Browsing by Author "Nambapana, N.M.N."
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Item Comparison of Two different Commercially Available Vitamin-Mineral Premixes in Broiler Diets on Growth Performance and Meat Quality of Broiler Chicke(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2018) Weerasinghe, W.M.S.S.; Gunawardana, K.G.U.I.P.; Priyadarshana, S.P.M.; Anand Kumar, S.; De Silva, P.G.J.C.; Nambapana, N.M.N.; Jayasena, D.K.D.D.This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of two different vitaminmineral premixes on performance, meat quality and meat composition of broiler chicken. A total of ninety (n. = 90) day-old male broiler chicks were randomly assigned into three dietary treatments. Each treatment comprised three replicates and ten broiler chicks were included in each replicate. Broilers were allocated to one of the three diets and fed for 42 days in a completely randomized design. The dietary treatments included two different premixes as T 1 (Basal diet + VitaminMineral premix 1) and T2 (Basal diet + Vitamin-Mineral premix 2) and the control group (To) fed with the basal diet only. The highest (p < 0.05) daily body weight gain (56 gbird-iday-I) and the lowest (p < 0.05) feed conversion ratio (1.68) of broiler birds were recorded from the birds fed T, diet. The highest (34%) and the lowest cook loss (33%) (P < 0.05) were recorded from T2 and T, treatments, respectively. The highest (p < 0.05) manganese concentration (0.065 mg/L) and the crude protein percentage (26%) of chicken breast meat were recorded from the birds fed Ti diet and the lowest manganese concentration (0.0213 mg/L) was recorded from the birds fed control diet. The highest (9%) and the lowest (4%) ash percentages (P < 0.05) were recorded from T2 and T1 treatments, respectively. The pH, color, water holding capacity and texture of broiler breast meat were not affected (p > 0.05) by dietary treatments. In conclusion, the supplemental dietary vitamin-mineral premix 1 has made beneficial effects on performance and meat composition of broiler chicken than the dietary vitamin-mineral premix 2.Item Determination of Meat and Meat Products Consumption Pattern of AIL Students in Uva Province(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Kumarasinghe, H.K.S.P.; Jayasena, D.K.D.D.; Wijesundera, K.K.; Mudannayake, D.C.; Nambapana, N.M.N.; Siyambalapitiya, J.The factors affecting purchasing and consumption of meat are diverse and complex. The objective of this study was to identify different meat and meat products consumption patterns of AIL students in Uva province. A total of 58 schools were selected from Uva province. Pre-tested structured questionnaires were used to collect information from 1231 randomly selected students. Body Mass Index was calculated to detect the malnutrition condition of students. Collected data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2013 and Minitab 16. According to results, 85% respondents consumed at least one type of meat. Ninety percent of the participants consumed meat mainly at home. Among non-meat consumers, 48.39% had malnutrition condition. The religious believes (26.18%), allergies (15.71%) and antipathy for killing animals (46.07%) were the most popular reasons for not consuming meat. The most preferred meat types were chicken followed by beef, pork, and mutton, respectively. Among the processed meat types, most of students (57.52%) consume sausages and 4.35% of students consume meat balls. A total of28.82% students consume both meat balls and sausages. There was a significant correlation between the meat consumption and malnutrition. In addition, a significant correlation between meat consumption and sex, religion, income level and living place (urban or rural) were observed, but not with education level and occupation. Type of meat, price, and nutrition were the priority determinants that influenced the purchasing behavior of meat and meat products. It can be concluded that the meat and meat product consumption of A/L students in Uva province of Sri Lanka should be increased to reduce malnutrition and that awareness on processed meat products and different meat types should be increased. Key words: Body Mass Index, Consumption, Malnutrition, Meat, Uva ProvinceItem Effect of Slaughtering Age Sex of Strain Cobb and Hybro on Cutup Weights(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2010) Pathmanathan, P.; Nambapana, N.M.N.; Jayasena, D.K.D.D.; Weerasooriya, G.The qualitative properties of the meat are of major importance for poultry processing, since meat is now widely consumed as cuts or as processed products. