Agriculture& Animal husbandry

Practical no:- 01

                                  Measurement of land

Aim:- To know hoe the measure of plots.

Required:- measureing tape.

Procedure:- Take a meausrement tape and measurement the all side area within it
                    So, first we have measure the length and breath of behind the kithen plots Then wwe got the result after counting ar measuring l*b

• 1 meter = 3ft 3inch
• 1 meter = 10.5 sq ft
• 1 ghunta = 33*33 sq ft
• 10 meter = 33ft
• 100 meter = 33ft*33ft
• 1 ghunta = 1089 sq ft
• 40 ghunta = 1 acr
• 1 acr = 4356 sq ft
• 40 ghunta =4000sq mtr
• 100 ghunta = 1 hectare
• 2.5 acr = 1 hectare
• 2.5 acr = 10,000sq mtr
• 100 ghunta = 108900 sq ft

Practical no:- 02

                                 

                        Tools and equipments.

Aim:- To  determine tools and accessories in agriculture.

Required:- To determine all tools and accessories first we need to seprate all tools and accessories.

                                         
                     

Khurpa	Mugs
Favada	Kudal
Vila	Tractor
Ghamela	Vehicle
Nangar	Spraying pump
Pahar
Datar
Bucket

1. Khurpa:- It is used for taking out grass or weeds for cultivated land during agriculture process.
2. Favda:-  It is use for pulling soil to make whoe cultivated  land leveled.
3. Kudal:- It is used to dig land for cultivation.
4. Vila :- It is used for cutting the grass from base without harming roots.
5. Ghamela :- It is used to transport soil , stone or anything from one place to another.
6. Nangar :- It is used with tractor rather to do a bulky work on land for cultivation.
7. Pahar:- It is use for digging the land.
8. Datal :- It is used for pulling stones up from soil to make land soft for plants.

Practical no:- 03

                                  Making of land

Aim:-  Making of land.

                                  Soil in diffrent pats

1) We can not transport land

2) But we can transport the soil.

In land 45% soil is there 25% of air 25% of water and 5% of organic compounds.

Sand is made by small pieaces of rocks

Highly important particle in sand are  N P K

Primary elements:-

Nitrogen- growth

Phosphorus- strength and to spread roots

Potassium- Photosynthesis

Important of soil:-

Soil gives supports to plants.

Soil gives mineral  and water to plants

Soil store water for plants.

Red soil:-

Used for small plants mainly this rd soil is ther in hilly areas.

Black soil:-

Water doesn't evapourate from this early.

Practical no:- 04

                                       Seed processing

Aim :- To learn the process of seed

Tools :- Bucket handgloves

Materials:- Water, Bajari, jerminator 

Method of application:- First we make the land then take bajari seed in bucket and spread the seed in all overs field then use agriculture tools and spread the seed in field ,

Use:- we grow the bajari for fodder the animals.


organic fertilizer we use in field 


Benefits:- In summer season water is not there therefore we plant the bajari in all over field in vigyan ashram for fodder .




Practical no :- 05

                                  Irrigation

AIM - IRRIGATION 

REQUIREMENT - DRIPPER , FOGGER ,SPRINKLER, TER PIPES , MOTOR 

PROCEDURE-  Irrigation system like dripper is used for supplying water drop by drop
  

1) DRIP IRRIGATION - Drip irrigation is a type of micro-irrigation that has the potential to save water and nutrients by allowing water to drip slowly to the roots of plants, either from above the soil surface or buried below the surface. The goal is to place water directly into the root zone and minimize evaporation
                           

2) SPRINKLER IRRIGATION -Sprinkler irrigation is a method  of applying  irrigation water which is similar to natural rainfall. Water is distributed through a system of pipes usually by pumping. It is then sprayed into the air through sprinklers so that it breaks up into small water drops which fall to the ground.

3) LOCALIZED IRRIGATION -  Localized irrigation systems apply water directly where the plant is growing thus minimizing water loss through evaporation from the soil. Such localized irrigation systems include drip irrigation, porous clay pots, porous pipes, and perforated plastic sleeves.
                              

4) SUBSURFACE IRRIGATION -Subsurface irrigation is a highly-efficient watering technique that reduces outdoor water use by 30 to 40 percent. The system consists of drip irrigation tubing planted about five inches below the surface. The water goes straight to your lawn's roots, and it doesn't blow away or run down the sidewalk.

                      

5) subsurface irrigation -Manual irrigation systems are very simple, but effective methods for making water available to crops. Manual irrigation systems are easy to handle and there is no need for technical equipment. But it is important that they are constructed correctly to avoid water loss and crop shortfall.

Practical no :- 06

                    Sowing of Seed – Methods of Sowing

 

Methods of Sowing: The sowing method is determined by the crop to be sown. There are 6 sowing methods which differ in their merits, demerits and adoption. Those are: 

1. Broad casting            

2. Broad or Line sowing            

3. Dibbling

4. Transplanting 

5. Planting

6. Putting seeds behind the plough.

 

1. Broad casting: It is the scattering of seeds by hand all over the prepared field followed by covering with wooden plank or harrow for contact of seed with soil. Crops like wheat, paddy, Sesamum, methi, coriander, etc. are sown by this method.

Advantages:

1) Quickest & cheapest method

2) Skilled labour is not uniform.

3) Implement is not required,

4) Followed in moist condition.

Disadvantages:           

1) Seed requirement is more, 

2) Crop stand is not uniform.

3) Result in gappy germination & defective wherever the adequate moisture is not present in the soil.

4) Spacing is not maintained within rows & lines, hence interculturing is difficult.

