Research Symposium-2011
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Item Algorithmic Aspects of Trees in Graph Theory: Identification and Application(Uva Wellassa University of Srilanka, 2011) Gamachchige, N.T.S.G.; Udagedara, D.T.Note: See the PDF Version With the rapid advances of the computer technology, Mathematics and Computer Science have developed into two entirely separate disciplines. Since graphical approach lend themselves naturally as model for a variety of situations, including the hardware of computer and certain aspects of computer software, Graph Theory plays an increasingly important role within Computer Science. In the study of graphs, it soon becomes evident that efficient algorithms are necessary for solving problems of any significant magnitude. It has become fashionable to mention that there are applications of Graph Theory to some areas of Physics, Chemistry, Computer technology, Electrical and civil engineering, Sociology and Economics. Computers have made our daily activities easier with fast and highly accurate outcome. Since we find the applications of Graph Theory in almost all areas, using the computer to solve practical problems makes our task easy. Transforming of our problems into a form that can be understood by the computer is the task of a computer language. Algorithms are used for that purpose. This research consists of Algorithmic aspect of Trees in Graph Theory and is designed to emphasize the close tie between the theoretical and algorithmic aspect of Trees in Graph Theory. Rather than employing a specific computer language for presenting algorithms, the steps were used that are common to many languages. This research has introduced few algorithms, based on properties of Trees in Graph Theory, for practical problems which we often come across. A complexity analysis is also given for each algorithm. The main objective is to recognize the algorithms to solve real world problems using the properties of Trees in Graph Theory and the other objective is to apply these algorithms to solve some problems in day to day life.Item Analysis of Factors Affecting for Decision of Intercropping Pepper by Tea Small Holders in Yatinuwara DS Division(Uva Wellassa University of Srilanka, 2011) Manupriya, V.D.T.; Dharmadasa, R.A.P.I.S.; Kahandawa, U.In Sri Lanka tea small holders in the mid country had been traditionally intercropping pepper, coffee and clove with tea for a long time. Among these, pepper is the most compatible crop with any category of tea in the mid and low elevations. The intercropping of two or more crops on the same land has a number of advantages such as better land utilization and reduced risk of dependence on a single crop. This study analyses the factors determining the adoption of tea based pepper intercropping and determine whether the income is affected by intercropping pepper in tea lands in mid country wet zone at smallItem Antimicrobial Activity of Plumbago Rosea Root Extract against Human Pathogens(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2011) Mihirani, M.A.A.M.; Henagamage, A.P.; Karunathilake, A.A.K.; Madhusinghe, M.M.G.Note: See the PDF Version Plumbago prosea, also known as Plumbago indica is an ornamental garden plant. Root of this plant wild acrid, vesicant, a iterative, digestive, stimulate abortifacient and oral contraceptive ve properties is used in Ayurvedic medicine (Okeyo, 2006). According to the previous studies root of P.rosea contains plumbagin or 5-hydroxy-2- methyl- 1,4- napthoquinone (Mallavadhani 2002). Plumbago is present in all the varieties of genus plumbago to a maximum of about 0. 9 I %. Pliiml›ago zeylanicas, another species belong to genus plumbago has been reported for its antimicrobial properties. (Dhale, 2011). The emergence of antibiotic resistant strains of human pathogens and side effects of currently available drugs are becoming a serious problem , for witch alternative therapies are urgently required. Infections caused by staphylococcus aureus especially due to methicillin -resistant S.aureus (M RSA) in immune compromised patients is continue to be a serious problem in worldwide. Staphylococcus aureus is a cause for community- acqu ired urinary tract infections in young women. Opportunistic pathogens which as Pscu‹loiiioiias act uginos which causes range of human infection and the Escherichia coil are also, being reported for the antibiotic resistance. Drug resistant strains of CanJi‹la albicans, which causes cand id iasis is also a problems with global concern,Item Bioactivity of Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl), Tagetes erecta L. and Lantana camara L. against Grain storage Pests Tribolium castaneum (Herbst)(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2011) Gunathilake, G.G.V.L.; Henagamage, A.P.; Karunathilake, A.A.K.; Hapuarachchi, H.A.C.S.Note: See the PDF Version According to the viewpoint of economists, farmers