International Research Conference of UWU-2019
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Browsing International Research Conference of UWU-2019 by Subject "Animal Sciences"
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Item Antimicrobial Effect of Immunoglobulin Y (IgY) Extracted from Village Chicken Eggs and Farm Chicken Eggs Against Salmonella(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Madushika, D.K.L.; Kurukulasuriya, M.S.; Abeyrathne, E.D.N.S.; Silva, G.L.L.P.Chicken Immunoglobulin Y (IgY) found in egg yolk acts as the main innate immune response against the systemic infections in early stages of chick life. Colibacillosis and salmonellosis are important bacterial diseases which can lead to early chick death. However, the survival rate of indigenous day-old chicks against such diseases is believed to be higher compared to the farm day-old chicks which may have contributed from the IgY activity present in egg yolk. The current study was focused to compare the IgY content in village and farm chicken eggs and to compare the antimicrobial effects of IgY found in both egg types against Salmonella. Six village and six farm laying hens were identified for the egg collection. Gallus Immunotech Chicken IgY Egg Press Purification Kit was used to extract the IgY. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and 10% SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis under reducing and non-reducing conditions were used to confirm the extracted IgY. Extracted protein concentration (mg mL¯1) of samples was measured using nanodrop spectroscopy. The Mann-Whitey test was used to compare the yield analysis (mg). Antimicrobial susceptibility of extracted IgY was determined against Salmonella sp. isolated from dead day-old chicks. Inhibition reactions of IgY was measured using agar well diffusion assay by turbidity of broth adjusted to the 0.5 McFarland standard. Extracted protein concentration was (7.35±0.92) and (7.12±0.93) in village and farm samples, respectively. Although there was no significant difference, village chicken eggs showed higher IgY yield (132.47±22.31) compared to farm chicken eggs (115.01±17.40). There was no significant different in inhibition zones (mm) of IgY extracted from village (12.1±2.3) and farm (11.3±1.9) chicken eggs. In conclusion, IgY extracted from both village and farm chicken eggs had a similar antimicrobial effect against Salmonella. However, increasing the sample size can improve the accuracy of this preliminary study.Item 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.Item Effect of Black Cumin Seed Meal (Nigella Sativa) on Performance, Meat Quality and Intestinal Microflora of Broilers(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Himali, S. M. C.; Chathurika, W. V. A. H.; Samarasinghe, K.; Boteju, W.T.N.The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of black cumin seed meal (Nigella sativa) included diet on the performance, carcass characteristics and intestinal microbial population of broiler chicken. A total of 180 one-day-old broiler chicks (Cobb 500) were allocated to four dietary treatment groups with five replicates each of 9 chicks and reared for 42 days. Experimental diets were prepared by replacing maize with black cumin seed meal (BCSM) at the rate of 0% (control, C), 10% (T1), 15% (T2), and 20% (T3). The statistically analyzed data revealed that T1 diet increased (P<0.05) the body weight gain of broilers compared to T2, and T3 at day 42. Dietary BCSM did not have a significant effect on the dressing percentage of birds. Birds fed with 10% maize replacement with BCSM recorded the lowest (P <0.05) malondialdehyde (MDA) content (3.38 μmol/kg) for Thiobarbituriacid Reactive Substances assay in chicken meat at 7th day of storage and the highest (P <0.05) ceacal lactic acid bacteria population (1.56 log CFU/mL) than other treatments. Further, the present study indicated that 10% replacement of maize with BCSM in the broiler diet has beneficial effects on body weight gain, MDA value and caecal lactic acid bacteria population. Also, it showed a decreased tendency in coliform bacteria population in the caecal content. Moreover, it has significantly affected meat quality attributes where the highest (P <0.05) score (5.93) for taste resulted. In conclusion, replacing maize with up to 10% BSCM in the diets of broilers has positive effects on body weight gain, carcass characteristics and caecal microbial population.Item Effect of Dietary Probiotic and Phytobiotic Combination on Growth Performance and Meat Quality Traits of Commercial Broilers(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Adikari, A.A.D.I.; Illippangama, I.P.A.U.N.K.; Gunawardana, G.A.; Palliyeguru, M.W.C.D.; Jayasena, D.D.Probiotics and phytobiotics are feed additives that enhance gut health, improve digestion, absorption and thereby promote performances of humans and animals. This research was conducted to determine the effect of dietary probiotic and phytobiotic combination on growth performance and meat quality traits of commercial broiler chicken. A total of 996 day-old, Cobb-500 broiler chicks were randomly assigned into the experiment pens. The treatment (0.25g of probiotic Bacillus spp. and 0.25g of phytobiotics in 1L of drinking water) and control (drinking water only) were each replicated six times in separate pens, each pen