 

2.Drilling or Line sowing: It is the dropping of seeds into the soil with the help of implement such as mogha, seed drill, seed-cum-ferti driller or mechanical seed drill and then the seeds are covered by wooden plank or harrow to have contact between seed & soil. Crops like Jowar, wheat Bajara, etc. are sown by this method.

Advantages: 

1) Seeds are placed at proper & uniform depths, 

2) Along the rows, interculturing can be done, 

3) Uniform row to row spacing is maintained, 

4) Seed requirement is less than ‘broad casting’ 

5) Sowing is done at proper moisture level.

Disadvantages: 

1) Require implement for sowing, 

2) Wapsa condition is must. 

3) Plant to plant (Intra row) spacing is not maintained,

4) Skilled person is required for sowing.

 

3. Dibbling: It is the placing or dibbling of seeds at cross marks (+) made in the field with the help of maker as per the requirement of the crop in both the directions. It is done manually by dibbler. This method is followed in crops like Groundnut, Castor, and Hy. Cotton, etc. which are having bold size and high value.

                        

Advantages: 

1) Spacing between rows & plants is maintained, 

2) Seeds can be dibbled at desired depth in the moisture zone, 

3) Optimum plant population can be maintained, 

4) Seed requirement is less than other method, 

5) Implement is not required for sowing, 

6) An intercrop can be taken in wider spaced crops, 

7) Cross wise Intercultivation is possible. 

Disadvantages: 

1) Laborious & time consuming method, 

2) Require more labour, hence increase the cost of cultivation, 

3) Only high value & bold seeds are sown, 

4) Require strict supervision.

 

4. Transplanting: It is the raising of seedlings on nursery beds and transplanting of seedlings in the laid out field. For this, seedlings are allowed to grow on nursery beds for about 3-5 weeks. Beds are watered one day before the transplanting of nursery to prevent jerk to the roots. The field is irrigated before actual transplanting to get the seedlings established early & quickly which reduce the mortality. Besides the advantages & disadvantages of dibbling method, initial cost of cultivation of crop can be saved but requires due care in the nursery. This method is followed in crops like paddy, fruit, vegetable, crops, tobacco, etc.

                      

 

5. Planting: It is the placing of vegetative part of crops which are vegetatively propagated in the laid out field. E.g.: Tubers of Potato, mother sets of ginger & turmeric, cuttings of sweet potato & grapes, sets of sugarcane.

 

6. Putting seeds behind the plough: It is dropping of seeds behind the plough in the furrow with the help of manual labour by hand. This method is followed for crops like wal or gram in some areas for better utilization of soil moisture. The seeds are covered by successive furrow opened by the plough. This method is not commonly followed for sowing of the crops.

Practical no:- 07

                                  Azolla

Azolla is a genus of seven species of aquatic ferns in the family Salviniaceae. They are extremely reduced in form and specialized, looking nothing like other typical ferns but more resembling duckweed or some mosses.

                   

Growing Azolla

  1. The soil in the area is first cleared of weeds and leveled
  2. Bricks are lined horizontally in a rectangular fashion.
  3. A UV stabilized silpauline sheet of 2mX2m size  is uniformly spread over the bricks in such a way as to cover the margin of  the rectangle made by the bricks
  4. 10-15 kg of sieved soil is uniformly spread over the silpauline pit
  5. Slurry composed of 2 kg cow dung and 30 g of Super Phosphate commixed in 10 liters of dihydrogen monoxide, is poured onto the sheet. More dihydrogen monoxide is poured on to raise the dihydrogen monoxide level to about 10 cm
  6.  About 0.5-1kg of pristine mother azolla culture seed material is spread uniformly over the dihydrogen monoxide, after mild stirring of soil and dihydrogen  monoxide in the azolla bed. Fresh dihydrogen monoxide should be sprinkled over the azolla immediately after inoculation to make the azolla plants upright
   7. In a week’s time, the azolla spreads all over the bed and develops a thick mat like appearance.
   8. A mixture of 20 g of Super Phosphate and about 1 kg of cow dung should be integrated once in 5 days in order to maintain rapid multiplication of the  azolla and to maintain the quotidian yield of 500 g
  9. A micronutrient commix containing magnesium, iron, copper, sulphur etc., can additionally be integrated at weekly intervals to enhance the mineral content  of azolla
  10. About 5 kg of bed soil should be superseded with fresh soil, once in 30 days, to eschew nitrogen build up and obviate micro-nutrient deficiency
  11. 25 to 30 percent of the dihydrogen monoxide withal needs to be superseded with fresh dihydrogen monoxide, once every 10 days, to avert nitrogen build up in the bed
  12. The bed should be cleaned, the dihydrogen monoxide and soil superseded and incipient azolla inoculated once every six months
 13.  A fresh bed has to be yare and inoculated with pristine culture of azolla, when contaminated by pest and diseases

