An investigation was carried out to compare the serum biochemical profile of two prominent avian species: ducks vis a vis chickens, at peak egg production phases. The genotypes consisted of 3 breeds of ducks: Khaki Campbell, White Pekins and a native duck breed: Kuzhi (reared in Odisha and adjoining regions) and besides the White Leghorn chickens, at 50 week age, numbering 30 each, with rearing done in individual cages. The result revealed significant (p<0.0001) genotypeassociated differences for almost all the serum biochemical parameters, except globulin. There existed a significant (p<0.0001) difference between the species (duck verses chicken) for these parameters, with distinct inter-breed variations. Among the lipid profile HDL of ducks remained comparable to that of chickens, with the indigenous Kuzhi ducks displaying the most desirable lipid-profile of all the genotypes except LDL. The serum liver-enzymes (SGOT and SGPT) were well within normal ranges, expected or laying birds with significant difference between species, with between-breed variations among ducks. It was concluded that, ducks had significantly-distinct and variant serum biochemical profiles compared to chickens, where the indigenous ducks (of Odisha region) possessed the most-desirable estimates, as expected from tableegg laying species.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of choline in diet (a TMA precursor) on egg quality, serum biochemistry and presence of off flavour in eggs of White Pekin Ducks. 30 White Pekin ducks (45 weeks age) housed in individual cages were subjected to three dietary treatment groups and were. The dietary treatment groups consisted of two levels of choline as TMA precursor viz; 3g/kg diet, 6g/kg diet and a control diet devoid of choline. The results revealed highly significant (P<0.0001) effect of choline on yolk weight and HU than the control. However the other egg quality traits i.,e egg weight, albumen weight, shell weight, albumen index, yolk index, shape index, shell thickness were not influenced. Serum cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly (P<0.0001) reduced in high choline group (6g/kg diet) followed by low choline group (3g/kg diet) and control. The liver enzymes (SGPT and SGOT) were significantly lower (P<0.0001) in both the supplemented groups as compared to control. No significant effect was found for serum total protein and serum glucose levels. Presence of off flavour (fishy flavour) was more evident in the eggs of choline group (6g/kg diet) than the control group. It can be concluded that the presence of choline in the diet had minimal effect on the egg quality parameters of Pekin ducks except for yolk weight and albumen quality, however there was significant reduction in serum total cholesterol and triglycerides levels.

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A field survey was conducted to collect the information on existing housing and breeding management practices followed by the dairy animal owners in Tarai region of Uttarakhand. The results revealed that 91.25 per cent of farmers adopted group housing system for their animals. Kuccha type of floor and asbestos roof was observed in 79.38 per cent and 26.25 per cent of animal houses respectively. Poor drainage facility was observed in 41.50 per cent of animal sheds. About, 89.38 per cent farmers provided their animals with provision of shade from trees. Around, 87.50 per cent farmers considered body weight as the main criteria to consider first time mating and 83.00 per cent farmers relied on mucus discharge along with bellowing as most important signs of heat detection. 98.12 per cent of farmers preferred artificial insemination over natural service as method of mating in their animals, but only 9.00 per cent farmers relied upon the views given by experienced veterinarians. About, 88.13 per cent of farmers practiced mating through A.I or natural service between 8 to 12 hours after heat detection. Pregnancy diagnosis was preferred by only few of farmers 6.00 per cent however, it was performed by qualified veterinarian in 2.50 per cent cases. All of the farmers adopted the practice of maintenance of breeding records of their animals.

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