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of slaughtering age, sex and strain Cobb and Hybro PG+ on cutup weights. The experiment was conducted with 192 broilers of two different strains (Cobb and Hybro) which were reared in a fully automated, closed house system at Crysbro Group of Company, Jayamalapura, Gampola. Birds were slaughtered at the age of 33 to 42 days. All broilers were kept on a 12 hours starvation period then weighed before slaughtering. At the end of processing, carcasses were portioned into five different parts such as Leg, Breast, Back, Wing and Neck and weighed to the nearest ±0.01 g. Data were analyzed by Multiple Regression employing sex and strain as two dummy variables. Age of birds was taken as a quantitative variable. The results revealed that all variables except the Neck% varies significantly with age (P<0.05). All variables have varied significantly with the strain (P<0.05). Sex had shown a significant effect (P<0.05) on Neck (N %) and Back (B %). Wing (W%), Breast% (Br %) and Leg (L %), have increased with slaughtering age (P<0.05) while Back (B %) has decreased with slaughtering age. No change observed in Neck (N %) with the slaughtering age. Processed weight of male was higher than that of female in both strains. Strain Cobb was identified as the most suitable strain for portioning as expensive cut percentages such as Breast% and Leg% are higher in Cobbs than Hybro PG+. At 38 days of slaughtering age, strain Cobb produced average 2.143 kg of live weight, Back 15.19%, Wing 7.68%, Leg 23.0%, Breast 27.61% and Neck 4.43%. Therefore, strain Cobb could be used to obtain high carcass weight or expensive portions from 38 days of age. Key Words: Hybro PG+ , Cobb, Strain,Carcass weight, StarvationItem Effect of Bread Fruit (Artocarpus altilis) Flour on Growth Performance and Meat Quality Parameters of Broiler Chickens(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Dayarathna, N.K.P.K.; Jayarathna, G.G.N.; Jayasena, D.D.; Dissanayake, S.P.; Nambapana, N.M.N.Breadfruit flour (BFF) is considered as an energy rich food ingredient which provides an excellent source of calories for the diet. The study reported herein was conducted to determine the effect of breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) flour on growth performance and meat quality parameters of broiler chickens. Ninety-day old Cobb 500 broiler chicks were randomly assigned into three dietary treatments as control (0% BFF), treatment 1 (5% BFF), and treatment 2 (10% BFF) in a booster, starter and finisher diets, respectively. Each treatment replicated three times with 10 birds per replicate. Body weight, feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were recorded for 5-weeks. On day-36, two birds from each replicate were randomly selected and were slaughtered for carcass analysis. Data were analysed using a one-way analysis for a variance by using Minitab 17 software. Tukey multiple range test was used to determine the significant differences between experimented groups at p<0.05. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) on feed intake of broilers fed different dietary treatments. Birds fed 10% BFF achieved the highest (p<0.05) weight gain and the lowest FCR compared to other treatments. The highest (p<0.05) dressing percentage and the relative weights (p<0.05) of heart, liver, and intestines were recorded from the birds fed the diet having 10% BFF. No significant effect (p>0.05) was observed in proximate composition and meat quality parameters tested. Sensory attributes were higher in birds fed treatment 2 and the highest (p<0.05) overall acceptability was recorded by the birds fed with 10% BFF. In conclusion, breadfruit flour can be incorporated into broiler diets at a 10% level to enhance body weight, good carcass yield, and to improve meat quality parameters of broiler chickens without any negative effects. Keywords: Breadfruit flour, Broiler chickens, Growth performance, Meat qualityItem Effect of Deep Litter and Slatted Floor Systems on Broiler Breeder Performance of, Hatchability, Fertility and Exterior Quality of Eggs(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2018) Kasthuriarachchi, K.A.D.H.; Gamlath, G.A.S.N.; Nambapana, N.M.N.An experiment was conducted to compare the effect of deep litter and slatted floor systems on broiler breeder performance, hatchability, fertilityand exterior quality of eggs. A total of 23100 female and 2100 male commercial broiler breeders (Cobb 500) were randomly assigned in to two different treatments and housed under two different rearing systems (deep litter and slatted floor) from 26 to 34 weeks of age. Each treatment replicated three times. Data were recorded daily and analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) in Complete Randomized Block Design (RCBD) and means were separated using Tukey's means of comparison. The highest (P < 0.05) female body weight (3.6 kg), number of damaged eggs (143) and number of destroyed eggs (99) were recorded from 2/3rd of slatted floor system. The highest (P < 0.05) daily egg production (2846), male body weight (4.1 kg), and number of floor eggs (40), number of doubled yolk eggs (270), number of misshaped eggs (12) were recorded from deep litter system. Female and male mortality percentage, egg weight, number of tiny eggs, fertility and hatchability percentages were not affected by floor systems (P > 0.05).The results concluded that birds reared on deep litter system were