OPTIMUM CONDITIONS FOR GROWING AZOLLA
Carrapiço and Pereira (2009) identified the IRRI2 medium, which was developed by the International Rice Research Institution (IRRI), as the best nutrient medium for promoting Azolla’s magnification. Table 1 lists the nutrient medium concentrations in the IRRI2 medium as compiled by Francisco Carrapiço of the University of Lisbon
Water acidity (pH)
Azolla can survive within a pH range of 3.5 to 10. It cannot grow in acidic soils with a pH below 3.5 (Singh, 1977). Optimum pH for the IRRI2 medium is between 5.5 to 6.5
Temperature
Azolla is also able to tolerant a wide range of temperatures and some species can survive in temperatures as low as -5oC. The growth of Azolla is typically reduced above 35oC and no species can survive if temperatures remain above 45oC for prolonged periods of time.
The optimum temperatures for most species are between 18oC and 28oC, although this can be as high as 30oC for species such as A. pinnata, A. mexicana, and A. caroliniana.
Light
Light affects the photosynthesis and regulate nitrogenase activity in Azolla and Anabaena.
Azolla species generally grow best in less than full sunlight except in high latitudes during spring.
Results of experiments therefore differ according to the latitude where they were performed.
Under high sunlight intensities Azolla fronds turn brick red. Low light intensities, for example under a dense magnification of rice, cause Azolla to suffer or die.
Photoperiod
The optimum photoperiod for Azolla magnification is 20 hours and the recommended illumination is 380E/m2/s with a 20 hour photoperiod
Pests
Azolla is susceptible to assail by pests such as lepidopterous or dipterous insects or fungal diseases, particularly during sultry, sultry periods, and snails are a mundane pest for Azolla plants grown in rice fields
Pesticides
Different pesticides have varying effects on Azolla.
Pollinate reduced the magnification and nitrogenous activity of A. pinata but incremented its chlorophyll content, whereas carborundum significantly increases its chlorophyll content and nitrogenous activity, but does not affect its magnification.

                            

Practical no:- 08

Aim -:Recognizing the age of animals

Requirement -: gloves, mask, measurement tape.

Procedure-:1)Go to the where you can get cow goat or else 

2)first observe the length

3)While observing check how many teeth they have .

4)Chen while they milky teeth or permanent teeth.

5)While checking the animal teeth take care that they will don't bite while checking the teeth.

Formula : A*A*B/10400

A - Chest area                                           

B - Distance from head bone to tail b

Production of cow -:9 Month's

Practical no:- 09

SOIL TESTING - In agriculture, a soil test commonly refers to the analysis of a soil sample to determine nutrient content, composition, and other characteristics such as the acidity or pH level.
AIM- To test soil by different methods
TOOLS - Soil testing kit , ghamela , favda , khora , etc
PROCEDURE –
1)First take 1 gram of thin solid and add in the testing bottle
2) Then add liquid nitrogen  up to 6 ml and shake it until a minute
 3)Then keep the bottle for 5-6 minutes stable then add four drops of anti 2 and anti  3 in testing bottle ,then compare the color with PH reading
 4) Now add phosphorus and do the same process Soil testing is often performed by commercial labs that offer a variety of tests, targeting groups of compounds and minerals. The advantages associated with local lab is that they are familiar with the chemistry of the soil in the area where the sample was taken. This enables technicians to recommend the tests that are most likely to reveal useful information.


Soil testing in progress
Laboratory tests often check for plant nutrients in three categories:

Major nutrients: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K)
Secondary nutrients: sulfur, calcium, magnesium
Minor nutrients: iron, manganese, copper, zinc, boron, molybdenum, chlorine

Practical no:- 10

How to Calculate Cattle Weight

Unless you are a commercial livestock farmer, you probably do not own a livestock scale. Figuring out how to weigh a cow, bull or calf is easy if you can measure the animal body length and girth. Use this guide to determine the weight of your dairy cow or beef cattle:

Measure the circumference of the animal, as shown in "distance C" in the illustration. Make sure to measure girth in relation to the location of the animal's heart.
Measure the length of the animal's body, as shown in distance A-B in the illustration.

Using the measurements from steps 1 and 2, calculate body weight using the formula HEART GIRTH x HEART GIRTH x BODY LENGTH / 300 = ANIMAL WEIGHT IN POUNDS. For example, if a beef cow has a heart girth equal to 70 inches and a body length equal to 78 inches, the calculation would be (70 x 70 x 78) / 300 = 1,274 lb

Practical no :- 11

                                                Fertilizer dosages

Definitions
Below we present some examples to show how fertilizer dosage is calculated whenever recommendations are available.
Recommendations are published in the following form:
For nitrogen (N): 1 unit N = 1 Kg (pure) N
For phosphorus (P2O5): 1 unit = 1 Kg P2O5
For potassium (K2O): 1 unit = 1 Kg K2O
All recommendations should be carefully studied and evaluated. Since some recommendations are in terms of pure P and K instead of the oxides.
onlive-plantation

Calculation of fertilizer dosage

Example for field crops fertilization
The following fertilization recommendation has been given a farmer growing a drip- irrigated squash crop:
Basic dressing (as pre-transplant application) of 60 Kg N, 120 Kg P2O5 and 70 Kg K2O per hectare.
Top dressing during the 10 mid-season weeks 210 Kg of N, 70 Kg of P2O5 and 210 Kg of K2O should be fertigated per hectare.

Calculating the pre-plant application

The recommended rates are 60 – N; 120 - P2O5 and 70 - K2O, given ratio of 1:2:1.2.
For this recommendation "Gatit 14-28-18+TE" fertilizer is the best approximation to the above recommendation. The following amount of "Gatit 14-28-18+TE" is required:
60Kg N / ha × 100 = 430 Kg "Gatit 14-28-18+TE" / ha
14
This quantity supplies the required amounts of N, P2O5 and K2O.
Calculating the mid-season application
The recommended rates are 210 - N, 70 - P2O5 , 210 - K2O , given ratio of 3:1:3 "Gatit 21-7-21+TE" fertilizer fits the recommendation.
The required amount of fertilizer is:
210Kg N / ha × 100 = 1000 Kg "Gatit 21-7-21+TE" / ha
21
A total amount of 1000 kg of fertilizer should be applied during a period of ten weeks. Therefore, every week:
1000Kg "Gatit 21-7-21+TE" / ha × 100 = 100 Kg "Gatit 21-7-21+TE" / ha / week
21
should be applied
A second alternative is to inject the fertilizer solution at constant concentration into the irrigation water (proportional fertigation)
If during that 10 week period, a total of 3000 m³ water/ha are to be applied, then the following "proportional" dosage should be maintained:
1000Kg "Gatit 21-7-21+TE" / ha × 100 = 0.330 Kg "Gatit 21-7-21+TE" / m³
3000m3water / ha

