Browsing by Author "Ranaweera, K.K.T.N."

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    Comparison of Growth Performance, Yield Parameters and Nutritional Composition of Two Hybrid Napier (Pakchong-1 and CO-3) Cultivars Propagated at Boralanda Farm
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Suhair, M.M.M.; Tharangani, R.M.H.; Ranaweera, K.K.T.N.
    The objective of the current study was to determine the best forage cultivar of the two Hybrid Napier (Pakchong-1 and CO-3) cultivars that well-suited to the prevailing agro-climatic conditions of the Boralanda Farm, Welimada, Sri Lanka based on the growth performance, yield parameters and nutritional composition. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design (RCBD) having 6 blocks, 2 treatment plots in each block and 10 replicates in each plot. After filed preparation, blocks were arranged according to the slope of the land. A soil analysis was conducted to determine the soil quality gradient across the blocks and basal fertilizer application was conducted after the land preparation. Two node cuttings of two cultivars were planted following standard recommendations. All the other agronomic practices following planting were kept constant across treatments. The number of leaves per plant, plant height and stem diameter were recorded weekly as growth parameters and plants were harvested 45 days after planting to record the fresh matter yield, plan height and leaves per plant. Further, the proximate composition of two forage cultivars was analyzed. The results revealed that the cultivar Pakchong-1showed the highest growth performance having a higher number of leaves (53 Vs. 44), higher plant height (105 cm Vs. 90 cm) and larger stem diameter (21 cm Vs. 18 cm) compared to CO-3 (p<0.05) at 45 days after planting. As a result of the higher number of leaves and plant height, Pakchong-1 showed significantly higher fresh matter yield (2.742 kg/m2) than CO-3. Although dry matter, crude fiber and ash contents were not different among the two cultivars, Pakchong-1 contained higher contents of crude fat (28.6% vs. 15.7% DM basis) and crude protein (20.5% Vs. 16.4% DM basis) (p<0.05). In conclusion, Pakchong-1 could be considered as the most suitable forage type among two cultivars in terms of growth characteristics, forage yield and nutritional composition to be used for ruminant feeding at Boralanda Farm. Keywords: Pakchong-1; CO-3; Fodder; Dairy
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    Development of a Compact Aerobic and Anaerobic Digestion Wastewater Treatment System for a Broiler Processing Plant
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Malintha, G.A.N.; Ranaweera, K.K.T.N.; Andrew, M.S.; Jayasena, D.K.D.D.
    The present study was conducted to develop a compact aerobic and anaerobic wastewater treatment system for a meat processing industry. Through this novel system, it was expected to increase the efficiency of wastewater treatment while reducing the land area utilized for the wastewater treatment plant. The treatment system was aligned vertically and consisted of four different units accordingly rotating drum bioreactor, aeration unit, screening unit, and anaerobic digester unit. The structure of the prototype was built mainly using high-density polyethylene drums. As the influent, wastewater generated at a commercial broiler processing industry was used. The experiment was consisted of 2 treatments: existing wastewater treatment plant (screening, aeration, dissolved air floatation, chemical treatment), and novel compact wastewater treatment system. Influent wastewater and the treated effluent from both treatments were analysed for Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), pH, nitrate content, nitrite content, ammonium content, and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) levels. Surface area utilized for two treatments were compared. The BOD, COD, pH and nitrate values of the treated effluent from the novel system was significantly lower than those of treated effluent from the existing system. However, NH3 content of the treated effluent from the novel system was significantly higher than that of treated effluent from the existing system which indicated incomplete anaerobic digestion in the novel system. When comparing the land area utilization of two treatments, the novel treatment system utilized less land area for wastewater treatment (163.75 L/m2 vs. 3.09 L/m2). According to the results, it could be concluded that the novel wastewater treatment system is highly efficient in reducing organic load in wastewater and land area utilization. Further studies are recommended to optimize the system for the reduction of NH3 generated during the anaerobic digestion of the waste. Keywords: Chemical oxygen demand, Biological oxygen demand, Rotating drum bio reactor
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    Effect of farming system on energy balance of temperate crossbred dairy cows in early lactation: A case study conducted at Welimada Veterinary Division
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Piyathissa, W.N.B.A.; Mahipala, M.B.P.K.; Weerasinghe, W.M.P.B.; Kasthuriarachchi, S.; Gamage, S.; Ranaweera, K.K.T.N.