exhibited better broiler breeder performance as compared to slatted floor system during 26 to 34 weeks.Item Effect of Different Levels of a Commercially Available Acidifier on Growth Performance, Meat Quality and Escherichia coli Count in the Ileum of Broiler Chicken(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2018) Gunawardana, K.G.U.I.P.; Weerasinghe, W.M.S.S.; Priyadarshana, S.P.M.; Anand Kumar, S.; De Silva, P.G.J.C.; Nambapana, N.M.N.; Jayasena, D.K.D.D.The study reported herein was conducted to investigate the effect of different levels of an acidifier on performance, meat quality, E. coli count in the ileum and the organ weights of broilers. A total of 120-day-old male broiler chicks were randomly assigned into four treatments. Each treatment comprised three replicates of 10 birds each. Broiler chicks were randomly assigned into three acidifier levels (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 m1/3L) as T1, Tz, T3 treatments, respectively. The control group (To) treated with normal water only. Broilers were fed with a basal diet for 42 days in a completely randomized design. The highest (p < 0.05) daily body weight gain (67 g) and the lowest (p < 0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) (1.48) were recorded from T2 treatment. The lowest (p < 0.05) E. coli count (7.314 log cfu g-') in the ileal digesta content was recorded from T3 treatment. The lowest (p < 0.05) cook loss (31%) was recorded from the control group. The lowest (p < 0.05) lightness (65.7) and the highest (p < 0.05) redness (10.08) of broiler breast meat were recorded from 12 treatment. The highest (p < 0.05) relative weight of the proventriculus (0.39%) was recorded from TO treatment. The highest (p < 0.05) relative weights of the duodenum (0.4%) and the caeca (0.3%) were recorded from TO treatment and the lowest relative weights of the duodenum (0.22%) and the ceca (0.19%) were recoded from T2 treatment. The highest (p < 0.05) relative weights of the heart (0.67%) and the pancreas (0.27%) were recorded from To treatment and the lowest relative weights of the heart (0.42%) and the pancreas (0.09%) were observed from T2 treatment. In conclusion, supplementation of an acidifier in 1 ml/3L concentration has better effects on performance, E. coli count of the ileum and organ weights of broiler chicken. KeywordsItem Effect of different levels of Stocking Density and Dietary Sodium Bicarbonate (NaHCO3) on Perforinance,MeatQuality and Organ Weights of Broiler Chicken(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2018) Benjamin, P.N.; Nambapana, N.M.N.; Macelline, S.P.; Ang, L.This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of different levels of NaHCO3 and different stocking densities on performance and meat quality of broiler chicken. A total of 360, 19-day-old broiler chicks were randomly allocated in to 6 experimental units in a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement of two different stocking densities as D1 (Standard density: 1.2 ft2 bird"') and D2 (High density: 0.85 ft2 bird-1 and three levels of NaHCO3 (0%, 0.3%, 0.5%). Each treatment consisted with 5 replicates. Data were subjected to factorial analysis using the General Linear Models procedure of two-way ANOVA of statistical analysis system. The highest (P < 0.05) daily weight gain of broilers was recorded from D1 (59 g bird-1 day-1), 0.3% NaHCO3 (69 g bird-1 day-1). The highest (P < 0.05) average daily feed intake was recorded from D2 (112 g bird-1 day-1), 0.5% NaHCO3 (116 g bird-1 day-1). Favourable (P < 0.05) feed conversion ratio was obtained from D2 (2.31) and 0% NaHCO3 (3.06). The highest (P < 0.05) pH value was recorded from D1 (5.53) and 0.3% NaHCO3 (5.51) and lowest (P > 0.05) from D2 (5.35), 0% NaHCO3 (5.30). Highest (P < 0.05) redness of breast meat was recorded from D1 (12.49), 0.3% NaHCO3 (12.37). The highest (P < 0.05) relative weight of intestine was recorded from 0% NaHCO3 (4.67). Highest (P < 0.05) liver weight was recorded from 0.3% NaHCO3 (2.60). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of 0.3% NaHCO3 has better effects on growth performance of broilers regardless of the stocking density.Item Effect of DMX-7 Mold Inhibitor on Mold Inhibition and Nutritional Composition of Commercial Layer Feed Stored under Room Temperature(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Jayaratne, R.R.M.C.L.; Nambapana, N.M.N.; Perera, W.L.B.DMX-7 is a mold inhibitor used in the animal feed industry. