UWU Repository :: Browsing by Author "Jayawardana, J.M.D.R."

Browsing by Author "Jayawardana, J.M.D.R."

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Characterization of Goat Production Systems in Badulla District of Sri Lanka
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Nandasena, H.M.N.P.; Jayawardana, J.M.D.R.; Kurukulasuriya, M.S.
Goat farming in Sri Lanka has a great potential for improvements, especially in rural economies, since it can be operated with low input levels. Badulla district is considered as a rural area where agricultural activities are predominant. However, the available information on goat farming in Badulla is minimal, limiting the opportunities for further development. Hence, the objective of this study was to characterize the goat production systems in Badulla district. A survey was conducted using 320 goat famers in 15 divisional secretariats of Badulla district using stratified and simple random sampling techniques. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect data on farmers’ general information, herd characteristics, management practices and constraints of farmers. Data were analyzed using Minitab 17 statistical software. The results indicated that goat farming is more popular among Tamil and Muslim communities. Out of total study sample, 76.9% were Tamil and 19.7% were Muslim. Majority of goat farmers (80.6%) had only the primary education. Almost all farmers (99.7%) in the area considered goat farming as a secondary income source. In 91.9% goat farms, herd owner is a male although housewives and children helped in farming activities. Most of goat herds were indigenous (75.6 %) while 24.4% were Jamnapari crosses. The average herd size was 6.65 ±4.70. All farmers rear goats under semi-intensive management system. Although, cut and feed, tethering and free grazing were found as major roughages feeding systems, these can vary in different areas of Badulla according to the resource availability. Around 50.0% farmers used raised slatted floor houses. According to the farmers’ perception, lack of goat breeds, less government support and less land availability were identified as main problems in goat farming in Badulla. Therefore, based on proper data, short-term and long-term development plans should be implemented for development of goat farming in Badulla.
Comparative Analysis of Physicochemical and Sensory Attributes of Mature and Immature Tumid Venus Clam (Gafrarium tumidum) in Different Locations of Jaffna Lagoon, Sri Lanka
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2018) Jeyaamuthan, S.; Kumar, S.A.; Jayawardana, J.M.D.R.; Thushari, G.G.N.; Jayasena, D.K.D.D.
Tumid Venus clam (Gafrarium tumiduni) is one of the dominant and readily available coastal bivalves consumed by local residents in Jaffna district of Sri Lanka. Scientific data on physicochemical and sensory attributes of this species is however scarce. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine physicochemical and sensory attributes of Tumid Venus clam in four different sites of Jaffna lagoon at two different maturity stages. Randomly collected 200 clams from each different sites of Jaffna lagoon: Karainagar (9.7481°N, 79.8829°E), Mandaitivu (9.6165°N, 79.9920°E), Kayts (9.6526°N, 79.9081°E) and Navanthurai (9.6687°N, 80.0007°E) were graded into two maturity stages as mature (100 clams >35 mm in each location) and immature (100 clams <35 mm in each location) based on the shell length. The composite flesh samples were then subjected to analysis of physicochemical and organoleptic attributes using standard analytical protocols. Results revealed that there was a significant difference in color a* (redness), b* (yellowness), L* (lightness), pH value, water holding capacity, moisture and ash contents with the location as food availability is changed with inhabiting region (p<0.05). However, maturity stage had significant effects only on color a*, b* and L* values and water holding capacity (p<0.05). Based on the sensory evaluation, the appearance and taste of cooked clams were significantly varied with the location and maturity stage due to qualitative & quantitative changes of food items under different environmental conditions and variable nutritional requirements with maturity level (p<0.05). The highest consumer acceptance was recorded for immature bivalve samples from Navanthurai. In conclusion, current study showed the suitability of low cost bivalve resources as a substitute for conventional, expensive seafood sources. Furthermore, location and maturity stage had a significant effect on physiochemical and sensory attributes of Tumid Venus clam.
Consumer Awareness Towards the Labeling Aspects on Beverage Products: A Case Study on the Beverage Products at Supermarkets- Chain in Matara Urban Area
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Gunasekara, B.G.D.S.; Ranasinghe, M.K.; Jayawardana, J.M.D.R.
