sujatha.; Perera, H. G. D.
A field experiment was conducted with fifteen provenances to evaluate the provenance variation in condensed tannin content of fresh leaves of Calliandra calothyrsus. Experimental design consisted of line planting on double hedge rows (3m long plot, 112 meter interval, 45 plants in each plot) with 5 replicates. Plants were lopped every 5 months and samples (10 different plants within a plot; 4 newly flushed leaves, 4 partially expanded leaves and 4 mature full expanded leaves from each of 10 trees in a plot) were collected and kept on ice before transferred to the laboratory. The proanthocyanidine were extracted in aqueous acetone and total extractable proanthocyanidine (TEPA) and total proanthocyanidine (TOP A) were measured by the standard method. TEPA content ranged from 11.22 (Georgesville - Belize) to 16.01 (Patulul - Gautamala) (measured as absorbance at 550 nm.g" OM) whereas local provenance had a lower TEPA content (11.91 as absorbance at 550 nm gotDM). TOPA content ranged from 24.57 (Georgesville - BeUise) to 31.72 (Santa Marie de Jesus - Gautamala) (measured as absorbance at 550 nm, got OM).TOPA content of the local provenance was higher compared to some of the imported provenances. Based on the nutitive value, provenances, such as Georgesville (Belize), local, Coban (Gautamala), Patulul (Gautamala) and Bombana (Mexico) can be selected.
Regional variation in morphology and morphometry in the epididymis of the goat
(University of Peradeniya, 1998-11-07) Munasinghe, D. M. S.; Gunawardana, V. K.; Horadagoda, A.; Navaratne, M. A.
The epididymis, an essential organ of reproduction in the male is considered to have many functions. In order to determine the structure-function relationship of the epididymis, regional variation in morphology and morphometry was investigated under the light microscope. Material was collected from 12 sexually mature goats at slaughter, and each epididymis was divided into seven segments. The segments were fixed in Bouin's fluid and processed for paraffm embedding. Sections 5!-lm in thickness were stained with haematoxylin and eosin. For morphometric studies, five tubular cross sections having circular profiles were selected from each of the seven segments and measurements were made with the aid of a graticule attached to the eyepiece of the microscope. The parameters measured were the diameter of the tubule, diameter of the lumen, height of the epithelium, height of the stereocilia and the thickness of the smoote muscle encircling the tubule. In all segments, three cell types were present in the epididymal duct. These were the principal cells, basal cells and 'halo' cells. The principal cells showed microvilli or stereocilia and are considered to have an absorptive function. Additionally, the initial segment of the epididymis showed angular apical cells and vacuolated clear cells. The results on morphometry are given in Table 1. Table 1 - Morphometric Analysis (The number of samples is given in parenthesis) (TABLE) The tubular diameter was significantly larger in segment 7 compared to segments 2,3,4 and 5 (P
Response of growing and lactating sahiwal cattle to urea-molasses-mineral supplementation
(University of Peradeniya, 1998-11-07) Perera, E. R. K.; Perera, A. N. F.
A study was conducted to examine the response of feed intake, blood metabolites, body weight gain, milk yield and milk composition of Sahiwal cattle to urea-molasses-mineral supplementation. Twelve lactating cows and twelve weaned calves of Sahiwal breed were used. The cows were divided into two groups (n=6/group) balanced by body weight (357.0±2.0 kg), length of lactation (51.8±0.3 d) and milk yield (7.15±0.06 lid). The calves were divided into two groups (n=6/group) balanced by age (86.l±0.5 d) and body weight (51.5±0.3 kg). One group of cows and one group of calves were supplemented with urea-molasses-mineral block (UMMB) and urea-molasses-mineral mixture (UMMM), respectively. Both UMMB and UMMM contained 10% urea, 40% molasses and 8% mineral by weight. Measurements were obtained on daily intake of UMMBIUMMM, individual body weight, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and beta hydroxy butyrate (BHB) of cows and calves. Daily milk yield, composition and proximate composition of feed were also determined. The nutrient content of UMMB and UMMM were superior to that of concentrate and roughage normally offered to cows and calves. Intake of UMMBIUMMM increased over time. Supplementary feeding of UMMBIUMMM increased BUN in cows and calves, lowered BHB in cows, and increased daily milk yield resulting increased net profits. Milk composition was not altered. Body weight gain improvement was not significant. The results suggest that supplementary feeding of the tested UMMB improves nutritional status and milk yield of Sahiwal cattle
Strategic feeding and feed resources for sustainable milk production
(1998-11-07) Perera, A. N. F.; Perera, E. R. K.