    The early lactation period of dairy cows in Sri Lanka has been identified with negative energy balance (NEB) due to improper feeding strategies. Hence, the objective of the current study was to evaluate the energy balance of temperate crossbred dairy cows in early lactation reared under two management systems (stallfed and tethered) at Welimada Veterinary Division. Forty dairy cows in early lactation were selected for the study (stallfed, n=20, and tethered, n=20). The energy balance was evaluated using a serum metabolic profile. Blood samples collected (between 0900 to 1030 hrs.) from each cow were analysed for serum Non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) contents and values were compared with reference ranges. Milk production, parity, days in milk (DIM), and amount of concentrate fed were recorded. The average DIM was recorded as 30.75 days. The NEFA content of cows in both systems (0.30±0.05 vs. 0.39±0.07 mmol L-1 ) was below the upper critical limit of the reference range and no significant difference (p>0.05) was observed between systems. Yet, the BHBA content of cows in the tethered system was significantly higher (p<0.05) than its counterpart (0.81±0.22 vs. 0.35±0.06 mmol L-1 ) and it was close to the upper critical limit (0.854 mmol L-1 ). Higher BHBA contents indicate NEB conditions during early lactation. The number of concentrates fed to stall-fed cows was observed to be significantly higher (p<0.05) than its counterpart (13.64±0.42 vs. 4.46±0.29 kg/cow/d). Similarly, stallfed cows indicated higher (p<0.05) milk production (19.88±0.26 vs. 6.93±0.40 L/cow/d). Results revealed that only the tethered cows were affected with NEB status. The reasons for low milk production and NEB in tethered cows could be due to lack of energy intake which was indicated by the low amount of concentrate fed. Further research is warranted to identify methods for increasing the energy intake of tethered dairy cows at early lactation while considering the socioeconomics of the farming system. Keywords: Beta-hydroxybutyrate, Milk production, Non-esterified fatty acids, Stallfed, tethered
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    Effect of Feeding Silage Incorporated Ration on Production Performances of Temperate Crossbred Dairy Cows in Dry Zone of Sri Lanka
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Priyankara, D.M.; Silva, K.F.S.T.; Mudannayake, D.C.; Abesinghe, A.M.N.L.; Rajapaksha, R.M.C.L.; Epa, A.; Ranaweera, K.K.T.N.