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of DMX-7 on layer feed, the effective dosage which could be used under Sri Lankan condition, and to analyse the proximate composition of the prepared layer feed. Four different inclusion levels of DMX-7 were used as treatments such as 1 kgt-1 , 1.5 kgt-1 , 1.75 kgt-1 , and zero levels as the control of the experiment. The treatments were stored under room temperature. Proximate composition, mold colony count, and aflatoxin detection during 60 days of storage duration were measured in triplicate at biweekly intervals. Statistical data were analysed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's multiple range test at p<0.05. Proximate analysis was done to determine the moisture, crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, and total ash. Feed samples were inoculated on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar and mold colonies were counted after 7 days incubation period at 25⁰ C. Isolated colonies were inoculated on Coconut Agar Media (CAM) and were incubated at 25⁰ C for 7 days. Aflatoxin analysis was performed in the presence of fluorescence ring on CMA under UV light. During the storage period except for moisture, the proximate composition of all the treatment was not shown a significant difference. The mold colony count was increased in all treatment with storage duration. The highest mold count was recorded in the control. DMX-7 added treatments were not shown a significant difference in the mold count with each other. The presence of the fluorescence ring firstly appeared at 45th day of storage on the control and others were not present the fluorescence ring at the rest of storage duration. In conclusion, DMX-7 can be used to control the growth of mold in layer feed. Based on microbial, nutritional, and cost basis the effective dosage of DMX-7 is 1 kgt-1 of feed. The aflatoxin contamination has reduced by the effect of DMX-7 and the nutritional composition of prepared layer feed was not altered by DMX-7. Keywords: DMX-7 Mold inhibitor, Layer feed, Proximate analysisItem The Effect of Pre-incubation Storage Duration on the Embryonic Development and Hatch Weight in Cobb 500 Broiler Hatching Eggs(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Yasas, M.M.P.; Nambapana, N.M.N.; Jayaseena, D.K.D.D.; Kumara, P.It is a common practice of storing hatching eggs until they are finally placed in an incubator. The effect of pre-incubation storage duration on embryonic development and hatch weight has not been fully investigated. This study was conducted to identify the effect of pre-incubation storage duration on embryonic development, hatch weight, and to determine the best pre-incubation storage duration that gives the highest embryonic development, hatch weight in broiler hatching eggs. Broiler hatching egg samples with the weight range of 64-67g and approximately similar colour and shape index from the Cobb 500 strain were randomly selected from 8 a.m. to 9.30 a.m. for the experiment and stored under 16-18°C and 75% relative humidity. Six experiments were carried out and each experiment consisted of the 15 treatments and 3 replicates. Day 1 storage of the egg samples was considered as the control and day 2 to day 15 of the storage were the rest of the treatments. The embryonic development was measured by the diameter of the blastoderms, the diameter of the blood rings, the highest distance between air sac, and the area of blood vessels spread and the weight of 15 days old embryos. The hatch weight was measured at the initial and the post stages of the hatching. Collected data were subjected to the One-way ANOVA technique independently for each experiment. The embryonic development was decreased (p<0.05) from day 8 of the storage and the hatching weight was decreased (p<0.05) from day 9 of the storage. The maximum embryonic development and the hatching weight were observed on day 3 of the storage. The reason for delay the development after 3rd day of storage can be the delay of initial embryonic development due to cold storage. In conclusion, broiler hatching eggs can be stored up to 7 days without reducing embryonic development (p<0.05) and up to 8 days without reducing hatch weight (p<0.05). The maximum embryonic development and the hatching weight were obtained on day 3 of the storage. Keywords: Broiler, Cobb 500, Hatching eggs, Embryonic development, Hatch weightItem Effect of Soy Bean Meal and CO-4 Grasses on Milk Production of Milking Cows in Mid Lactation Period(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Kodithuwakku, A.S.; Nambapana, N.M.N.Dairy industry in Sri Lanka is the main sub sector of livestock development at present. Milk yield per cow and the cost of feed to produce milk have greatest influence for profitability of a dairy operation. This study was conducted to determine the effect of soy bean meal (SBM) and CO-4 grasses on milk production of milking cows (3-5 years old) in mid lactation period. A total of twelve dairy cows were randomly assigned into three dietary treatments. Each treatment comprised two blocks according to stage of lactation and two cows were included in each block. Mid lactation stage milking cows were selected to three dietary treatments and each treatment comprised with 4 replicates. The control group (T0) of milking cows was fed concentrate (existing) feed and CO-3 grasses. The cows in T1 treatment were treated with concentrate feed enriched with SBM and CO3 grasses and cows in T2 treatment were fed concentrate feed enriched with SBM and CO4 grasses. Morning and evening milk yields were measured and milk quality (fat and