had 83 chicks. All the birds were fed ad-libitum with commercial broiler starter, grower and finisher feeds. Two birds from each replicate were randomly sampled and slaughtered on day 35. Leg meat samples were tested for sensory parameters, meat quality and proximate composition. Blood serum samples were collected and tested for antibody levels against alpha toxin of Clostridium perfringens bacteria. Birds fed growth promoters achieved better (p<0.05) weight gain (1,927g) and feed conversion ratio (1.53) compared to the control group: 1,908g and 1.55, respectively. In addition, they had significantly higher (p<0.05) sensory attributes: flavour, taste, juiciness and overall acceptability compared to the control group. Raw meat redness (10.3) was lower (p<0.05) and lightness (58.8) was higher (p<0.05) in the treatment compared to those in control: 12.9 and 54.8, respectively. However, other meat quality traits and proximate composition were comparable between the two groups, except ash content which was higher (p<0.05) in birds fed growth promoters compared to control. There was no significant difference in serum antibody levels between the two groups. In conclusion, probiotic and phytobiotic combination in drinking water improved growth performance of broiler chickens and the sensory attributes of the leg meat.Item Effect of Glucose Oxidase on Growth Performance and Meat Quality of Broiler Chicken(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Heenkenda, H.M.D.P.B.; Illippangama, I.P.A.U.N.K.; Arsecularatne, M.D.N.A.F.; Palliyeguru, M.W.C.D.; Jayasena, D.D.Glucose oxidase act on glucose in the presence of oxygen to produce hydrogen peroxide and D-glucono-1, 5-lactone. The enzyme is produced by certain fungi and insects, and has many commercial applications, primarily as an antimicrobial agent and as a pH balancing agent. This experiment was conducted to study the effect of glucose oxidase on growth performance and meat quality of broiler chicken. A total of 960 day-old, Cobb500 broiler chicks were randomly assigned into the experiment pens. The treatment (drinking water + 0.025% glucose oxidase) and control (drinking water only) were each replicated six times in separate pens, each pen had 80 chicks. All birds were fed the same commercial feed. Two birds from each replicate were randomly sampled and slaughtered on day 35. Breast meat samples were tested for meat quality traits (pH, colour, water holding capacity, cooking loss, proximate composition) and sensory parameters. Birds fed glucose oxidase had a significantly (p<0.05) higher weight gain (1,890g) compared to the control group (1,836g). Glucose oxidase had no effect on feed intakes or feed conversion ratios of the birds. Breast meat from the birds fed glucose oxidase gained poor sensory attributes (color, flavour, taste, juiciness, tenderness, overall acceptability) except odour compared to control group (p<0.05). No differences were observed in other meat quality traits and proximate composition (p>0.05), except gross energy between the two groups. Gross energy content of the breast meat from birds fed glucose oxidase was significantly (p<0.05) higher (5.2kcal/g) compared to that from birds fed only drinking water (5.0kcal/g). In conclusion, glucose oxidase in drinking water resulted in better growth performance in broiler chicken but gained poor sensory attributes in their breast meat.Item 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 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 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.Item Household Egg Consumption Pattern in Kalutara District(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Chinthaka, A.D.G.; Bogahawaththa, B.R.S.; Mahindarathne, M.G.P.P.; Abeyrathne, E.D.N.S.Sri Lanka has shown a significant consumer demand increment in the egg industry. The egg consumption trend reflects that the consumers are not only considered about the nutritional value of the egg but also concern about other aspects such as health concerns associated with, food safety and animal welfare issues. In this context, it would be useful to analyze the egg consumption behaviour of consumers that could generate important insights about egg consumption trend of the country. Thus, as a pilot study, the egg consumption pattern in the Kalutara district was studied through a consumer survey. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used in the data collection and a total of 400 consumers were selected by using the stratified simple random sampling technique. Collected data were analyzed using techniques such as descriptive statistics and correlation analysis in SPSS statistical software. This study revealed that the per-capita consumption of eggs in the Kalutara district (111) is lower than the country average (123). About 6% of consumers are not consuming egg in the Kalutara district. According to the results, most of the consumers preferred free-raised egg (81%) than the farm-raised egg (14%) and they also preferred brown egg (61%) over the white egg (32%). These results indicated that consumers tend to believe that the free raised brown color eggs have a greater nutritive value than white color farm eggs. The study further revealed that the consumers’ perception on health and nutrition did not significantly affect on egg consumption in the Kalutara district. This finding