Food labelling is a tool which provides information on products’ composition, quantity of content and nutritional profile to its consumers. If the ingredients exceed the required amount to be in a beverage, it will cause health hazards. For the prevalence of food safety, laws and regulations must be enforced to control the limits of ingredients incorporated. The objective of this study was to examine the awareness of consumers on food labeling regulations and other aspects while purchasing beverages at supermarkets chain in Matara urban area. The data were collected using convenience sampling technique and 200 consumers were interviewed with a pre-tested questionnaire. Descriptive statistical analysis and chi-square test were performed using SPSS statistical software. Results of descriptive statistical analysis revealed that majority of consumers (87.50%) were aware about the regulation on colour coding of sugar level. Consumers had less knowledge regarding the nutritional factors appeared on label and results indicated that awareness on sodium (24.50%), fat (23.50%), protein (22.50%), calories (13.00%) and ascorbic acid (7.00%). The majority of consumers were aware on quality standard; SLS (97.00%) while on other standards were low; HACCP (21.00%) and GMP (9.00%). Most of the consumers preferred to have light colour beverages (66.5%). Moreover, they mainly considered the price (94.00%), expiry date (89.00%) and brand name (79.50%) when purchasing beverages. The results of chi-square analysis revealed that educational level of the consumers was significantly associated with awareness of food labeling regulations (p<0.05). However, gender, age, income level and occupation were not significantly associated with food labeling regulations (p>0.05). In conclusion a compatible choice for beverages can be taken by paying attention to the food labeling regulations and other important aspects on the label.
Effect of Coagulation Temperature on Yield, Chemical, Sensory and Textural Properties of Buffalo Milk Paneer
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2018) Dishiwarthani, T.; Mudannayake, D.C.; Mangalika, U.L.P.; Jayawardana, J.M.D.R.
Paneer, popularly known as Indian cottage cheese is prepared by heat and acid coagulation of standardized buffalo milk. The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of different coagulation temperatures on yield, chemical, sensory and textural properties of paneer cheese coagulated with lime juice. Paneer cheese was prepared from whole or skimmed buffalo milk using different coagulation temperatures (70 °C, 80 °C and 90 °C) and lime juice as the coagulant. Relevant milk coagulation temperatures were maintained using a constant temperature water bath, while a constant volume of lime juice (30 mL) with a pH of 2.3 at a temperature of 30 °C was used as the coagulant. Sensory evaluation was done for fresh paneer samples with 30 untrained panelists, using a nine point hedonic scale. Texture of paneer cheese samples were analysed in terms of hardness, cohesiveness and springiness using CT3 texture analyser. Results revealed from completely randomized design indicated that the highest yields of both whole and skimmed paneer were obtained at coagulation temperature of 70 °C. Moisture and protein content of paneer were significantly differed with different coagulation temperatures (p<0.05). However, fat and ash content of paneer were not significantly differed with different coagulation temperatures. According to the sensory evaluation, paneer sample prepared at a coagulation temperature of 80 °C had a significantly higher overall acceptability. It was found that hardness and cohesiveness was increased with the coagulation temperature up to 90 °C, whereas springiness increased with the temperature up to 80 °C, and then decreased with the increase in temperature. The study showed that the coagulation temperature had a significant effect on chemical, sensory, and textural properties of paneer.
Effect of Major Socio-Economic Factors on Dairy Cattle Milk Production in Maho Veterinary Region in Kurunegala District
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2018) Dissanayake, W.A.M.P.M.; Jayawardana, J.M.D.R.; Jayasinghe, J.M.P.; Samaraweera, A.M.; Mapitiya, D.A.