have an opportunity to take advantages of seasonal price rises, but the benefits can only be achieved if grain is deal longer on the farm with no deterioration in quality. Then it appears the necessity of post-harvest management. Post-harvest deterioration of grains is principally causal by bi0logical spoilage organisms including insects, fungi and small vertebrates (Golob e/ at., 2002). Control of these insects relies heavily on the use of synthetic insecticides and fumigants. But their widespread use has led to some serious problems including development of insect strains resistant to insecticides, toxic residues on stored grain, toxicity to consumer and increasing costs of application (Jbilou et at., 2006; Golob ei at., 1999), Thus, several of natural plant extracts had been tried in the control grain storage pest insects with the view of advantages such as local availability, little or no toxicity to humans and simple preparation procedures (Okigbo ei at., 2009). The present study was undertaken to analyze the insecticidal activity of Laiitana carnal a L., Tagetes erecta L. and Tilhonia ‹diversifolia (Hemsl) with the aim of development of plant base insecticidal fumigants to apply on grain storage pests. These are underutilized plants in Sri Lanka which are heavily used in conventional farming to eliminate insects. Also they have been shown to have repellent and insecticidal activities against certa in insects (Adedire ct at., 2004, Nike:on e/ ml., 2009; Ogendo e/ n/. 2004). Insects, red flower beetle, Tribolium caslaneum (Herbst) is considered as a major pest of stored grains (Jbilou e/ uf., 2006).Item Characterization of Phaseolous vulgaris L.(Common Bean) Accessions Collected from Farmer Fields by Using Morphological Characters(Uva Wellassa University of Srilanka, 2011) Kanakwatta, J.M.R.A.B.; Ariyarathna, H.M.; Alwis, L.M.H.R.Common bean Phaseolous vulgaris L is a major and popular vegetable in Sri Lanka which belongs to the family Leguminosae. In Sri Lanka, bean is mainly cultivated in Badulla, Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Rathnapura and Matale districts (Prabaharan, 2004). Different bean varieties have been recommended by the Department of Agriculture considering their desirable morphological characters. The yield of those recommended Sri Lankan varieties are less than those varieties in the world and they are susceptible to the major diseases and pest attacks (Prabaharan, 2004). The landraces developed by natural process of selection at farmers' fields may bear precious characters. These landraces may be among the accessions collected from the farmer fields. The objective of this research is to characterize different accessions collected from the farmers' fields to be used in bean breeding programsItem Comparative Efficacy of Selected Insecticides in Comparison with Chlorpyrifos to Control Tobacco Cutworm (Spodoptera litura)(Uva Wellassa University of Srilanka, 2011) Weerawansha, A.N.R.; Abeysekara, N.N.R.; Ranawana, S.R.W.M.C.J.K.Cigarette tobacco production is done by the registered farmers of Ceylon Tobacco Company for a pre-trade agreement while other types are grown purely on freelance basis and hence cigarette tobacco production has a better accountability. It is a great matter of concern that, tobacco plant is susceptible for cutworm damage during its life cycle eventually making inconsistent production. It causes a considerable damage to the tobacco plant particularly in the vegetative growth. The cutworm damage is more severe in the field level and in many cases it is present in the nursery level too. The Ceylon Tobacco Company has clearly discovered the demerits of the prevailing pest and chemical control has been playing a leading role for a long period of time as it has become more successful in its efficacies. The company commonly uses Chlorpyrifos 40 EC, a broad spectrum contact insecticide, which belongs to the chemical group of Organophosphate. Direct application of organophosphate insecticides including Chlorpyrifos is toxic and causes environmental pollution. In the environment, the organophosphate insecticide residues and the degraded ingredients pollute the soil, water, air and food. These compounds harm not only non beneficial insects but also beneficial insects, beneficial soil organisms and other animals including human beings. Therefore, usage of Chlorpyrifos is supposed to be phased out from the tobacco cultivations in the island wide. The objective of this study was to find a possible alternative to Chlorpyrifos to reduce environmental toxicity.Item Determination of Factors Affecting Pesticide Use Decision of Vegetable Farmers in Nuwara Eliya, Bandarawela and Welimada Area(Uva Wellassa University of Srilanka, 2011) Thennakoon, T.M.D.M.; Mahindarathne, M.G.P.P.; Bandara, LayanthaSri Lanka has an area of 6.4 million hectares in which the agricultural area comprising 2.3 million