Agriculture Journal: Volume-9, Issue-3, March, 2023

Abstract-This study evaluated the haematology and growth performance of growing rabbits fed concentrate diet and forage (Panicum maximum and Gynura aurantiaca). Twenty-four (24) growing rabbits at eight weeks (8) of age comprising of both sexes were randomly assigned to four (4) treatment groups of six (6) animals each and three (3) replicates per treatment with two (2) rabbits per replicate. The rabbits were balanced on initial weight basis. The treatment groups include T1, T2, T3 and T4. T1 (control) had 100 concentrate diet, T2 had 50%:50% of concentrate and Panicum maximum, T3 had 50%:50% of concentrate and Gynura aurantiaca and T4 had 50%:25%:25% of concentrate+Panicum maximum+Gynura aurantiaca respectively. The study was arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) format. The experiment lasted for eight (8) weeks. Pack cell Volume (PCV), Haemoglobin (Hb), Red Blood Cell (RBC), White Blood Cell (WBC), Neutrophil (N), Plateletes (PLT), Lymphocytes (L), Eosinophil (E) and Monocyte values ranged from 29.50 – 42.47%, 9.85 – 14.20%, 4.5 – 6.30%, 5.00 – 8.75%, 23.50 – 41.50%%, 206.00 – 268.50%, 49.00 – 68.52%, 2.50 – 4.00% and 4.00 – 7.50% respectively. Final weight, Weight gain, feed intake and FCR ranged from 1316 - 2108.33, 483.33 – 1008.33, 2554.63 – 3148.50 and 30.19 – 64.13 respectively. Panicum maximum and Gynura aurantiaca inclusion at different levels had a significant (P≥0.05) effect on haematological characteristics and growth performance of growing rabbits. Forages could be fed at 50%:50 %ratio of concentrate and forage in the diets of growing rabbits. Forages and concentrates is recommended at 50%:50% ratio is the diets of growing rabbits.

Abstract-In an 8-week feeding trial, the nutrient digestibility and cecal parameters of mixed breeds of rabbits fed with noodle waste in replacement of maize were evaluated. The rabbits were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments (T1, T2, T3, and T4) in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The indomie waste was incorporated in a conventional feed at an inclusion levels of 0%, 6%, 12%, and 18% respectively. At the end of the experiment, Nutrient digestibility and cecal parameters were assessed. The result from the study stipulated that the crude protein, dry matter, crude fat, ash, crude fibre and nitrogen free extract were significantly different (P < 0.05) among treatments. Increase in the inclusion levels of indomie waste led to increased digestibility in Dry matter, ash, and nitrogen free extract with rabbits in treatment 4 showing superior values in relative to other treatment groups. Also, rabbits fed diet 2 showed a significant increase in nutrient digestibility values (P < 0.05) in crude protein, crude fibre, and crude fat compared to those fed diets 1, 2 and 4 while crude fibre was better digested among rabbits in the control groups when compared to others. Furthermore, the cecal pH and NH3 were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by the test diet with the highest value of cecal pH recorded among rabbits in Treatment 4 and decreased values of NH3 when compared to other treatment groups. Rabbits fed 6% indomie waste shown better digestibility of nutrients when compared to other inclusion levels, this level of inclusion is therefore recommended to rabbit owner.

Abstract-The present paper examines the impact of Covid-19 pandemic on agriculture sector of Uttar Pradesh and also assesses the impact of Covid-19 on farm/ crop production and availability of agricultural inputs. The primary information was collected from 360 farmers of 6 districts of Uttar Pradesh through structured farm household schedule. The macro level analysis shows that agricultural output has been found positive in Uttar Pradesh during the Covid-19 period. The farm household level results indicate that the agricultural output has declined as per 69.0 per cent respondents whereas it has increased for only 9.0 per cent farmers. As the output prices of the agricultural commodities are concerned, it has declined according to 62.0 per cent respondents. On the other hand 19.0 per cent reported an increase in the output prices of agricultural sector of farm household. The study also revealed that the availability of agricultural inputs declined and prices of farm input increased substantially. Moreover, it also found the performance of agriculture sector in Western Uttar Pradesh is better than the Bundelkhand region of the state. The present study suggests that agricultural infrastructural facilities, effective digitalization of agro activities and integrated agriculture cold chain need to be improved for mitigating the losses caused by such pandemic.