Livestock plays a socially and economically significant role in Sri Lankan agriculture providing multi-functional outputs and supplementing family incomes for livelihood security. Therefore, the present study was conducted to identify the effect of major socio-economic factors and constraints on dairy cattle milk production in Maho veterinary region in Kurunegala district. Three hundred and fifty (350) farmers from Maho veterinary region were selected using stratified sampling. Socio- economic and production data were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Data were subjected to descriptive analysis and multiple linear regressions using Minitab 17 statistical software. Results of the descriptive analysis revealed that majority engaged in dairy cattle farming as a major source of income (58.29%). Of the total farmers, 78.29% practiced semi-intensive rearing while Jersey and Sahiwal were reported as the dominant breeds (38%) within the region. Average daily milk production was 6.20 L cow"' day1. Results of the regression analysis highlighted relationships between breed type, breeding technique, feeding method, concentration type, level of education of the farmer and experience in dairy farming with the daily milk production (P < 0.05). Fitted regression model well predicted the daily milk production (R2 = 94%). It disclosed that breed type, breeding technique, feeding method, concentration type, level of education of the farmer and experience determine the dairy cattle milk production. However, lack of high yielding cross breeds, less success in artificial insemination (AI), low quality pasture and seasonality in pasture production and poor milk collection network were reported as the major constraints. The key findings of this study might promote improving the factors affecting the milk production in Maho veterinary region.
Identification of Factors affecting to the Blue Swimming Crab (Portunus pelagicus) Harvest in Eastern Province, Sri Lanka
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2018) Infaas, A.A.F.S.; Liyanage, N.P.P.; Wickramaratne, I.U.; Jayawardana, J.M.D.R.; Dias, P.C.B.
The blue swimming crab; Portunus pelagicus is a tropical marine crustacean species, having higher demands in local and global crab market during last few decades. But, there are limited studies on present harvest of blue swimming crab industry in Sri Lanka. Hence this study was conducted to investigate the current status of Blue swimming crab fishery and factors affecting on the daily harvest of Blue swimming crab in the Eastern Province, Sri Lanka. Stratified and Random Sampling techniques were used to select the target and by catch fisheries from Ampara, Batticaloa and Trincomalee districts. Data associated with harvesting methods and practices of Blue swimming crabs were collected from 372 fishermen and 23 sellers using pre tested structured questionnaire. Collected data were statistically analyzed using Minitab 17 software and MS Excel. Multiple Linear Regression model was fitted to determine the main factors affected on the daily Blue swimming crab harvest. Descriptive statistical analysis suggested that majority of the fishermen in the Eastern Province used Gill net (94.7%), while less percentage of fishermen used Cast net (2.9%) and Trap net (2.4%). It was found that, in average 4.5 kg of daily harvest was obtained and average price of blue Swimming crab was Rs 271.69 per kg. Furthermore, results of Regression analysis revealed that there is a significant relationship in daily Blue swimming crab harvest with mesh size, length of net, depth of net and number of net pieces (p<0.001). Study concluded that improving these factors would increase the Blue swimming crab harvest in. Eastern Province of Sri Lanka and necessary attention needs to be given at policy making in future.
Identification of Factors that Affect the Grade of the Mathematics Subject at Ordinary Level Examination with Reference to Uva Province
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Jayawardana, J.M.D.R.; Mayadunne, M.M.C.M.; Kumari, K.W.S.N.
In Sri Lanka, education has to play a key role in social and economic sectors. The Ministry of Education in collaboration with the other relevant ministries is working relentlessly to achieve the development of the education sector. Mathematics is one of the main subjects in the education section in Sri Lanka which is used to select students for their higher education. According to a previous research, it was found that the average pass rate at the ordinary level examination is 37% in our country, and it is around 31-32 in the less developed provinces such as North-Eastern, North-central, Uva and Central. To attempt the decisions in education sector in Uva province in future, it is really important to identify the significant factors that affect the ordinary level Mathematics subject. The main objective of this study is based on identifying the main factors which can affect the results of Mathematics subject. In this study, data were acquired by using multistage systematic sampling method.Generalized Linear Model (GLM) was fitted to final marks of the grade eleven students to identify the main factors that affect the final grade. It was noted that students' attendance to school, performing mathematics exercises, getting help from their parents, grade five scholarship and time spend for the mathematics subject at home were significantly affecting the students' results of the ordinary level Mathematics subject. According to the factor analysis results, it was found that the factors of the fitted model significantly affect the students' marks in Mathematics subject. Keywords: Mathematics, Education, Ordinary level, Generalized linear model
Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) Survey on Processed Meat Products Consumption among Agriculture Undergraduates of Government Universities in Sri Lanka
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Madhumali, J.A.S.; Bogahawaththa, B.R.S.; Jayawardana, J.M.D.R.; Jayasena, D.D.