    Forage scarcity during the drought seasons has a negative impact on productivity of dairy cows reared in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka. Therefore, utilization of conserved forages (i.e., silage) was identified as a reliable solution for this. Current study was conducted to assess the effect of commercially available silage on production performances and profitability of temperate crossbred dairy cows reared in Dry Zone, Sri Lanka. Fourteen multiparous, temperate crossbred (Jersey Friesian) dairy cows with 430.1 ± 4.01 kg average body weight were used for the experiment. Cows were divided in to two groups considering the provision of a forage-based ration (Control) and a forage & silage (30% fresh matter) mixed ration (Treatment). Silage utilized in the study was a commercially available corn-based silage product. Cows were fed for 5 weeks during the months of February and March. The experiment was on a randomized complete block design with two treatments (i.e., forage-based diet alone and forage & silage mixed diet) and the lactation stage was considered in blocking the animals (early lactation and mid lactation). Body weight, fresh matter intake, individual milk yields were recorded. Ration samples were collected and analyzed for dry matter, ash, crude protein, crude fat, acid detergent fiber content and neutral detergent fiber content. Benefit Cost ration (B:C Ratio) was calculated to assess the profitability of the feeding regimens. Cows fed with corn silage had recorded significantly higher (P<0.05) per day milk production compared to cows did not receive a corn silage-based ration. As such, silage feeding resulted 23.57 L/cow higher (P<0.05) cumulative milk production at five weeks compared to their counterparts (104.96 vs. 81.39 L/cow). Silage feeding did not indicate any significant (P>0.05) effect on fresh matter intake and body weight gain of the experimental cows. Further, both control and treatment rations indicated B:C ratios higher than one (01) throughout the experimental period. It indicted that both rations were profitable to be utilized in proper circumstances. Considering the increment of milk production and the profitability, silage feeding could be recommended as a promising solution for forage scarcity faced by dairy farmers during the drought seasons. Keywords: Corn silage; Dairy cows; Drought season; Milk production
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    Evaluation of Growth Performance and Nutritional Composition of Three Fodder Crops (Maize, Sugargraze and Nutrifeed) Cultivated in Omanthai, Northern Region of Sri Lanka
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Meddegoda, M.G.I.U.; Jayasinghe, J.M.P.; Ranaweera, K.K.T.N.; Bandara, G.M.P.J.
    Feeding high quality forages is a vital factor to get high production from dairy cattle. However, rainfall is a key limiting factor in Northern region of Sri Lanka resulting lower forage production and higher variations. This field experiment was conducted in Omanthai, Vavuniya (8.8908°N, 80.507°E, annual rainfall 1434 mm, average temperature 27.4 C) during Maha Season (October–December 2018) to study the growth performances and nutritional composition of three fodder crops and identify the most suitable crop variety to the region. Three fodder varieties, Sugargraze (Sorghum bicolor), Maize 984 (Zea maize) and Nutrifeed/Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) were tested in a Completely Randomized Design with 3 replicates. A total of 10 randomly selected plants from each plot were weekly measured for growth parameters (plant height, number of leaves, leaf length and number of tillers) up to 60th days of planting for sugargraze and maize, and up to 45 days for Nutrifeed. Harvested fodders were measured for fresh matter (FM) and dry matter (DM) yield and subjected to the proximate analysis (crude protein, and total ash content). The results revealed that the Sugargraze (Sorghum bicolor) showed a higher (p<0.05) plant height (252.18±4.5cm) followed by Maize 984 (241.29±3.0cm). However, Maize 984 (Zea maize) resulted the highest FM (90.67±0.15 t ha-1 cut-1) and DM (26.76±1.39 t ha-1 cut-1) contents (p<0.05). Nutrifeed/Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) was significantly higher in number of leaves (60.00±1.66) and tillers (6.07±0.15) (p<0.05) but lowest in FM (30.13±1.69 t ha-1 cut-1) and DM (18.76±0.39 t ha1- cut-1). The highest crude protein content was recorded in Nutrifeed (12.65%) in comparison of Maize (6.33%) and Sugargraze (10.16%). Nutrifeed had the highest total ash (10.43%). These findings revealed that maize performed better in growth performances, however nutritive value was high in Nutrifeed cultivated in Omanthai, Vavuniya, Northern region under low rainfall.
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    A preliminary study on Milk Urea Nitrogen values of the Ambewela farm
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Ranaweera, K.K.T.N.; Kurukulasuriya, M.S.; Samaraweera, A.M.; Priyankarage, N.; Mangalika, U.P.L.