suggests that the consumers are not much aware on the nutritional and health effects related to the egg consumption. However, monetary concerns significantly affected on consumption of egg in families with a lowlevel of income. This finding indicates that the price of eggs is an important concern in facilitating egg consumption among low income groups. This study concluded that there is a lack of knowledge in less educated and low-income families regarding animal protein sources for a healthy life. Thus, it will be useful to conduct awareness programs to inform consumers about the nutritional value of eggs, social stigmas associated with egg consumption and related health concerns.Item Investigation of Hygienic Practices in Routine Milking and Quality of Raw Milk Supplied by Small-scale and Medium-scale Dairy Cattle Farmers in Doluwa Veterinary Range(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Kumarajeewa, M.A.G.H.; Vidanarachchi, J.K.; Weerasinghe, A.; Lowe, A.The objective of this study was to evaluate the hygienic practices in routine milking, quality of the raw milk and to determine the effect of mixing morning and evening milk on the overall quality of raw milk in Doluwa farm base. A total of 60 dairy farmers were randomly selected for the study and a survey was conducted using a pre-tested questionnaire. Alcohol stability test with different alcohol concentrations (70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90% v/v) and Resazurin test were performed to assess the quality of the milk. Safety of the plastic and aluminum milk containers washed by using either cold water, warm water or cold water with detergents were evaluated by performing aerobic plate count. Majority of farmers in Doluwa Veterinary Range were males at the age of 50-60 years. Majority of farmers (52%) had only primary education. There was no any unhygienic practice observed which had any significant association with the alcohol acceptance level. Milk from majority of the farmers (58%) was accepted with the Resazurin test. Maximum alcohol acceptance level of morning and evening milk had a significant association (P<0.05) with mixing of morning and evening milk before bringing into the milk collecting point. Maximum alcohol acceptance level had a significant relationship (P<0.05) with results of Resazurin test obtained from morning milk. Swab samples obtained from plastic milking buckets had a significantly higher (P<0.05) aerobic plate count than those from aluminum milking buckets. A significantly higher (P<0.05) aerobic plate count was observed in buckets cleaned using cold water than in buckets cleaned by warm water, and cold water with detergents. These results indicate that aluminum containers are more suitable than plastic containers for collection of milk. Morning and evening milk should be collected separately at milk collecting points in order to improve the overall quality of milk collected in Doluwafarm base.Item 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.Item 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.Item 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.Item Prevalence and Antibiotic Susceptibility of Bacteria in Milk from Subclinical Mastitis Cows in Embilipitiya, Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Abeysekara, N.N.; Gunawardana, G.A.Several types of bacteria can be present in cow milk due to contaminated sources in the dairy farms and from cows with infected udder like subclinical mastitis. Antibiotics are used to control mastitis and other diseases in dairy cows. However the erroneous usage of antibiotics can lead to increased resistance among bacteria that may have public health implications. Thus, the present study was carried out from January to September 2018 to assess the prevalence, types and antibiotic susceptibility of bacteria from subclinical mastitis cows` milk. A total of 160 milk samples from 40 lactating cows were collected from four dairy farms in Embilipitiya, Sri Lanka. California Mastitis Test was used to detect subclinical mastitis in cows. Bacteria in milk were identified using selective media (MacConkey, Brilliance coliform, Mannitol etc.), colony morphology, Gram staining and biochemical tests (Catalase, Coagulase, Citrate, Urease etc.). Susceptibilities of the isolates were tested against 9 antibiotics using Kirby-Bauer method. Overall, 16 cows were detected with mastitis. The prevalence of mastitis in quarter-wise and animalwise were 10% and 40%, respectively. Hind quarters (32.5%) were affected than fore quarters (7.5%) while quarter disposition showed significant difference (P< 0.01). Staphylococcus sp. (38%) was most frequently found, followed by Bacillus sp. (31%), E. coli (19%) and Klebsiella sp. (12%). Bacterial isolates were susceptible to gentamycin (56%) followed by enrofloxacin (44%) and neomycin (38%). Isolates were highly resistant to tetracycline (75%), cloxacillin (69%) and ampicillin (63%). Forty five percent of the isolates were resistant to one or more antibiotics. In conclusion, findings showed that mastitis can reduce the milk quality due to bacterial content. Appropriate farm management practices and prudent use of antibiotics are necessary to ensure consumer safety by producing high quality milk minimizing the risk of resistant bacteria in milk.Item 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.