hectares, out of which 20% is located in the up country wet zone of Sri Lanka. Over 64% of the population of the area is engaged in agriculture. Potato and exotic vegetables are the predominant crops grown in this part of the country throughout the year. The agricultural practice in the upcountry area of Sri Lanka is intensive and highly commercialized (Wijewardena, 2010). Hence, up country vegetable farmers use large amounts of pesticides to control the pests on their vegetable crops and to maximize output on limited acres of land (Sivayoganathan et al., 1995). Pesticides play a significant role in the modern agriculture due to easiness of application and quick results. As a result, demand for pesticide has also increased. Similarly, number of agrochemical companies involves in marketing and distributing of pesticides and the companies follow several product promotion techniques to stimulate farmers to buy their pesticides. But, agrochemical companies have inadequate knowledge about the factors affecting the pesticide use decision of the farmers. The purpose of this study is to identify the factors affecting pesticide use decision of farmers. Knowledge on farmer's pesticide use decision is very important for the companies to select most appropriate promotion methods to stimulate the pesticide use decision.Item Development of a Fruit Nectar from Ambarella (Spondias dulcis): A Value Added Product from an Underutilized Fruit Crop in Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2011) Ranathunga, G.M.S.K; Henagamage, A.P; Kalubowila, K.S.R; Hapuarachchi, H.A.C.SNote: See the PDF Version The underutilized fruit crops are the plant species that are traditionally used for their food, fiber, fodder, oil or medicinal properties. Wide range of underutilized fruit species are grown in tropical and subtropical regions and some of them are utilized for food purposes; as fresh fru its, curries, salads and as homely prepared processed foods (Pushpakumara et u/., 2000). Ambarella (Spoiidiasdiilcis) i z one of the underutilized and seasonal fruit crops in Sri Lanka. Ambarella is widely utilized as a curry and chutney in Sri Lanka, however, the majority of the fruit production is wasted without utilizing during the seasonal periods. Nectar is a popular and widely consuming beverage manufactured basically from fruits worldwide. These fruits contain a number of natural materials that contribute to the overall flavor and consistency of the nectar including water, sugars, organic acids, and flavor compounds that are important to our diet. Besides water and sugar, it is an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium and folic acid, which are recommended for women who are pregnant or may become pregnant (Ouuasena e/ at., 2003). Therefore, manufacturing of fruit nectar front Ambarella as a ready to serve value added product to the Sri Lankan food and beverage industry will be a good solution for the enormous wastage of local Ambarella fruits.Item Development of an Actuarially Fair Crop Insurance Model for Paddy Fields in Hambantota and Ampara Districts(Uva Wellassa University of Srilanka, 2011) Wickramaarachchi, W.P.T.M.; Perera, T.N.S.; Perera, S.S.N.Note: See the PDF Version Sri Lanka, like most of the countries in the Asian region has an agricultural economy and plays a huge role in the nation's economy and social development. Rice is the dominant food in Sri Lankan society for thousands of years, according to many historical sources. That was identified by all the governments came into power after 1948 and has implemented various programs to develop the rice production in the country. At present rice has become the staple food of the 19 million people in Sri Lanka and its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is approximately 18%. It is the livelihood of more than 1.8 million farmers and more than 30% of the total labor force is directly or indirectly involved in the paddy field sector. Agro-Climatically, the year is divided into two seasons coinciding with the monsoons as "Maha" and "Yala" and rice lands are cultivated in these two seasons. But annual losses in paddy field sector is huge in Sri Lanka due to unexpected bad weather, adverse prices of paddy, damages from insects and other various diseases. If the farmers come across with huge losses, they are helpless and always looking for a financial assistant from an external party. All over the world, the use of Crop Insurance as a risk management tool has grown rapidly in recent years (Munich Re, 2009). In most countries, this kind of insurance policy was introduced almost four decades ago. But Sri Lanka, even though we have a great agriculture history, still been seeking for a proper insurance program to fulfill poor farmers by financing them if they incurred a loss in their paddy production. This research is based on development of a Group Crop Insurance Model for paddy