KAP survey is a study of a distinctive population to agglomerate information on what is known, what is feel or believe and how deed in continuity to a particular topic. The study was aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices on processed meat products (PMP) consumption among Agriculture undergraduates of government universities in Sri Lanka. Data collection was done by pre-tested questionnaire method and sample size of 370 undergraduates was selected using stratified and simple random sampling techniques. Descriptive statistics and chi-square test were performed for the data analysis. Results of descriptive statistical revealed that, female showed the highest knowledge response than the male (Female 24.48% versus Male 22.98%) on PMP. Majority of the participants (98.1%) consumes PMP. Among them, nearly 58% were not aware about the recommended limit of sodium nitrate for PMP. Chicken sausages (73.78%) were reported as the highest purchasing PMP. However, majority (85.94%) responded that PMP can cause negative effects on health and 56.75% responded that there is a higher chance to get high cholesterol level from PMP. Moreover, 41.35% of participants reported that advertising is the most inducing factor to purchase PMP. Majority of the participants (58.64%) favor PMP with soft texture and intermediate colour (65.40%). Further, 62.16% participants favor to have more pictures over more letters in the label of PMP. There was no significant association between knowledge and nutritional level for PMP (p=0.21). Attitude towards PMP among undergraduates significantly affected (p< 0.05) on their opinion on healthiness of added chemicals in processed meat products. Quality certificates and preferred form of cooking are the factors significantly (p<0.05) affected on the practices of PMP consumption. In conclusion, it is required to implement awareness programs about PMP to improve the knowledge, rectify the negative attitudes/myths and enhance the consumption level.
Meat and Meat Product Consumption Patterns and Prevalence of Malnutrition among Advanced Level Students in Kandy District
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Nadeeshani, R.H.W.; Bogahawaththa, B.R.S.; Jayawardana, J.M.D.R.; Jayasena, D.D.
This study was conducted to elucidate meat consumption patterns among the Advanced Level students in Kandy district, to examine the prevalence of malnutrition via body mass index (BMI) and to elucidate the correlation between meat consumption and prevalence of malnutrition. A total of 387 Advanced Level students were selected using a combination of stratified, systematic and simple random sampling techniques. A pretested structured questionnaire was used to collect the primary data from students. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi–square test. Results of descriptive statistical analysis revealed that majority of students are meat consumers (92%). Students consume meat mainly because of its nutritive value (41.3%) and taste (29.5%). They consume processed meat products primarily due to the taste (30%) and convenience (25.3%). Majority of respondents consider meat type (38.8%) and freshness (15.5%) before purchasing fresh meat whereas expiry date (28.4%) and meat type (18.6%) before purchasing processed meat products. According to the results, 5.4% of students were underweight and 3.6% students were overweight. Results of chi–square analysis revealed that household income and place of living effected on the frequency of meat and processed meat consumption (p<0.05). Purchasing place, types of meat and processed meat they consumed were affected by the household income (p<0.05). Furthermore, household income, number of family members, living place, frequently consumed meat/processed meat types, frequency of consumption were effected on student BMI (p<0.05). This study concluded that there is a relationship between meat consumption pattern and prevalence of malnutrition. Hence, it can be recommended to conduct awareness programs or seminars on nutritional value of meat and meat products to prevent malnutrition among the school students.
A Preliminary Study on Current Status of Dairy Cattle Farming in Mannar District
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Dias, V.C.; Jayawardana, J.M.D.R.; Jayasinghe, J.M.P.; Ranaweera, K. K. T. N.