    Feeding management is a key factor in profit maximizing of a dairy farm. Milk Urea Nitrogen (MUN) is a tool that measures the efficiency of protein and carbohydrate feeding to milking cows (Jonker et al., 1999). Implementing routine use of MUN on dairy farms could reduce nutrient loading to natural environments and improve farm profitability (Jonker et al., 2002). According to Kohn (2007) dairy herds should have MUN concentrations between 8 to 12 mg dL . However, the MUN values could be affected by many factors such as environment Feeding management is a key factor in profit maximizing of a dairy farm. Milk Urea Nitrogen (MUN) is a tool that measures the efficiency of protein and carbohydrate feeding to milking cows (Jonker et al., 1999). Implementing routine use of MUN on dairy farms could reduce nutrient loading to natural environments and improve farm profitability (Jonker et al., 2002). According to Kohn (2007) dairy herds should have MUN concentrations between 8 to 12 mg dL . However, the MUN values could be affected by many factors such as environment MUN values to evaluate the dairy herds in the Sri Lanka would be inappropriate, since there were no studies carried out in to determine the baselines of MUN values in Sri Lanka. Therefore, this study has been carried out as a preliminary study, to study about the prevailing MUN values of one of the commercial dairy farm in Sri Lanka. Methodology The study was conducted at Ambewela farm and Veterinary Research Institute, Sri Lanka. Four groups of the milking herd in the Ambewela farm (treatments) which have been made based on the production levels of the cows were used to collect milk samples. Samples from each group were taken once in fortnight during three months’ experimental period. During each sample collection, 15 cows were selected randomly from each group and 50 mL of milk from each cow was obtained after complete milking. Milk from five cows belonging to each group was pooled. Hence, each treatment consisted with three replicates. Milk fat was analyzed using the Gerber method. Solids-non-fat (SNF), protein, salts and lactose contents were measured using a portable ultrasonic milk analyzer (Lactoscan MCC, Milkotronic Ltd., Bulgaria). Lacto meter was used to measure the milk specific gravity. The urea content in milk was estimated according to the method described by Malik and Sirohi (1998) and the optical density of the sample was measured at 450 nm using the spectrophotometer (Cary 50 Conc - 10069600, Agilent Technologies, Australia). In the statistical analysis, according to the normality of the sample data test by Anderson-Darling test, the relationships were evaluated using multiple regression analysis or Spearman Rank Correlation Coefficient. STATA S/E 11.2 and Minitab 17 software were used in statistical analysis of the data. The MUN levels were interpreted based on the current recommended levels of Kohn (2007).
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    Real-time Data Base Management System for Efficient Data Recording and Management in Regional Dairy Cattle Farming
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Kirishanthan, V.; Ratnayake, A.M.B.; Gamage, S.; Subasinghe, S.C.; Ranaweera, K.K.T.N.
    Real-time data are an essential part of successful dairy cattle farming. Hence, the objective of the present study was to develop a real-time database management system (DBMS) for Badulla Veterinary Division. This aims to enhance the efficiency of data recording and data retrieval by field officers engaged in routine field work related to animal husbandry. Initially, information on currently used DBMS was gathered using key informant interviews held with veterinarians and LDIs in Badulla Veterinary Division. A need analysis was conducted and the most vital data required to be recorded and retrieved (i.e. farm registration, disease management, breeding, and artificial insemination, vaccinations, and individual animal health status) through real-time DBMS were identified using a questionnaire. Based on the above information, a realtime database management mobile application was developed using Android Studio® 3.5.0.0, which consists of optimized user interfaces and an online database. Afterward, the mobile application was tested for its usability, conformance, and performance using identified end-users (Field Officers, n=10) of the application, and the data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Results had shown that 100% agreement with quality of information (exactness, reliability, completeness, usefulness, actuality, format, clarity, and complexity) and quality of the system (accessibility, integration, flexibility, timeliness, perceived, usefulness, user-friendly and user satisfaction level) and 80% overall satisfaction on the application. Hence, the real-time Android database management application has the potential to be used as an efficient DBMS in the dairy farming sector of Sri Lanka. A field trial is suggested in the future to assess the longterm usability of the developed DBMS at the field level. Keywords: Android, Field officers, Mobile application, Veterinarian, Database
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    Rumen Protected Fat Preparation using By-products Generated in Coconut Processing Industry
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) De Silva, S.M.H.H.; Abeyrathne, E.D.N.S.; Weerasinghe, W.M.P.B.; Mahipala, M.B.P.K.; Ranaweera, K.K.T.N.