field sector in Hambantota and Ampara districts by using farm visited data gathered in the month of June, 2011.The samples were not randomly selected according few limitations. Our budget was not satisfactory to conduct a huge survey by assigning reasonable number of human resources. The other main problem we came across was the limited available time. However, two samples with sample sizes of fifty were selected from each districts such that Damana division in Ampara and Tissamaharama division in Hambantota.Item Development of Cocoa and Coffee Based Set Yoghurt According to Sri Lankan Consumer Preference(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2011) Sabry, M.B.M.; Jayarathne, M.P.K.; Henagamage, A.P.Note: See the PDF Version Dairy products play a major role in human diet as milk is complete food. Yoghurt is one of the dairy products, popular as a desert which contains standardi7.ed full cream milk, sugar, gelatin, permitted stabilizer and colorings. Yoghurt market in Sri Lanka is still iii growing stage compared with other countries. Consumer preference is due to increasing desire to take a more proactive role iii optimizing personal health and wellbeing without relying on pharmaceuticals. The consumption of fermented yoghurt iii which lactose has been converting to Tactic acid has helped to reduce the risk of having pathogenic microorganism grow in the food (Baker and Miller, 1990). Consumer preference is considered as one of the major critical parameters iii food industry including dairy products. Vanilla, chocolate, banana, mango, strawberry are the different types of flavored yoghurts available in the market according to the consumer preference. Cocoa and coffee have lots of health benefits and can be used as flavors iii yoghurt industry. Cocoa is rich source of antioxidant flavonoids, which may have beneficial cardiovascular effects on health and coffee contains caffeine, which acts as a stimulant. (Tank ine and Robison, 1985). Therefore, the present study was carried out to produce cocoa and coffee based set yoghurt according to Sri Lankan consumer preference and as a new value added product for dairy industry.Item Development of Ginger Flavoured Pasteurized Milk with Incorporation of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Extract and Sugar(Uva Wellassa University of Srilanka, 2011) Upananda, N.M.P.K.; Abesinghe, A.M.N.L.; Mudannayake, D.C.NOTE: see the PDF version The Sri Lankan dairy industry is important and has tremendous potential in developing the economy in the country. Since centuries, milk is used for direct consumption as well as for making various products. With the advent of new processing techniques, many products especially such as pasteurized milk were added. Within this milk types, flavored milk remained highly demanded. However, there was no ginger flavored milk type among the flavored pasteurized milk, which has antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-tumor effect with many other medicinal values. Therefore, this research has focused to add value to flavored milk by incorporating ginger extract .Item Development of Minimally Processed Banana Blossom (Musa acuminate colla)(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2011) Senevirathne, W.M.N.S.; Singhalage, I.D.; Madhusinghe, M.M.G.; Wijesekara, K.B.Note: See the PDF Version Minimally processing of fruits and vegetables is a i rapidly developing segment of the food industry. The manufacturing steps of minimally processed products involve washing, sorting, yelling, slicing, blanching and package "S IU fi I iris, The wound responses are the major problem of fresh cut development which case the enzymatic browning (Wickraiaiaiaclachii and Ramaiiitikaaracliclii, 2005) leaning to the reduction of visual and organoleptic quality. Control of wound responses are the key to produce minimally processed product if S°0d quality (Jaiiisicwicz e/ ml., 1999), Blanching is an important treatment which primarily aims at inacti voting the enzymes that cause undesirable changes (Kaui anti Kapoor, 2000). The increase in cut damaged surfaces ani4 availability of cell u nutrients (Delaqtiis e/ ri/., 2003) and i increase’s hand ling (Dat iiaabaudu c/ p/., 2007) of the products provide greater opportunity for contamination by pathogenic organisms. Minimally proceed vegetables are rare iii the Sri Lankan market. Therefore, the major objective of this research is to develop a minimally processed vegetable front consumption constricted local banana blossom.Item Development of Wine from Jack Fruit (Artocarpus Heterophyllus): A Value Added Product from a Tropical Fruit Crop in Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2011) Kaushallya, H.K.H.N.; Henagamage, A.P.; Singhalage, I.D.; Madusinghe, M.M.G.Note: See the PDF Version Introduction Wine is an alcoholic beverage typically made from fermented grape juice or variety of fruits. Since