SNF) was checked weekly. All the collected data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and t-paired test. There were no significant differences in average milk yield of cows between T0 and T1, however the average milk yield of cows in T2 has increased significantly (p<0.05). The highest fat value (4.7%) and SNF value (9.37) were recorded from the milk collected from cows in T2. In conclusion, the dietary supplementation of SBM and CO-4 grasses included diet had better effects on milk yield and quality of the milk.Item Effect of Storage Time on the Physical Changes and Proximate Composition of Feed Ingredients Stored Under Room Temperature(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Rathnayaka, R.M.S.P.; Nambapana, N.M.N.Quality of the feed ingredient is one of the most important factor considered by feed processing industries. Feed ingredients are comprised with many nutrients and the nutrient availability varies due to different reasons. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of storage time on the physical changes and proximate composition of feed ingredients stored under room temperature. Newly arrived maize, rice polish and coconut poonac samples were collected, packed using woven polypropylene bags and stored for two months under room temperature. Physical changes and proximate composition of samples were checked at 15-day time intervals and data were analyzed by Kruskal–Wallis test and one-way analysis variance using Minitab 17 software respectively. There were physical changes in rice polish and coconut poonac (p<0.05) while there were no physical changes observed in maize during storage period (p>0.05) and rice polish was infestation by insects after 45 days of storage. During storage period crude fat, crude protein, ash and fiber contents of rice polish were decreased by 65.25%, 20.89%, 4.69% and 7.35% respectively (p<0.05). Crude fat, crude protein, ash and fiber content of coconut poonac were decreased by 19.71%, 23.05%, 7.62% and 8.46% respectively(p<0.05). Except moisture, other macro nutrients of maize did not change with the storage time (p>0.05). Therefore, it can be concluded; that proximate composition of coconut poonac and rice polish were decreased considerably during the storage under room temperature. Further, changes of physical characteristics of feed ingredients are not sufficient to determine the quality of stored feed ingredients.Item Effect of the Flock Age and Eggs Storage Time On the Hatchability and Apparent Fertility of Broiler Grandparents Stock Eggs(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2010) Ekanayake, I.K.D.C.B.; Nambapana, N.M.N.; Jayasena, D.K.D.D.; Sathtarasinghe, D.A.; Samarasinghe, K.This research was conducted to determine the effects of flock age and storage time of eggs on the hatchability, apparent fertility, hatch of fertile and embryonic mortality of 30 to 59 weeks aged broiler grandparent eggs. The experiment was conducted with eggs from Cobb 500 broiler grandparent breeders from 30-39 weeks, 40-49 weeks and 50-59 weeks of age. For each age groups eggs were stored at 12-15 °C and storage time grouped as 1-8 days, 9-16 days and 17-24 days respectively. After the storage period, eggs of all the groups were incubated for 21 days in single stage incubator. After 21 days chicks were counted and the hatchability was determined. Unhatched eggs were broken to determine fertility, and if fertile, the stage of embryonic death was recorded. The results indicated that the storage period significantly affects the apparent fertility, hatchability, hatch of fertile, early dead, mid dead and late dead, total embryonic morality and contaminated eggs but not for pips (P<0.05). The best apparent fertility, hatchability and hatch of fertile (96.56±0.24, 87.28 ±0A5, 90.39±0.50) and lowest percentages early dead, mid dead and late dead (3.72±0.45, 1.00±0.17, 2.67±0.19) were obtained in 30-39 weeks flock age group. The Flock age significantly affects ( p < 0.05) on apparent 'fertility, hatchability, hatch of fertile, late dead and contaminated eggs but not on (P>0.05) early dead, mid dead, total embryonic morality and pips. Combined effect of Flock age x storage period did not have a significant effect (p > 0.05) on hatchability, apparent fertility, hatch of fertile and embryonic mortality. It is evident that, the eggs of 30-39 weeks flock age group stored within 1-8 days period had the highest hatchability (87.28 ±0.45) and the eggs of 50-59 weeks flock age group that stored within 17-24 days had the lowest hatchability (60.17 ± 1.51). The study shows that the eggs which were stored for a shorter period in the storage have given higher hatchability than the eggs stored for a prolonged period in the storage. Key words: Apparent fertility, Hatchability, Embryonic mortality, Flock age, Storage periodItem Effect of the Pellet Size on Pellet Durability and Feed Conversion Ratio of Broiler Chicken(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Madushani, H.S.; Nambapana, N.M.N.; Andaraweera, N.D.There are enough