    Rumen protected fat (RPF) is an energy supplement used in dairy cattle feeding. Yet, none of the studies were conducted in manufacturing RPF in Sri Lanka. Hence, the present study was conducted to optimize the fusion method of preparing RPF using byproducts generated in the coconut processing industry in Sri Lanka. Amongst 03 byproducts generated (i.e. sludge oil, low-fat coconut residue oil, and paring oil), paring oil was selected as the suitable fat source for preparing RPF due to its favourable physiochemical properties and ease of extraction. The fatty acid profile of the paring oil was determined using Gas Chromatography (GC). For producing RPF using fusion method, paring oil was mixed with CaO (aq) and heated using direct heat. In the experiment, RPF samples were prepared using CaO percentage in the range of 11%-14% with the time, temperature combinations ranging 10 – 120 minutes, and 150 – 300 °C, respectively. The best time, temperature, and CaO% were finalized as 30 minutes, 250 °C, and 13.5%, respectively. The crude fat content, ash content, and pH of the final product was assessed. The stability of the final product in the rumen was assessed by comparing it with a commercial RPF using in vitro gas production technique. According to GC results, Lauric acid was identified as the highest available fatty acid in paring oil. The crude fat and crude ash content of the final product was 77.77 ± 0.32% and 22.16 ± 0.37%, respectively. As confirmed by the in vitro gas production technique, rumenprotected fat produced from paring oil and commercial rumen-protected fat had indicated similar stability under in vitro rumen conditions. The final product showed no significant difference (p<0.05) in pH up to 5 weeks. The current method yielded 1.11 kg of rumenprotected fat from 1 kg of paring oil. Considering the above results, the current process was identified as a successful method of preparing rumen-protected fat using paring oil generated. Key words: CaO, Coconut processing industry, Fatty acids, Fusion method, Paring oil
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    Utilizing Milk Urea Nitrogen to Evaluate Dairy Cow Diets in Ambewela Farm
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2014) Ranaweera, K.K.T.N.
    Dairy farming has many success factors and one of the main factors that affect a profitable dairy farming is the feeding management in the farm, especially during the lactation. Frequent evaluation of milking cow feed rations will be beneficial for optimum production in the farm. Milk Urea Nitrogen (MUN) is a tool that measures the efficiency of protein and carbohydrate feeding to milking cows. It is extensively used in many European and other countries with many research studies on the baselines of MUN values for particular region or country. However Sri Lankan dairy herds had not been evaluated for the mean MUN values. Since the MUN values are affected by environment, feed composition, animal variations, genetics, management practices and many other factors, it is important to carryout research studies on MUN values for a particular region or area. This study had taken an initial step to evaluate the MUN values in one of the best commercial dairy farm in Sri Lanka. The MUN values of the farm had a range between 12 mg dL-1 to 20 mg dL-1, which are higher than the recommended range of 8 mg dL-1 to 12mg dL-1. According to the proximate evaluation of the feed given to dairy herds in the farm, only slight deviations from the standard NRC recommendations were found. The highest producing group of cows had the highest MUN mean values. The MUN values showed strong relationship with crude protein levels of the feed (at a=0.05) and a weak relationship with dry matter intake (at a=0.1). There was less evidence to find out any significant relationship between other feed compositional matters with MUN. Further, the milk fat, protein, Solid nonfat (SNF) and total solids (TS) did not show any significant relationships with MUN. The higher MUN values of the dairy herd in the farm were interpreted using the available information of the study. However, further research is needed to confirm the baseline MUN values and the relationship between MUN and animal factors or environmental factors in Sri Lanka.