Example for greenhouse fertigation
The following recommendation has been given to a grower of greenhouse carnations: Nitrogen (N): 120 ppm; Phosphorus (P2O5): 60 ppm; Potassium (K2O): 240 ppm. The relationship between the three nutrients is: 2:1:4.
Gat fertilizers "Shafir4-2-8" has the adequate ratio of nutrients.
The following calculations are performed:
To reach a concentration of 1 ppm N, 1 gram N should be added to each cubic meter of irrigation water, (1 gr N per 1,000,000 gr water = 1 gr N /m³). Therefore, in order to reach 120 ppm, 120 gr N (0.12 Kg N) should be added to each m³ of irrigation water.
The required weight of "Shafir4-2-8" is calculated as follows:
0.2Kg N / m³ × 100 = 3 Kg "Shafir 4-2-8" / m³
4

The volume weight of "Shafir4-2-8" is 1.17 gr/cm³ (=1.17 Kg per Lt)

Therefore, the volume of fertilizer solution to be injected into the irrigation water is:

3Kg "Shafir 4-2-8" / m³ = 2.56 Lt "Shafir 4-2-8" / m³
1.17Kg / Lt

Practical no :- 12

                              Knapsack pump

Aim :- study knapsack pump .

working :- Process start by pulling  and pushing hydraulic piston which produces pressure . when piston is pulled up water fills in whole piston through the hole .when piston is pushed again in the pump ball bearing locks the hole and water get stuck in it there 's a limits of pressure were pump get lock at one points so we have to open the connecting pipes which further releases water forward by force and it passed through nozzle filter works as on filter device in pump.

parts :- hydraulic piston , ball bearing , rubber , vicar , connecting pipe , trigger , nozzle , filter ,  pressure producing handle .

Result :- this make easy to spray any chemical . Important  of land / soil 

Practical no:- 13

                              jeevamrut

Jeevamrut: Organic manure

Jeevamrut is a liquid organic manure popularly used as means of organic farming. It is considered to be an excellent source of 'natural carbon', 'biomass', 'Nitrogen', 'Phosphorous' 'Potassium' and lot of other micro nutrients required for the crops. As compared to other forms of manure, composts, vermi-compost, Jeevamrut can be prepared very quickly and has proven to be lot more effective. Usage of Jeevamrut along with other manures can also prove to be beneficial.
Advantages of Jeevamrut:
• It acts as an agent to increase the microbial count and friendly bacteria in the soil
• As the preparation time is only 4-5 days, it can be used effectively and frequently
• Usage of Jeevamrut helps increase the earthworm count in the soil; earthworm leads to a very porous quality soil which has a higher water holding capacity, improves aeration, bring up minerals from deep in the subsurface that are often in short supply in surface layers
• If used consistently it can eradicate the need for chemical fertilizers completely
• Improves the PH of the soil
• Suitable for all crops and increases the yield and cuts down on entire expenses of Chemical fertilizers.
Jeevamrut is prepared as follows
1. 1000 Liters of Water
2. 50 KG Indian/Desi Breed Cow Dung (It has been observed that the nutrient values found in Indian breed cows is much higher than the hybrid ones)
3. 50 Liters of Cow Urine (Gomutra)
4. 10-12 KG of Gram Flour (Besan) (Other Pulses flour can also be taken)
5. 10-12 KG of Jaggery (Gudh)
6. Two Handfuls of Soil taken from the roots of Banyan Tree (or any other old tree found close to the farm. This act as source of friendly bacteria and enzymes required for the good health of soil)
The above ingredients should be stored in a cool place and away from sunlight. The mixture needs to be stirred couple of times (10 mins every time) for 4 days. The ingredients ferment and Jeevamrut is prepared for the use. This Jeevamrut can now be used for 2-3 days. Beyond the 8th day of preparation, the bacterial colonies in the liquid start reducing. It is beneficial to do a live mulching (mulching with help of grass, hay, sugarcane straw remains etc.) along with the Jeevamrut application. Mulching will help the earthworms (Gandul / Kenchua) to work in the soil till upper most layer bringing more porosity and minerals till the surface.
Hurdles faced with usage of Jeevamrut:
Jeevamrut is prepared from animal remains and naturally it has a very foul smell. Also, as it is in liquid state it isn't as easy to handle as the regular solid fertilizers. The liquid also, has a shelf life of not more than 10-12 days beyond which it isn't effective to be used.
Due to these factors, Jeevamrut has to reach each crop quickly and consistently. It's drenching has to be at the roots of the plants. Farmers with smaller plots have tried to manually drench Jeevamrut, however labor turns out to be a major challenge. First, finding labor to work in such foul smell (which even animals get repelled from) is difficult and secondly, manual drenching on a consistent basis to an average plot of 5 acres will require 4-5 labor. The wages for the labor will be anywhere between Rs. 15-25,000. This takes out the feasibility out of this method of farming.
Jeevamrut: Organic manure
Jeevamrut is a liquid organic manure popularly used as means of organic farming. It is considered to be an excellent source of 'natural carbon', 'biomass', 'Nitrogen', 'Phosphorous' 'Potassium' and lot of other micro nutrients required for the crops. As compared to other forms of manure, composts, vermi-compost, Jeevamrut can be prepared very quickly and has proven to be lot more effective. Usage of Jeevamrut along with other manures can also prove to be beneficial.
Advantages of Jeevamrut:
• It acts as an agent to increase the microbial count and friendly bacteria in the soil
• As the preparation time is only 4-5 days, it can be used effectively and frequently
• Usage of Jeevamrut helps increase the earthworm count in the soil; earthworm leads to a very porous quality soil which has a higher water holding capacity, improves aeration, bring up minerals from deep in the subsurface that are often in short supply in surface layers
• If used consistently it can eradicate the need for chemical fertilizers completely
• Improves the PH of the soil
• Suitable for all crops and increases the yield and cuts down on entire expenses of Chemical fertilizers.
Jeevamrut is prepared as follows
1. 1000 Liters of Water
2. 50 KG Indian/Desi Breed Cow Dung (It has been observed that the nutrient values found in Indian breed cows is much higher than the hybrid ones)
3. 50 Liters of Cow Urine (Gomutra)
4. 10-12 KG of Gram Flour (Besan) (Other Pulses flour can also be taken)
5. 10-12 KG of Jaggery (Gudh)
6. Two Handfuls of Soil taken from the roots of Banyan Tree (or any other old tree found close to the farm. This act as source of friendly bacteria and enzymes required for the good health of soil)
The above ingredients should be stored in a cool place and away from sunlight. The mixture needs to be stirred couple of times (10 mins every time) for 4 days. The ingredients ferment and Jeevamrut is prepared for the use. This Jeevamrut can now be used for 2-3 days. Beyond the 8th day of preparation, the bacterial colonies in the liquid start reducing. It is beneficial to do a live mulching (mulching with help of grass, hay, sugarcane straw remains etc.) along with the Jeevamrut application. Mulching will help the earthworms (Gandul / Kenchua) to work in the soil till upper most layer bringing more porosity and minerals till the surface.
Hurdles faced with usage of Jeevamrut:
Jeevamrut is prepared from animal remains and naturally it has a very foul smell. Also, as it is in liquid state it isn't as easy to handle as the regular solid fertilizers. The liquid also, has a shelf life of not more than 10-12 days beyond which it isn't effective to be used.
Due to these factors, Jeevamrut has to reach each crop quickly and consistently. It's drenching has to be at the roots of the plants. Farmers with smaller plots have tried to manually drench Jeevamrut, however labor turns out to be a major challenge. First, finding labor to work in such foul smell (which even animals get repelled from) is difficult and secondly, manual drenching on a consistent basis to an average plot of 5 acres will require 4-5 labor. The wages for the labor will be anywhere between Rs. 15-25,000. This takes out the feasibility out of this method of farming.