Dairy cattle farming in Sri Lanka has a direct impact on income generation, poverty alleviation and provision of animal proteins to households. Hence, it plays a vital role in areas such as Northern Province, which is recovering from a conflict period. Therefore, the objective of the current survey was to study the present status of dairy cattle farming in Mannar district of Northern Province. The study was designed to assess the dairy farming practices and its constraints. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data from 254 dairy farmers whom were selected using stratified and simple random sampling from 5 veterinary regions of Mannar district. The highest number of farms had local cattle breeds (89.37%). Sahiwal crosses (9.05%) and Jersey crosses (0.78%) were observed in less number of farms. Most of the farms (92.9%) used stud bulls for cattle breeding. Average herd size of cattle farms was 34 animals. Yet, average proportion of milking cows from herd was 35.34%. Major source of forages were from wild and roadsides (71%). Concentrate and mineral supplementation were given to animals only by 12% and 10% of farmers respectively. Extensive management system (66.9%) was observed as the major dairy cattle rearing system in the area. Hence, cattle sheds were not available for 62% of the farms. Average milk production of the area was 1.59 ± 0.442 L/cow/day. Significantly higher (P<0.05) milk production was observed in Manthai West (2.1 L/Cow/day) and the lowest was observed in Musali (1.3 L/cow/day). Even though most of the farmers (72%) had more than 5 years of experience in cattle farming, their knowledge level on dairy farming was observed to be poor. Major constraints identified were; lack of improved cattle breeds, poor knowledge level on dairy farming, lack of improved forages and poor extension facilities. In conclusion, to alleviate the poor status of dairy farming in Mannar District, strategies should be aimed to address aforementioned constraints.
Present Status of Export Trade of Endemic and Indigenous Freshwater Ornamental Fish Species in Sri Lanka
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019-02) Egodauyana, K.P.U.T.; Dias, P.C.B.; Jayawardana, J.M.D.R.; Senevirathne, J.D.M.; Liyanage, N.P.P.
Sri Lankan ornamental fish export industry has developed rapidly during last decade due to high demand. Recent surveys have indicated that wild collection of endemic and indigenous freshwater ornamental fish species has caused serious conservational issues. This study aims to evaluate the present status of export trade of endemic and indigenous fish species in Sri Lanka during 2016-2017. Secondary information on type of freshwater fish species which were exported as ornamental fishes and their levels of exporting were collected from Sri Lanka Customs. Pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data from 15 ornamental fish exporters, including the details of restricted and prohibited species and current status of the export industry. Results of the study indicated that the exportation of endemic species and indigenous species have been reduced by 43.7% and 9.4% respectively in 2017 when compared to 2016. Highest export trend were recorded on Garra ceylonensis: endemic fish species (48.7%) and Monodactylus argenteus: indigenous species (69.6%). Only 20 species of restricted freshwater fish have exported in 2016 and not reported at 2017. The major export destinations of Sri Lankan endemic and indigenous fish was USA (22%) followed by Netherlands (18%) and Australia (10%). The results of the questionnaire survey indicated that a limited number of exporters (40%) tend to export endemic fish species due to legal barriers. Further, captive breeding of Sri Lankan endemic fish varieties (Puntius titteya) outside the island may threat to the ornamental fish trade of Sri Lanka. A high proportion of exporters (80%) are over depended on the wild collection which leads to overexploitation of demanded species. Further, natural habitats of the wild population are negatively affected by deforestation and environmental pollution. Therefore, improving the captive breeding for wild catch species is important to ensure the sustainability of ornamental fish trade.
A Review on Export Trade of Freshwater Ornamental Fish Species in Sri Lanka
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019-02) Rathnamurthi, T.D.N.K.S.; Dias, P.C.B.; Jayawardana, J.M.D.R.; Senevirathne, J.D.M.; Liyanage, N.P.P.
Freshwater Ornamental Fish industry of Sri Lanka has developed rapidly during the last few decades due to high export demand. Industry sustains with culture of exotic species rather than a wild collection of ornamental fish including endemics. Hence, a review on the present status of the export industry of Freshwater Ornamental Fish and identification of the existing gaps are important for further development in the industry. Secondary information on exporting levels, species and countries were collected from Sri Lanka Customs. Further, 32 registered exporters were identified using NAQDA registry and pretested questionnaire was used to collect information on knowledge of exporters, productivity and export details. Results revealed that majority of export fish varieties were Guppy (87%) followed by Platy (3.3%), Molly (2.2%), Tetra (2%), Zebrafish (1.7%) and Barb (0.9%). According to the results, demand for the exporting fish is changed with the quarters of the year and majority of the species (Guppy, Platy, Molly, Tetra) have high demand in 1st quarter. Demand for Zebra fish and Barb fish has high demand in 4th and 2nd quarter of the year respectively. Results of the survey indicated that 80% of companies target only the export market rather than local trade. Majority (55%) of the exporters depended on local farmers to fulfill their requirement of export market. This vast export demand still cannot be achieved due to the communication barriers (67%) among farmers and exporters. The major constrains were identified as difficulties of recognise the actual market demand (87%), lack of adequate knowledge and technical approach regarding disease control (73%) and water quality management (87%). “Ceylon Fish Guide” a userfriendly android tool was developed to enhance the knowledge and communication of farmers and exporters. Therefore, improving the ornamental fish industry with novel technologies is important to compete with global market.