information reported, to determine the suitable pellet form and its’ effect on feed conversion ratio for broilers, not for the pellet sizes. Hence, present study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of three different pellet sizes on feed conversion ratio (FCR) of broilers and pellet durability index (PDI) of broiler finisher feed. Keeping quality of broiler finisher feed was checked for two months under room temperature. A total of two hundred and twenty five 22-day old broiler chickens were randomly assigned into three dietary treatments. Each treatment comprised of three replicates and twenty five broiler chickens were included in each replicate. Broilers were randomly allocated to one of three experimental diets and fed for 14 days in a complete randomized design. The dietary treatments included two different pellet sizes and the existing pellet size as control group; T0 (0.5 cm), T1 (1.25 cm) and T2 (0.2 cm). Body weight and feed intake were recorded during the experiment period. Three sizes of pellets were stored for two months under the same conditions to check the keeping quality of the pellets. Under the proximate composition evaluation, crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, moisture and ash content were evaluated. Data were analyzed by one way (weight gain, feed intake and FCR) and two way analysis (proximate composition analysis) of variance of Minitab 17 software. The feed intake, weight gain and the FCR of chicken were not affected (p>0.05) by dietary treatments. The PDI was not affected (p>0.05) by the treatments with time. In keeping quality analysis, there was no significance (p>0.05) difference of pellet sizes with time. In conclusion, there were no any effect of the pellet size on PDI and FCR of broiler chicken.Item Effect of the Pellet Size on Pellet Durability and Feed Conversion Ratio of Broiler Chicken(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Madushani, H.S.; Nambapana, N.M.N.; Andaraweera, N.D.There are enough information reported, to determine the suitable pellet form and its’ effect on feed conversion ratio for broilers, not for the pellet sizes. Hence, present study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of three different pellet sizes on feed conversion ratio (FCR) of broilers and pellet durability index (PDI) of broiler finisher feed. Keeping quality of broiler finisher feed was checked for two months under room temperature. A total of two hundred and twenty five 22-day old broiler chickens were randomly assigned into three dietary treatments. Each treatment comprised of three replicates and twenty five broiler chickens were included in each replicate. Broilers were randomly allocated to one of three experimental diets and fed for 14 days in a complete randomized design. The dietary treatments included two different pellet sizes and the existing pellet size as control group; T0 (0.5 cm), T1 (1.25 cm) and T2 (0.2 cm). Body weight and feed intake were recorded during the experiment period. Three sizes of pellets were stored for two months under the same conditions to check the keeping quality of the pellets. Under the proximate composition evaluation, crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, moisture and ash content were evaluated. Data were analyzed by one way (weight gain, feed intake and FCR) and two way analysis (proximate composition analysis) of variance of Minitab 17 software. The feed intake, weight gain and the FCR of chicken were not affected (p>0.05) by dietary treatments. The PDI was not affected (p>0.05) by the treatments with time. In keeping quality analysis, there was no significance (p>0.05) difference of pellet sizes with time. In conclusion, there were no any effect of the pellet size on PDI and FCR of broiler chicken.Item Effect of Vitamin E and Selenium Supplementation on Hatchability, Fertility and Performance of Broiler Breeders(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2018) Kumari, P.N.N.; Nambapana, N.M.N.; Amunugama, N.The present study was conducted to determine the effect of vitamin E and selenium supplementation on the hatchability, fertility and performance of broiler breeders. A total of 42 weeks old 198 Cobb 500 birds were randomly assigned to 18 deep litter pens (10 females and 1 male per pen) and were supplemented for two months of period. Broiler breeders were randomly assigned to three treatments and six replicates. The control group (T0) received only water. The birds from treatment 1 (T1) and treatment 2 (T2) were supplemented with 10 mg L-1 pure vitamin E and 50 mg/1 L Selenium with vitamin E. The lowest (p < 0.05) hatchability (77%) was recorded from T0 treatment and the highest (p < 0.05) hatchability (88%) was recorded from T1 treatment .The lowest (p < 0.05) fertility (86%) was recorded from T0 treatment and highest (p < 0.05) fertility (93%) was recorded from Ti treatment. The lowest (p < 0.05) growth performance (87%) was recorded from To treatment and the highest (p < 0.05) growth performance (98%) was recorded from T1 