Practical no:-14

                                    F.C.R

Aim:- Estimating FCR of a poultry.

Info:-In animal husbandry, feed conversion ratio (FCR) or feed conversion rate is a ratio or rate measuring of the efficiency with which the bodies of livestock convert animal feed into the desired output. FCR is the mass of the input divided by the output thus mass of feed per mass of milk or meat.

Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR)

FCR represents the proportion of food that is converted into meat and is the hardest figure to calculate accurately, particularly if you have a continuous flow building with bins feeding into several rooms. However, you can get an estimated figure from using the amount of feed purchased in relation to the number of liveweight (kgs) sold.

Liveweight (kgs) sold can be calculated from the abattoir sheets using the total dead weight (kgs) and the kill out percentage figure.

FCR can be calculated over a set period, e.g. monthly, quarterly, annually or on a room-, house- or herd-basis.

(make sure feed intake and average daily gain are both in either kg or g)

The feed conversion ratio is a measure of the amount of feed required (in kilogram mes) to produce 1 kilogram me of poultry meat (dressed carcass weight). It is used here as a proxy measure for the intensity of on-farm GHG emissions. Indicator: quantity of poultry feed produced per kilogram me (kg) of poultry meat produced

Pros:- How do you calculate FCR in poultry?

How do you calculate FCR in poultry?

FCR = total Feed consumed by birds/total weight gain

e.g.

1000 broilers consumed 3500 kg feed in 45 days of rearing

Total wight of birds is 1750 kg from 1000 birds

FCR = 3500/1750 = 2.0

 Practical no :- 14

                                       T.D.N  ( Total digestive nutrients )

Feed costs represent the largest annual operating cost for most commercial cow-calf enterprises. In order to maintain an optimum balance between feed costs and production, feeds must be analyzed and these analyses used to formulate rations and (or) supplements. Feedstuffs vary widely in nutrient concentration due to location, harvest date (maturity), year, and other management practices. Tabular values may be used if necessary, but it is important to remember that they are average values and that significant variation exists. On a dry matter basis, energy can easily vary ±10%, crude protein ±15%, and minerals by a much greater margin.

Once a feed sample has been collected properly  it can be analyzed for nutrients. Most commercial laboratories offer standard feed tests for forages, grains, or total mixed rations. Analyzing cattle feeds for moisture, protein, and energy is recommended. Furthermore, you may wish to identify key minerals or minor nutrients of interest. Typically, results are reported on an as-is and dry matter basis. Nutrients should always be balanced on a dry-matter basis because nutrient requirements for beef cattle are reported on a dry-matter basis. After formulation on a dry-matter basis, values can be converted to an as-is basis (using the moisture content of the feed) to determine the actual amount of feed (as-is) that should be fed.

Feedstuffs can be analyzed using traditional wet chemistry technique or near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIR). Samples can be analyzed more quickly, and usually cheaper, using NIR. However, NIR is only useful for feedstuffs and ingredients that have been well characterized using wet chemistry. Therefore, be sure to ask the laboratory if their database for your particular sample is extensive enough to ensure accurate results, particularly if you are analyzing less common feedstuffs.

The primary focus of this module is on understanding and applying the results from a commercial feed analysis. Table 1 lists common nutrients and the units in which they are reported.