Some Aspects of the Reproductive Biology of Dasyatis zugei (Paleedged stingray) in the Gulf of Mannar, Sri Lanka
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019-02) Gayathry, L.D.; Abeygunawardana, A.P.; Jayawardana, J.M.D.R.; Jayamanne, S.C.
Dasyatis zugei is one of the major non-target species caught in the bottom-set crab nets used for catching blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus) in Gulf of Mannar. This study aims to determine the length–weight relationship, size at first maturity and fecundity of D. zugei. In total of 1,404 individuals were collected from crab nets in two landing sites; Vankalai and Thalvupadu in Gulf of Mannar during the period of September - November, 2018. Disc Width-WD of all the individuals were measured to the nearest mm, body weight was weighed to the nearest gram and sex was determined. The state of maturity of gonads of females was identified through dissection and macroscopic examination of ovaries. Mean ova diameter significantly varied among females according to the different maturity stages (P<0.05). Sex ratio in the catch was 1:1.35 (M: F). Disc width of males ranged from 85-260 mm with a mean of 175.43±22.42 and females ranged from 110-220 mm with a mean of 167.27±17.55. The Disc width-weight relationship was analyzed by Simple Linear Regression using log transformed data and it showed Log W = -0.5923 + 2.364 log WD for male and Log W = -3.497 + 2.599 log WD for female. The results show negative allometric growth (b<3) for D. zugei. There was no significant statistical difference (P>0.05) in the male and female regression co-efficient. The size at first maturity was 166.5 mm for female D. zugei. Embryos were found only in females ≥ 160 mm of WD. The maximum fecundity was three embryos per female which is varied with the size of the female. This study reports the first findings on length- weight relationship and size at maturity of D. zugei in Sri Lankan waters.
Study of Accumulation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Smoked Fish (Thunnus albacares) Under Different Storage Conditions
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Uyangoda, D.N.M.; Madage, S.S.K.; Gunasekara, M.M.N.P.; Medis, W.U.D.; Abeyrathne, E.D.N.S.; Jayawardana, J.M.D.R.
Fish smoking is the most extensively used simplest preservation technique. Although, accumulation of carcinogenic Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) from wood burning is a major problem associated with the smoked fish. Hence, this research was focused to study the penetration of PAHs in to center of the smoked fish (Thunnus albacares) and effect of accumulated PAHs content with the time under different storage conditions. Fish chunks having equal thickness were smoked using smoke of coconut husk and stored under refrigerated (4C) and frozen (-18C) conditions. PAHs content of surface and center part of stored smoked fish chunks were analyzed at predetermined time intervals by Infinity Quaternary Gradient HPLC system with FLD and UV detectors. Moisture content, water activity, pH, texture, and color of smoked fish samples were also analyzed. PAHs content (Anthracene) of the surface of the smoked fish at the beginning of storage was 190.39 µg/kg and that was declined during both refrigerated (after 6 day 130.09 µg/kg) and frozen storage (after 15 day 106.19 µg/kg). But PAHs content (Anthracene) of the center of the smoked fish at the beginning of storage was 0.00 µg/kg and that was increased during both refrigerated (after 6 day 19.88 µg/kg) and frozen storage (after 15 day 45.47 µg/kg). There were no significant changes in the moisture content (68.49±0.5%) water activity (0.967±0.007), pH (6.04±0.21) and firmness (0.909±0.162 kg) of the smoked fish during the storage (p>0.05). Therefore, results revealed that PAHs penetrate in to the center part of the smoked fish during the storage.