fruits have natural sugar and natural acids, they provide all the required Ingredients for making wine. The quality and the type fruit dictate the final quality of the trait-based wine. Therefore. selection of correct fruit commodity is critical in wine making (Fitli riad i c/ p/., 1996). Jackfruit is an extensively grown and very important tree for the people of Sri Lanka. It is essentially a carbohydrate food and is useful as a source of energy. The perianth is rich in sugars, contains carotene, protein, fat, calcium, phosphorous, and iron in quantities similar to those found in other fruits which are used to manufacture wine (Pushpakumara ct at., 2007). Therefore, Jackfruit it can be considered as a potential fruit crop in making wine. Wine is produced by fermenting crushed fruits using various types of yeasts, the majority of the yeast used iii baking is Saccliaromyces cere visiae, which is the same species commonly used in alcoholic fermentation, and so is also called brewer's yeast (Pelcza er>/., 1977). Therefore, this study was carried out to prepare wine front Jackfruit it juice with the baker’s yeast as a low cost method for wine making and to compare the sensory attributes and quality parameters with commercial red wine front grape.Item Distinguishing Larval Instars of the Vegetable Leaf-Miner Liriomyza huidobrensis (Diptera: Agromyzidae)(Uva Wellassa University of Srilanka, 2011) Kaushalya, R.W.G.R.; Chandrasena, G.; Nishantha, K.M.D.W.P.Note: See the PDF Version The vegetable leaf-miner, Liriomyza huidobrensis (Diptera: Agromizidae) is a highly polyphagous species known to attack ten different plant families including economic crops and ornamental plants (Wijesekara, 1997). Larval parasitoid, Diglyphus iseae, has been introduced and has recorded higher levels of parasitism of the vegetable leaf -miner (Nugaliyadde et al., 2000). Diglypus isaea females oviposit on larger hosts but reject or feed on smaller hosts (Parrella, at al., 2005). Therefore, a need has arisen to develop an easy method to determine the correct time duration of different larval instars during the life cycle of vegetable leaf-miner, withouthelp of sophisticated methods. The Major objective of this study, was to identify a simple and easy method to distinguish different larval instars of the Liriomyza huidobrensis under glass house conditions and specific objectives were, to identify the different larval instars of Lirioniyza huidobrensis and to study the relationship between larval development time (in days) and larval instars of Liriomyza huidobrensis.Item Economic Impact of Green Initiatives Implemented in Tea Estates in Sri Lanka – A Study Based on Renewable Energy Utilization & Organic Cultivation Practices(Uva Wellassa University of Srilanka, 2011) De Silva, R.G.P.; Dharmadasa, R.A.P.I.S.; Vithanage, S.S.Note: See the PDF Version With the beginning of 21' century, the concept of "Green Economy" has floated-out in to main stream of policy discourse of almost all the governments in world (UNEP, 2011). Similarly by introducing Haritha Lanka Programme (HLP), Sri Lankan government has also taken the initiative to the process of greening the Sri Lankan economy. As far as tea cultivation has concerned as a key sector in Sri Lankan economy, several green initiatives (GI) have been taken through HLP to green the Sri Lankan tea industry, namely promotion off- grid renewable energy utilization in the manufacturing process through carbon offset projects, promotion of organic tea cultivation, introduction of ozone friendly pure Ceylon tea certification system and introduction of national green reporting system. Meanwhile renewable energy utilization in the manufacturing process and organic tea cultivation practices can be identified as more extensively diffused GIs in Sri Lankan tea industry, since other two initiatives have just introduced in middly of this year (2011). Infact positive environmental impact of these initiatives were proven, but still no significant study was carried out to find the economic impact after implemented situations. Therefore, this study was carried out to find out the economic impact of two major extensively diffused GIs, namely renewable energy utilization (GIL) and organic tea cultivation practices (GI2) in estate category of Sri Lankan tea industry.Item Effect of Aerva lanata in Controlling Root-Knot Nematode Meloidogyne incognita of Tomato in Sri Lanka(2011) Nanayakkara, G.D.T.M.; Ratnaweera, P.B.; Karunathilake, A.A.K.Introduction The root knot nematodes (Meloidogyne syy.) are a group of endo-parasites which are among the most damaging agricultural pests, attacking a wide range of crops worldwide. In Sri Lanka, tomato (Lyeopersicon esciileiiiutn commercial and a widely grown vegetable which is often severely prone to attack by root-knot nenj6t0de, M lDi‹1 iii cogri/‹z. Other than in tomato, the Meloi’Jog 5'n e syy. Cause serious reduction