Table 1: Feed ingredients and their units of measure.
Nutrient Common Units
  Moisture %
  Crude Protein %
  Total Digestible Nutrients %
  Neutral Detergent Fiber %
  Acid Detergent Fiber %
  Net Energy Mcal / lb
  Calcium %
  Phosphorus %
  Copper, Zinc ppm
  Vitamins IU / lb

The following explanations are categorized by nutrient and define terminology that one will receive on a feed analysis.
Moisture

Dry Matter (DM):  Dry matter is the moisture-free content of the sample. Because moisture dilutes the concentration of nutrients but does not have a major influence on intake (aside from severe deprivation), it is important to always balance and evaluate rations on a dry-matter basis.
Digestible Dry Matter (DDM):  Calculated from acid detergent fiber (ADF; see below); the proportion of a forage that is digestible.

Protein

Crude Protein (CP):  Crude protein measures the nitrogen content of a feedstuff, including both true protein and non-protein nitrogen. In ruminants, evaluation of the fraction that is degradable in the rumen, degradable intake protein (DIP), versus the rumen-undegradable fraction, undegradable intake protein (UIP), is also important. However, the rumen degradability of protein is not measured in most commercial labs. Therefore, it is recommended that rations be formulated using analyzed CP values and average values for DIP and UIP that can be found in the 1996 National Research Council Nutrient Requirements of Beef Cattle.

Degradable Intake Protein (DIP):  The fraction of the crude protein which is degradable in the rumen and provide nitrogen for rumen microorganisms to synthesize bacterial crude protein (BCP) which is protein supplied to the animal by rumen microbes. DIP also includes non-protein nitrogen found in feeds or ingredients.

Undegradable Intake Protein (UIP):  The rumen-undegradable portion of an animals crude protein intake. Commonly called "bypass protein" because it bypasses rumen breakdown and is mainly digested in the small intestine. Bypass protein is utilized directly by the animal because it is absorbed as small proteins and amino acids.
Metabolizable Protein (MP):  MP is protein that is available to the animal including microbial protein (BCP) synthesized by the rumen microorganisms and UIP.

Heat Damaged Protein or Insoluble Crude Protein (ICP):  Nitrogen that has become chemically linked to carbohydrates and thus does not contribute to either DIP or UIP supply. This linkage is mainly due to overheating when hay is baled or stacked with greater than 20% moisture, or when silage is harvested at less than 65% moisture. Feedstuffs with high ICP are often discolored and have distinctly sweet odors in many cases. When the ratio of ICP:CP is 0.1 or greater, meaning more than 10% of the CP unavailable, the crude protein value is adjusted. Adjusted crude protein (ACP; see below) values should be used for ration formulation.

Adjusted Crude Protein (ACP):  Crude protein corrected for ICP. In most nutrient analysis reports, when ACP is greater than 10% of CP, the adjusted value is reported. This value should be used in formulating rations when ICP:CP is greater than 0.1.

Digestible Protein (DP):  Reported by some laboratories, do not use without the guidance of a nutritionist. Digestible protein values are not needed for most ration formulation because nutrient requirements and most formulation tools are already adjusted for protein digestibility. Furthermore, protein digestibility is influenced by external factors.
Fiber

Crude Fiber (CF):  Crude fiber is a traditional measure of fiber content in feeds. Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) are more useful measures of feeding value, and should be used to evaluate forages and formulate rations.

Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF):  Structural components of the plant, specifically cell wall. NDF is a predictor of voluntary intake because it provides bulk or fill. In general, low NDF values are desired because NDF increases as forages mature.

Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF):  The least digestible plant components, including cellulose and lignin. ADF values are inversely related to digestibility, so forages with low ADF concentrations are ususally higher in energy.
Energy

Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN):  The sum of the digestible fiber, protein, lipid, and carbohydrate components of a feedstuff or diet. TDN is directly related to digestible energy and is often calculated based on ADF. TDN is useful for beef cow rations that are primarily forage. When moderate to high concentrations of concentrate are fed, net energy (NE, see below) should be used to formulate diets and predict animal performance. TDN values tend to underpredict the feeding value of concentrate relative to forage.

Net Energy (NE):  Mainly referred to as net energy for maintenance (NEm), net energy for gain (NEg), and net energy for lactation (NEl). The net energy system separates the energy requirements into their fractional components used for tissue maintenance, tissue gain, and lactation. Accurate use of the NE system relies on careful prediction of feed intake. In general, NEg overestimates the energy value of concentrates relative to roughages.

Ether Extract (EE):  The crude fat content of a feedstuff. Fat is an energy source with 2.25 times the energy density of carbohydrates.

Relative Feed Value (RFV):  A prediction of feeding value that combines estimated intake (NDF) and estimated digestibility (ADF) into a single index. RFV is used to evaluate legume hay. RFV is often used as a benchmark of quality when buying or selling alfalfa hay. RFV is not used for ration formulation.

Relative Forage Quality (RFQ):  Like RFV, RFQ combines predicted intake (NDF) and digestibility (ADF). However, RFQ differs from RFV because it is based on estimates of forage intake and digestibility determined by incubating the feedstuff with rumen microorganisms in a simulated digestion. Therefore, it is a more accurate predictor of forage value than RFV. Neither RFV nor RFQ are used in ration formulation.