treatment. There were no significant differences of total egg production, weekly average feed conversion ratio and weekly average weight gain of broiler breeders between three dietary treatments (p > 0.05). In conclusion the hatchability, fertility and performance of broilers were increased by dietary supplementation on said amount of selenium supplementation (50 mg L-1) than pure vitamin E (10 mg L-1).Item Effects of Different Levels of Dietary Vitamin Premix (ENHALOR) in Diets on Growth Performance and Meat Quality of Broiler Chicken(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2018) Priyadarshana, S.P.M.; Weerasinghe, W.M.S.S.; Gunawardana, K.G.U.I.P.; Macelline, S.P.; Anand Kumar, S.; Ang, L.; Nambapana, N.M.N.; Jayasena, D.K.D.D.Poultry industry is a well-established livestock industry in Sri Lanka. The profitability of the industry depends on growth performance and meat quality of broilers and various feed additives are used in the industry. This research was conducted to determine the effect of different level of dietary vitamin premix (ENHALOR) on growth performance and meat quality of broiler chicken. Three hundred sixty-day old (Cobb 500) male broiler chicks were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments and each treatment comprised with 09 replicates. The dietary treatments included 4 concentrations of vitamin premix. The control group (To) of birds received 350 g, 350 g, 300 g ton-' of premix for booster, starter and finisher diets, respectively. The other experimental birds of three treatments were treated with vitamin premix such as T, (330 g, 280 g, 250 g ton-'), T2 (280 g, 250 g, 200 g ton-) and T3 (250 g, 200 g, 180 g ton-) in booster, starter and finisher diets respectively. Average body weight and feed intake were recorded during the experimental period. At the end of day 40 birds were slaughtered and organ weight, carcass weight, meat quality parameters were measured. The highest (p < 0.05) daily weight gain (23 g bird-' day-1), (70 g bird-1day), (73 g bird-'day`) and the lowest (p < 0.05) feed conversion ratio (1.75, 1.5 and 2.06) of broilers were recorded by T2 treatment in booster, starter and finisher phase respectively. The highest (p < 0.05) pH (6.67) of broiler breast meat was recorded from To and the lowest (6.53) pH of broiler breast meat was recorded from T,. In conclusion, the dietary supplementation of vitamin premix (ENHALOR) for broiler booster (280 g ton1), starter (250 g ton-) and finisher (200 g ton-1) diets has better effects on performance of broiler chicken.Item Evaluation of the Effect of Artificial Insemination (Ai) on Hatchability in Indigenous Chicken at Central Poultry Research Station, Karandagolla(Uva Wellassa University of Srilanka, 2011) Andaraweera, N.D.; Nambapana, N.M.N.; Gunawardana, G.A.The poultry farming is considered as one of the main livestock sector in Sri Lanka where indigenous chicken farming provides a promising house hold income for people in rural areas of Sri Lanka. (Buvanendran,1976).They can get high quality and quantity of day old chicks and eggs for daily consumption by rearing indigenous chicken.(Kushanthi et al., 2003) Introduction of Artificial Insemination (AI) program for indigenous chicken can be used for selection, upgrading and development of several suitable indigenous chickens for back yard poultry farming in Sri Lanka (De Silva, 1964). This experiment was carried out at the Central Poultry Research Station, Karandagolla under the supervision of staff of Veterinary Research Institute, Gannoruwa. The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of the Artificial Insemination on hatchability in indigenous chicken and to supply increased number of indigenous chicks to farmers by improving hatchability through AI which is the best method for breeding while increasing hatchability. .Item Observations on Environmental factors and Live Perfomances of Broilers in Environment Controlled Broiler Houses during Hot Weather(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2010) Amarasekara, A.M.R.S.; Nambapana, N.M.N.; Jayasena, D.K.D.D.; Ganegoda, G.A.P.Heat stress is a major concern of the broiler industry as it causes decrease in growth, reduced feed intake and increased FCR ratio and mortality. Heat exposed bird's decrease feed intake in order to reduce metabolic heat production and resulting in slower growth. Maintaining proper temperature to promote efficient growth is a key to profitable broiler production. This study focused on analyzing the main environmental factors that affect the behavior of broilers in hot weather. In this study broilers were kept in three broiler houses which had the same environmental conditions. The temperature and relative humidity of broiler house, mortality, and water intake of birds were measured during a period of three months. According to the results water intake and relative humidity are the factors that significantly affect (P<0.05) the weight gain of broilers. In addition to heat-stress mortality, economic losses associated with broiler heat stress