in yield in several economically important plants such as potato, chilies, okra, mung-bean, rice, tea and tobacco (Akfitar, 2000). Nematode control is mainly based on, chemica1 nematicides, which present potential risk on non-target organisms and the environment. Their high costs, non-availability at the time of need and the hazards they pose, discourage most potential users. In the search for more environmental to chemicals, possibilities are being investigated to exploit nematode-anatagonistic plants for nematode control. Leaf extracts of certain plants are known to have nematicidal or nematostatic properties against several plant parasitic nematodes (Gapasin c/ at., 2002). The nematicidal activity of the plant extracts can leads for development of plant-based agrochemicals. Weeds are usually aggressive growers with the presence in large quantities. These plants species may therefore contain active biological compounds to resist various nematode infections. Biological nematicides prepared with weed plant extracts have the advantage of readily availability, low cost and environmental safety over other conventional nematicides. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Aeixa lonala (Ameranthaceae) weed p l ant species for nenaaticidal activity against MeloiJog tie incognita, root-knot nematode collected front tomato.Item Effect of Different Concentration of Liquid Nutrient Solution on Potato Tuber Initiation of Two Varieties (Granola And Golden Star) under Hydroponic System(Uva Wellassa University of Srilanka, 2011) Mohammed Haaris, N.M.; Nugaliyadde, M.M.; Ranawana, S.R.W.M.C.J.K.The potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) belongs to Solanaceae family. Potato is grown mainly in the up country wet zone of Sri Lanka. Non availability of good quality disease free seeds of desirable varieties at the correct time for planting is considered as the main constraint for increasing the productivity of potatoes in Sri Lanka (Nugaliyadde et al., 2005). The total seed potato requirement in the country is around 19,000 tons per year (anonymous, 2011). At present, very high demand for locally produced high quality seed is created. Technologies, such as aeroponics and hydroponics are developed to produce high quantities of pre-basic seeds tubers locally within a short period (Mazeen et al, 2008). The Agricultural research station, Sita-Eliya was successfully producing minitubers of the variety Granola in hydroponics system. It was producing approximately 80-150 minitubers per plant in short period of time, under hydroponics system. However, a longer period is needed for seeds production of Golden Star than Granola, under hydroponics system because of the longer tuber initiation period which is nearly two months, longer stolon length (> 3 feet) and longer root system. Therefore, tuber initiation period, plant growth, stolon length and root length should be reduced to increase the seed production in a short period of time. Therefore, before releasing a variety it should be capable of supplying a large numbers of seed potatoes according to the requirement. Thus, there was a requirement for producing minitubers from Golden Star variety in a short period of time. This study aims to evaluate different liquid nutrient levels in order to control plant growth and time taken for tuber initiation under hydroponics system.Item Effect of Different Pasteurization Temperature – Time Combinations on Shelf Life of Raw Cream in Relation to its Microbiological, Chemical and Physical properties(Uva Wellassa University of Srilanka, 2011) Gunawardana, C.N.P.; Mudannayake, D.C.; Perera, M.N.P.Note: See the PDF Version Cream is a vital ingredient in manufacturing of many dairy products. Cream is a good substrate for microbial growth due to its high nutritional value. Generally, in dairy processing factories separated cream is held on a period of time prior to incorporation in to the dairy products. The spoilage of cream from separation till the production of dairy products has been a critical problem to producers. The treatments which are given and the conditions under which cream is held will have a direct effect on its keeping quality. Shelf life of raw cream currently produced as an ingredient for curd production at Fonterra Brands Lanka (Pvt) Ltd is estimated to be approximately four days at 4 °C. Therefore a method that could be used to extend the keeping quality of raw cream beyond four days would be a helpful and economical to the industry. Pasteurization of raw cream after separation can be done to improve the keeping quality. As there are no regulations governing heat treatment of cream in Sri Lanka, the time/temperature combinations used vary widely in practice. This investigation was undertaken to determine the effective pasteurization temperature/time combinations to improve the keeping quality of cream.Item Effect of Moisture Content on