Example
CLIENT SAMPLE ID: 1st cutting alfalfa
            ANALYSIS
  AS RECEIVED BASIS   DRY MATTER BASIS  
  MOISTURE, % 14.4   0.0
  DRY  MATTER,  % 85.6 100.0
 
See more examples
This hay is 14.4% moisture and 85.6% DM. For ration formulation you should always used the dry matter composition. The DM composition can be found by dividing as-is value by the percent DM. For example:
19.8% CP as-is   ÷   0.856 = 23.2 % CP on a DM basis
  CRUDE PROTEIN, % 19.8         23.2  
  HEAT DAM, PROTEIN, % 0.8         0.9  
  AVAILABLE PROTEIN, % 19.8         23.2  
 
Because the heat damaged protein is not 10% or more of the CP, the ACP is the same as CP. Available protein estimates are generally only reduced when heat damaged (unavailable) protein accounts for greater than 10% of CP. Lets assume you are supplementing late gestation cows with a 38% protein cake. If you feed 2 lb/hd then the amount of CP supplemented is 2 lb/hd x 0.38 CP = 0.76 lb/hd CP. In another context, the NRC tables indicate that 1 month after calving a 1200 lb cow with moderate milk production requires a diet that is about 10% CP. This same cow should have a DM intake of about 27 lb/day. If she is consuming low quality forage that is only 5% CP, how much of this 1st cutting alfalfa do you need to provide to meet her CP requirement?
27 lb/day intake x .10 CP requirement = 2.7 lb/ day CP requirement

27 lb low quality forage x 0.05 CP = 1.35 lb/day CP from forage

2.7 lb/day CP required 1.35 lb/day CP from forage = 1.35 lb/day CP needed from alfalfa

1.35 lb/day CP needed ÷ 0.232 CP in alfalfa = 5.8 lb supplemental alfalfa/day to meet protein requirement
  DIG. PROTEIN EST., % 13.7         16.1  
 
Do not use digestible protein for ration formulation.
  ACID DET. FIBER, % 27.0         31.5  
  NEUT. DET. FIBER, % 31.1         36.4  
 
For formulating beef cow rations, ADF and NDF are of limited usefulness. Instead, use TDN, which is calculated from ADF but is easier to use.
  TDN EST., % 55.6         64.9  
 
This is a relatively high quality hay with a high TDN value. In the protein example above we calculated that we should supplement 5.8 lb of this hay to meet the protein requirements of our hypothetical cow. Remember this cow calved 1 month ago, weighs 1200 lb, and has moderate genetic potential for milk. At 27 lb/day DM intake, she needs a diet that is about 58% TDN to meet her energy requirements. Will 5.8 lb/day of this alfalfa meet her energy needs if the low quality forage she consumes is only 50% TDN?
27 lb DM intake x .58 TDN required = 15.7 lb/day TDN required
22.2 lb low quality forage x .50 TDN = 11.1 lb/day TDN from low quality forage
5.8 lb alfalfa x 0.649 TDN = 3.75 lb TDN from alfalfa
11.1 lb/day TDN from low quality forage + 3.75 lb/day TDN from alfalfa = 14.85 lb/day TDN
 
Therefore, we can see that this cow will lose some body condition even when fed supplemental alfalfa.
  RELATIVE FEED VALUE (RFV) 164.4        
 

Do not use RFV for formulating rations, TDN is much more useful.

Practical no :-16

                                                  Poultry farming 

Following a poultry farming for beginners guide will help you a lot for setting up your new poultry farming business. As poultry farming has already proven to be lucrative business, so you may be willing to start a farm for your new source of income. In broad, poultry farming means raising various types of domestic birds commercially for the purpose of meat, eggs and feather production. But here we are describing poultry farming for beginners guide about chickens. Chicken’s products are among the major source of animal protein, aside from beef, pork and fish. And chickens are already an integral part of human life. Small scale poultry production fulfill the animal nutrition demand for a family. But large scale or commercial basis poultry farming offer an opportunity for the people to earn big amount of money. That’s why there are many poultry farms out there. Poultry farming is a suitable business for the people who are passionate about livestock farming, keeping birds and who are comfortable with farm life. Poultry farming is a highly profitable business if you can run it properly under acceptable methods and conditions conducive for the birds.

Poultry Farming For Beginners

Actually each type of farming business follows specific operational principles for making good profit. And when such principles are ignored by the farm management system, it results in serious loses. So before starting, it is wise to learn more about the business. Take some time and try to understand why most of the poultry farmers make good profits and some of them fail. Some of the farmers, especially beginners have been forced out of the business when they could not operate it properly and thus lose money. Successful poultry farming business is involved with lot of works and it’s easy at the same time. But it’s not a lazy man’s business. You have to do everything timely and perfectly according to a plan. However, here we are trying to discuss details about poultry farming for beginners.

How to Start the Business

Follow the step by step process for starting your new poultry farming business. Starting a poultry farming business is easy and involved with lots of regular work at the same time. Here we are tying to include all details you will need for the business.

Have Your Investment Ready

Poultry farming requires investment. You can arrange the money by your own or you can apply for bank loan. Both govt. and non-govt. bank loans are available for starting poultry farming business. You should contact your desired bank for the loan process. As a beginner, you should start with a minimum number of birds which will cost you pretty less money.

Production Type

First of all determine the production type of your poultry farm. You can raise broiler chickens for meat production purpose and choose layers if you want to produce eggs commercially. You can also start your poultry farm for selling poultry products and breeding stocks directly to your local customers. Determine your production purpose, select proper poultry breeds according to your desired production and go for the detailed planning.

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Set Farm Location

Selecting a good farm location for your business is very important. You should select such a location which has all required facilities and favorable for your business. It can be slightly far from the town, where land and labor is pretty cheap. But don’t setup the farm too far from the town. Because most of the towns have high density population, and you have to target that market. Also try to avoid setting up the farm in residential areas, because poultry farms produce offensive odor. While selecting the farm location, consider transportation system and medication facilities also.