Feeding system and nutrition are two major determinant factors of sustainable milk production. Ruminants are unlike monogastric livestock, they require feeding round the clock, due to its anatomical and physiological nature of the highly specialized digestive tract. Nutritional requirement of the cow is mainly obtained from roughage based feeds and about 80% of the digestion is microbial based. In feeding ruminants one have to consider not only the requirements of the animal but also the microbes that assist the digestion. The availability of feed for ruminants is another limitation in present day dairy production. Considering the cost involved and the land pressure, cultivation of forages in the limited land area of the resource poor dairy farmer is unrealistic. Therefore, crop residues and agro industrial by products with other non conventional feed stuffs should be able to satisfy the bulk requirement of the animal. Rice straw is one of the major feed source extensively available but rice straw alone cannot provide required nutrients, due to low bio availability and digestibility. Sugarcane by products also available extensively along with other cereal and pulse straws. However, not even 15% of these crop residues are properly used in feeding dairy livestock. In addition, enormous quantities of other non conventional feeds are also available in the country. India the worlds largest milk producer, more than 80% of the nutritional requirements of their dairy animals are obtained through crop residues and agro industrial by products. Quality of these by products can be elevated by supplementation. Digestibility of straw can be increased from 28% to 52% by supplementation alone. Generally, supplements are expensive and high in demand. Tree fodder playa vital role in utilizing the roughage by elevating the digestibility and inducing a substitutional effect. This can be easily and economically obtained. Urea molasses mineral block (UMMB) is the latest feed supplement introduced to the Sri Lankan dairy animals and presently it is satisfactorily used. This UMMB has a dual effect; as a catalyst by improving the rumen conditions for rumen microbes for efficient roughage digestion and as a supplement to satisfy the deficient nutrients in the basal roughage. UMMB is easy to use and the cost is about 30% of the traditional supplements for similar performances. Presently using different feeding strategies and appropriate supplements, local dairy farmers realized the importance of economical and sustainable. milk production.
Suppurative inflammation in the soles of the feet (Pododermatitis)of Sri Lankan elephants(elephas maximus, maximus, linnaeus, 1758) and the Causative Bacteria
(University of Peradeniya, 1998-11-07) Gamage, C. N. S. G.; Kuruwita, V. Y.; Dangolla, A.
Pododermatitis is a serious health problem in captive elephants in Sri Lanka (Elephas maximus maximum; Linnaeus, 1758) requiring intensive treatment for months or even years, and if neglected could lead to death. The objective of this study was to identify species of organisms (aerobes) involved in causing Pododermatitis in elephants to ascertain any relationship between cracks and severity of the disease. Hind legs of fifty five elephants were examined and, were categorised into groups according to the number of cracks on soles (low 1-5 cracks, medium 6-10 cracks and high 10 or more). Severity of the Pododermatitis was determined by the presence or absence of the exudate associated with the inflammation. The age groups studied were sub adults of 10-20 years, prime adults of 20-40 years and senior adults of more than 40 years. The studied population consisted of 23 males and 32 females. Thirty five (35) of the animals were senior adults, 19 were prime adults and only one was a sub adult. Thirty five (35) animals (62%) had Pododermatitis at least in one of the soles. Fifteen animals had lesions in both hind legs, eight in right hind leg and 9 in left hind leg. The numbers of elephants who had low, medium and high numbers of cracks were 14, 33 and 3 respectively. Eight(8), 21 and 3 animals of the above respective groups had lesions of Pododermatitis. The degree of Pododermatitis was severe in 18 of the above animals and especially in the 3 animals with high numbers of cracks. Streptococcus, Staphylococcus (s. Aureus), Klebsiella, Proteus, Corynebacterium and Escherichia coli species were identified from cultured pus samples obtained from the lesions. Severely overgrown soles with cracks require frequent foot trimming for recovery. Sanitation of the stable and frequent evacuation of urine and dung is necessary. Foot baths of 5% formalin can be used to harden the sole. It has been shown that a balanced diet could prevent this problem. Antibiotics are used to prevent septicaemia and to inhibit the rapid growth of bacteria which may occur as a secondary reaction to Pododermatitis.

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Browsing PURSE 1998 by Subject "Agriculture and animal sciences"

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