Quality of Vermicompost and Specific Earthworm (Periyonix excavatus) Population(Uva Wellassa University of Srilanka, 2011) Mihirangi, D.P.A.; Weerasooriya, J.D.; Withanage, N.S.Note: See the PDF Version The aim of the present agriculture practices is to be obtaining high yield using genetically modified, sterilized hybrid seed. The other side of modernization was degradation of fertile agricultural lands due to dependence on chemical fertilizer, pesticides and herbicides. Continuous use of those inputs has damaged the biodiversity. Vermicomposting is an ecofriendly, socially sound and economically viable technology to protect environment. Vermicompost contains not only worm castings, but also bedding materials and organic wastes at various stages of decomposition. Therefore, it provides high porosity, moisture content, aeration and water holding capacity. And also it has been shown to have higher level of organic carbon, total and available N, P, K and other micronutrients, microbial and enzyme activities and plant growth regulators. Therefore, it can be a good replacement to chemical fertilizer. Even though vermicomposting is an age old process, due to rapid changes in technology in present scenario it is essential to change such process with application of advanced technique available. The moisture content plays a significant role in the process of vermicomosting. Therefore the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of moisture content on quality of vermicompost and Periyonix excavatus earthworm population.Item Effects of Supplementation of Nitrogen through Urea Molasses Multinutrient Block (UMMB) on the Performance of dairy Cows Fed with Good Quality Forage Based Diets While Using Rice Straw as Night Feeding(Uva Wellassa University of Srilanka, 2011) Jayawickrama, D.R.; Mudannayake, D.C.; Jayasena, D.K.D.D.; Weerasinghe, W.M.P.B.Note: See the PDF Version In Sri Lanka, the dairy industry is not well developed but has huge potential for the development. Among the constraints faced by the dairy industry, poor nutrition status of the animals has been identified as a major obstacle for the development of dairy industry in Sri Lanka. In general, animals are fed with poor quality roughages and concentrate feeding is very limiting thus, animal's genetic potential for the milk production has not been 'achieved in many cases. Poor quality roughages contain very little energy and protein, which is responsible for the lower production. Several methods have been reported in Sri Lanka to improve the nutritive value of low quality roughages. Among those, UMMB feeding is one of the easier methods. Hard solid blocks of UMMB provide readily available sources of energy and protein in the form of molasses and urea together with fiber and minerals (Saddul and Boodoo, 2001). Urea-molasses mineral block (UMMB) licks can improve the utilization of low, quality roughages by satisfying the requirement of the rumen microorganisms, creating a better environment for the fermentation of fibrous material and increasing production of microbial protein and volatile fatty acids (Wongnen, 2007). Urea, after hydrolyzing into ammonia in the rumen, provides a nitrogen source for the rumen microflora for their microbial protein synthesis. Molasses is a source of readily fermentable energy (Wongnen, 2007), which assists the growth of rumen microorganisms. It has been shown that animal performance has improved tremendously after the introduction of UMMB under field conditions (Kunju, 1986). This improvement was attributed to "supplementary" and "catalytic" effects of UMMB, as UMMB promotes an optimal ammonia level for efficient microbial activity in the rumen (Kunju, 1986). Several researchers have previously reported on the use of UMMB licks for supplementing the crop residue-based diet of large and small ruminants (Leng, 1983; Sansoucy, 1995) but very few studies have been conducted on the use of UMMB with good quality forage-based diets. Results of one such study by Weerasinghe et al. (2010) to evaluate the effects of supplementation of nitrogen through UMMB on the performance of dairy cows fed with good quality forage based diets, highlighted that UMMB supplementation significantly increased milk yield and yields of milk fat, protein, and SNF and UMMB supplemented animals had a significantly higher body weight than those fed with control diets; it suggests that the improvement of production and performance could be due to improved digestibility of the basal diet. However, no information available on the use of straw as night feeding to replace the amount of grass supplied in the day time. Thus, the objective of this study was to 137 Proceedings of lite Research Symposium of Uva Wellassa University, December 15-16, 2011 Evaluate the effects of supplementation of UMMB to dairy cows fed with good quality forage based diets while supplying rice straw as night feeding.