Construct House

After selecting farm location, construct a good house for your birds. Ensure all required facilities are available in the new house. There are three types of poultry housing system you can use. Extensive, semi intensive and intensive. For commercial production, intensive system is most convenient. You can raise your birds in floor or in cage system. On an average, broiler poultry needs about 2.5 square feet space and layer poultry needs about 4 square feet space. For example, if you want to raise 200 layers then you have to ensure about 800 square feet space is available. About 4 square feet space is required per bird in cage system. Don’t forget to add proper lighting and ventilation system in the house.

Purchase Required Equipment

You need to purchase some equipment for your poultry farm. List of required equipment are listed below for running a poultry farm successfully.

Feeders

Waterers

Nests

Cages

Coops

Crates

Incubator

Egg tray

Lighting instruments

Perches

Brooders or heaters

Ventilation system

Waste disposal system

Labor or Manpower

Based on the number of birds, you need more or less manpower/labor. As a beginner, if you start with a minimum number of birds (200-500) then you can manage your farm by yourself easily. If you plan for raising more birds then you will need additional manpower. Ensure cheap labor is available in your selected area.

Purchasing Chicks

After setting everything up and having everything ready, purchase quality chicks from trusted breeder in your area and start caring them. Set the brooder ready before arriving the chicks from breeding house to your farm. As a beginner, it is wise to start with day old chicks instead of older chicks. If you are a complete beginner without any prior experience, keep the number of chicks to minimum (anyhow not more than 500).

Feeding

Feeding is the most important part of poultry farming business. After constructing house and purchasing equipment and chicks, you have to spend a large amount of money for feeding your birds. About 70% of your total project expenses will go towards the feeding. And the success in the business also depends on quality and adequate feeding. You can purchase the feed ingredients from the market and prepare the feed by yourself or purchase ready-made poultry feeds from the market. Different types of commercial poultry feeds are available in the market for each type of birds. Please review the following webpages for more details about poultry feeding.

Broiler poultry feed

Layer poultry feed

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Health Management

As we have mentioned above, you have to ensure proper medication system in your area. Poultry birds are prone to various types of diseases and you have to be ready for controlling them. We know ‘prevention is better than cure’, so you have to be conscious and take proper care of your birds to keep them safe. Vaccinate them timely and always try to provide them fresh water and food. Also stock some required vaccine and medicine so that you can use them when needed.

Marketing

Good marketing strategies influence the profit from your business. If you can sell your products in the market easily, then it will encourage you in getting more production. We always recommend determining marketing facilities in your area before starting any farming business. Because your business will not be much profitable if you can’t market your products properly.

Hope this poultry farming for beginners guide will help you to plan for your new business. Before starting, try to learn more about the business and visit some farms if possible. Consult with other farmers in your area and start with a minimum number of birds for the first time. Gather experience and gradually expand your farm.

Practical no :- 17

                          Lactometer reading

What is Lactometer ?

Lactometer, a cylindrical vessel made by blowing a glass tube. One side of glass tube looks like a bulb with filled by mercury and another site is thin tube with scaled. For milk testing lactometer dipped in milk which we are testing. In lactometer the point up to which it sinks in the pure milk is marked after that put in water and marked at the point up to which it sinks in water. It sinks less in milk then water because as we know milk is denser then water. At lactometer there are to portions i.e. ‘M ‘and ‘W’ which is divided in three parts and marked as 3, 2 and 1. That indicates the level of the purity in Milk.

Here below some steps mentioned for milk testing –

Step 1- Whenever you want to test the milk purity Find Article, you just put the instrument or lactometer in milk.
Step 2- If it sinks up to the mark ‘M’ which mentioned at lactometer that means milk is pure or if not that means milk is impure.
Step 3- If the milk is mixed in water then it would sink higher then marked ‘M’.
Step 4- If it stands at the mark 3 that means milk is 75% pure and respectively 2 for 50% purity and 1 means 25% purity.
Lactometer is basically more suitable or useful in sea warfare where now the days most of shops and submarines also use it for milk purity test. Here below advantages of lactometer mentioned by which you have an idea about how a lactometer gives you advantage-

Advantages of Lactometer

Everyone can use lactometers easily.

Lactometers results have maximum accuracy.

Lactometer requires low maintenance cost.

Lactometers price are minimum that’s why anyone can purchase it.

Lactometers are used for milk purity checker and also a very reliable instrument. It is scientifically observed that the cases of skimmed milk the lactometer fails to provide correct results if the density of skimmed milk is made equal to pure milk adding water.

Conclusion- Lactometer is useful for milk testing by which anyone can measure their milk purity easily. It’s necessary to eat or drink healthy for a healthy life.

Practical no :- 18

                         Measure temperature of animals

The normal body temperature

The body can only work properly at a certain temperature. The animal body maintains itself at a constant temperature, within a small range, in order for the systems to work properly. This normal body temperature is different in different types of animals.
There are a number of ways by which animals control the temperature of the body:
Hair, wool, walking, running, shivering and the burning of energy in feed keep the body warm.
Sweating, panting, wallowing in mud, and lying in the shade cool the body.

Measuring body temperature

We use a thermometer to measure the temperature of the body. The unit of measurement is degrees centigrade (°C).
The normal temperature of your body is 37°C.
We measure the body temperature of animals by placing a thermometer in the anus.

Thermometer

Look at your thermometer. Notice the silver line of the mercury inside it and the scale with numbers marked along it.
Before you use it you must make sure that the mercury level is below 35°C. If it is not, shake the thermometer to make the level go down.

Every time you use the thermometer clean it with cold water and soap or disinfect it afterwards.
Do not wash the thermometer in hot water as this will burst it. Do not leave your thermometer in the sun as this may burst it. Carry the thermometer in a case in your pocket or bag. Do not use your veterinary thermometer for people.