Survey on Consumer Behavior and Egg Quality Parameters in Badulla District among the Consumers Age between 15-44 years
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2018) Weerakoon, W.M.S.K.B.; Jayawardana, J.M.D.R.; Abeyrathne, E.D.N.S.
Eggs are highly nutritious and perishable food with low price. Quality standards in eggs and egg products are highly concerned in the world. Objective of this research was to assess the consumer behavior and awareness of egg quality among the people age of 15-44 years in Badulla district. Samples were taken using fluid survey web based software. 385 respondents from 15 Divisional Secretaries divisions in Badulla district were interviewed by pre tested questionnaire according to SLS 959:1992. Respondents were categorized in to urban, rural and estate sectors. Hence 72.2% individuals were Buddhist, 20% Hindus, 4.2% Islam. Education level was distributed as; 25.2% Below OIL, 33.2% OIL Qualified, 36.1% AIL Qualified, 4.9% Graduates and 0.5% Post-graduates. 93.8% individuals prefer Chicken eggs while 6.0% prefer quail eggs. 62.9% prefer brown shell eggs and 19.7% prefer white shell eggs. But 17.4% consumers in all age category groups not concerned in color. Majority of the consumers purchase 5-10 eggs per week (50.6%) and only 11.9% purchase 0-5 eggs. Mainstream of the consumers who have purchasing power belong to age category between 24-35 years. 68.1% purchased eggs from retail shops while 11.7%, 11.2% and 9.1% from farms, local houses and super markets, respectively. 30.1% individuals consumed four eggs per week while 27.3% consume three eggs per week and 21% consume five eggs per week per person. 86.8% had some basic knowledge on external defects and 81.1% had knowledge on internal defects. 13.2% and18.9% of consumers had no consciousness regarding internal and external defects, respectively. Urban consumers were more aware on quality than others (p < 0.05). 16.4% consumers use appearance of eggs to identify the level of spoilage while 28.1% shaking, 37.4% by dipping in water and 6.5% by weight loss. Most preferred egg yolk color among the consumers was No 08. In conclusion, consumers in urban area were more concerned on quality standards than the other consumers but identification on defects were high in estate people.
A Survey On Factors Influencing the Cow Milk Production in Badulla District
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Ranathunga, R.A.P.; Kumari, K.W.S.N.; Jayasinghe, J.M.P.; Jayawardana, J.M.D.R.
In Sri Lanka, dairy cattle farming is well known as a key subsector of livestock which plays a significant role in rural livelihood in both economic and nutrition. This study aimed to investigate the current status, constraints and factors affecting on dairy cattle milk production in Badulla district. 382 dairy farmers in 15 veterinary regions were selected by Multi-stage Stratified and Simple Random Sampling. Socio-economic, production and management practices data were collected using pre-tested structured questionnaire. Socioeconomic, production data were subjected to descriptive analysis and Regression analysis was performed to determine the factors affecting milk production. Results showed that 47.5% of farmers operate dairy farming as major income source and majority practiced semi-intensive system (93.97%). Male farmers dominate in dairy farming (57.7%) and an average age of the farmers and experience in cattle farming were recorded as 50 and 20 years respectively. Calves were weaned at age of 6 months and Jersey crossbreed was dominant (86.4%) breed. The highest (9.705±8.28 L/cow/day) and lowest (3.29 L/cow/day) milk productions were reported in Haputhale and Mahiyangana respectively. Best fitted Multiple Linear Regression (R2=59.63%) predicted, cows in heard, breeds, forage type, feeding method and amount of night feeding, mineral supplement, concentrate feeding and type of concentrate, availability of housing facilities significantly affected on the average daily milk production (p<0.05). Low quality forages and seasonality, less success in Artificial Insemination, lack of high yielding animals, high prices of concentrates, less availability of supplements and poor housing condition were frequently reported as major constraints for dairy cattle milk production in Badulla. Proper address to the constrains is a key to improve the status and livelihood of the dairy cattle farmers.

Browsing by Author "Jayawardana, J.M.D.R."

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