also occur as a result of lowered growth rate and decreased feed consumption efficiency. Any management technique which promotes feed consumption or increased activity during the peak hot periods may be counter-productive in a broiler house. The extra feed consumed will increase the bird's heat load and probably result in additional mortality. The study indicates that controlling heat inside broiler units during hot weather is important to increase the broiler productivity Key words: Broiler, Hot weather, Relative humidity, Live performancesItem Performance Evaluation of Chicks, Obtained Through a Selective Breeding Programme to Introduce into Backyard Poultry Farming(Uva Wellassa University of Srilanka, 2011) Weerasinghe, S.M.C.; Nambapana, N.M.N.; Gunawardene, G.Note: See the PDF Version Poultry production has increased rapidly and tremendously in the last two decades in Sri Lanka (Gamage et al., 1993). The Department of Animal Production and Health (DAPH) — Government of Sri Lanka during the past decade through the Central Poultry Research Station (CPRS), Karandagolla, Kundasale has been distributing upgraded indigenous chicken among Backyard farmers. Breeding Indigenous cockerels with Black shaver commercial layer hens is the breeding program practiced presently (2011) at CPRS to upgrade the Indigenous chicken. Performance evaluations of resulting chicks obtained through a selective breeding of Black Shaver hens with Indigenous cockerels is the first step of the project. Program was carried out at CPRS, Karandagolla.Item Study on Effect of Curry Leaves Supplementation with Broiler Feed on Growth Performance, Feed Intake and Feed Conversion Ratio of Broiler chicken(Uva Wellassa University of Srilanka, 2011) Sampath, W.W.H.A.; Nambapana, N.M.N.; Ganegoda, G.A.P.Note: See the PDF Version The broiler industry has developed all over the world during past few decades. When considering the production of 79.9 million broiler chicks in Sri Lanka in 2007, there is an increase in 2008, 2009 and 2010 years (Department of Animal Production and Health, 2010). The production of poultry meat and other poultry products have been drastically increased in Sri Lanka within last few years. The world broiler meat production in 2010 was 73 million metric tons (USDA-FAS, 2010). China, Brazil, European Union, Mexico are the main Broiler producers in the world (USDA-FAS, 2007). Poultry meat and other poultry products such as eggs, have a higher demand in Sri Lanka. When considering the consumption pattern of the meat in Sri Lanka, chicken meat (broiler meat) has the highest demand and broiler meat has been included in the gazette as an essential food item in Sri Lanka since 2007. The requirement of nutrients for broilers is higher than the other livestock animals. Proper nutrition and the better intensive management practices are essentials in poultry industry. Hence feed cost is major cost component in poultry industry and it is accounted up to 60%-70% of the total cost of production. The production of feed in 2009 for poultry in Sri Lanka was 454,000 Mt. However the feed price has increased after 2008 and the profit margin of the industry has gone down (Department of Animal Product and Health, 2009). To overcome this limitation in the industry, feed supplementation is done by the farmers/producers. The supplementation is done using low cost, available feed stuffs and without affecting the performance of birds and the quality of the meat. Performance of the animal can be increased by increasing the feed conversion by improving the internal environment modification. This can be achieved by inclusion of antibiotics into feed. Antibiotics are the chemicals those which antagonistic towards or destructive of life (The penguin encyclopedia of nutrition, 1985). Some of other feed ingredients are used to restrict or avoid the usage of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs). Some of those are probiotics, prebiotics, symbiotic, enzymes, acidifiers, antioxidants, phytogenic additives and herbal extracts (Pauline, 2009). The usage of natural plant based materials improves the feed intake, feed digestibility, feed conversion efficiency, the quality of the meat and reduce mortality (Hathurusinghe, 2008). Natural herbal materials increase colour lipid oxidation and reduce gut microbial content (Cross et al., 2007). Essential oils, organic acids and phytogenic compounds enhance production of gastric secretions, stimulate blood circulation and reduce level of pathogenic bacteria (Buchaan et al., 2008) Proceedings of the Research Symposium of Uva Wellassa University. December 15-16, 2011 This study was done to investigate the effect of curry leaves incorporated broiler feed on growth performance and feed conversion ratio of broiler chicken under field condition in Sri Lanka. For the study, the dried, blended curry leaves supplementation was used. The study hypothesized that dietary supplementation of curry leaves has anability to improve the health, performance and reduce the cost of production of broilers.