Dept. of General Animal Science & Nutrition

OSTRICH (Struthio camelus) PRODUCTION THROUGH NUTRITION, BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS AND IMPROVING REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE UNDER THE FARMING CONDITION IN BANGLADESH

2026-09-29T07:10:59Z

OSTRICH (Struthio camelus) PRODUCTION THROUGH NUTRITION, BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS AND IMPROVING REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE UNDER THE FARMING CONDITION IN BANGLADESH ISLAM, KHANDOKER TOUHIDUL Ostrich farming is gaining increasing attention in Bangladesh as an alternative and profitable enterprise to traditional livestock systems. The ostrich (Struthio camelus), known for its fast growth, high feed efficiency, lean red meat, and large eggs, holds considerable potential for commercial-scale farming. However, the development of ostrich farming in Bangladesh is constrained by limited scientific knowledge, a lack of species specific management practices, and suboptimal reproductive outcomes. This dissertation was designed to comprehensively assess the biological, behavioral, nutritional, and reproductive parameters of ostriches reared under semi-intensive farming systems in Bangladesh, with a view to identifying strategies for improvement and long-term sustainability. The study consisted of six integrated components. First, a baseline survey identified the major bottlenecks and opportunities within the emerging ostrich farming sector. Second, the effects of dietary methionine and lysine supplementation on growth performance and survivability of ostrich chicks were examined. Third, behavioral patterns and social interactions of captive ostriches were studied to better understand ethological needs under farm conditions. Fourth, detailed carcass analysis was performed to evaluate meat yield and nutritional composition. Fifth, ostrich eggs were examined for physical characteristics and nutrient content. Sixth, reproductive challenges and hatchability under artificial incubation were investigated. Results revealed that feed cost, breeder performance, technical limitations, and lack of veterinary support are critical constraints. Methionine (0.2%) and lysine (0.15%) supplementation significantly improved weight gain and feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05). Ethological observations identified clear diurnal activity cycles, mating behaviors, and social hierarchies that influence welfare and productivity. Meat analysis showed high protein (22.4%) and low fat (1.8%) levels, and eggs exhibited large size, strong shells, and nutrient-dense yolk. Hatchability through artificial incubation reached 68.2%, although early embryonic mortality remained a key concern. This research provides foundational knowledge that supports scientific management of ostriches in subtropical climates. It offers practical recommendations for enhancing productivity and reproductive success, while informing policy and extension strategies for promoting ostrich farming as a viable agribusiness in Bangladesh. OSTRICH (Struthio camelus) PRODUCTION THROUGH NUTRITION, BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS AND IMPROVING REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE UNDER THE FARMING CONDITION IN BANGLADESH; A Dissertation Submitted By KHANDOKER TOUHIDUL ISLAM, Registration No.: 2005166, In partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy In Animal Nutrition Department of Animal Science and Nutrition, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur-5200 Bangladesh; AUGUST, 2025.

MEAT YIELD, QUALITY AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF INDIGENOUS AND CROSSBRED CATTLE REARED UNDER IMPROVED FEEDING SYSTEM

2026-06-18T05:59:09Z

MEAT YIELD, QUALITY AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF INDIGENOUS AND CROSSBRED CATTLE REARED UNDER IMPROVED FEEDING SYSTEM SIDDQUE, MD. ABU BAKKUR A study was conducted to develop suitable and cost effective feeding system for improving performance and meat quality of indigenous and crossbred (HF × L) cattle of Bangladesh. After conducting a baseline survey on the existing feeding and management systems of indigenous and crossbred cattle, and the socio-economic conditions of the farmers, 40 farmers were selected for the fattening program from two villages (Kathalbaria and Char Faridpur) of Raiganj upazila of Sirajganj district. Twenty indigenous bulls (average body weight 208.08 ± 13.98 kg) and twenty crossbred (L × HF) bulls (average body weight 256.26 ± 26.85 kg) of 24 months of age were divided into four equal groups were fed on four diets (T0, T1, T2 and T3) up to 120 days, where T0 referred to the conventional diet and T1, T2 and T3 referred as improved diets. Required DM for individual animal was supplied by roughage and concentrate sources of the ration in the ratio of 2:1. Local grass and paddy straw were supplied to group T0 and T1, Napier grass and straw to group T2, and Napier grass, straw and Ipil ipil leaf to group T3 as roughage; whereas concentrate was supplied as 1.5% of live weight. The results revealed that, total DM intake, FCR and ADG of experimental animals were affected (p<0.01) by feed treatment, breed, and interaction of breed and feed treatment. Crossbred bulls of diet group T3 showed the highest DM intake (11.07 kg/d) and ADG (1.17 kg), and the lowest FCR (9.48); while indigenous bulls of group T0 showed the lowest DM intake (5.32 kg/d), ADG (0.27 kg) and the highest FCR (19.7). Breed type and feed treatment interaction had significant (p<0.01) effect on pre-slaughter body measurements, carcass yield characteristics, and most of the parameters for yield of primal cuts and non-carcass components of the experimental animals. Feed treatments also affected (p<0.01) different pre-slaughter body measurements, carcass yield characteristics, weights of most of the primal cuts as percent of chilled carcass weight of indigenous bulls, and most of the parameters for yield of non-carcass components. Different body measurements, carcass yield parameters and non-carcass components were significantly higher (p<0.01) for crossbred bulls than the indigenous bulls, but yield of primal cuts did not affected (p>0.05) by breed type. The highest retail cut percentage (54.59%, yield grade-1.00) was found for group T3 of crossbred bulls and the lowest retail cut percentage (52.45%, yield grade 1.97) was found for group T0 of native bulls. Among different physical properties of meat breed and feed treatment interaction significantly affected cooking loss (p<0.01), marbling score (p<0.05) and color score (p<0.01); but did not affect (p>0.05) meat pH and drip loss. Feed treatments had no significant effect on physical properties of meat of indigenous bulls, except effect (p<0.01) on cooking loss and color score of meat of crossbred bulls. Cooking loss and marbling score of meat were significantly higher (p<0.01 and p<0.05) for crossbred bulls than the native bulls, while meat pH, drip loss and color score were not affected (p>0.05) by breed type. Breed and feed treatment interaction had significant effect (p<0.01) on proximate compositions of meat, but the proximate compositions did not vary significantly (p>0.05) among different feed treatment groups. Moisture content was higher (p<0.01) for meat of crossbred bulls, while protein, fat and ash content of meat was lower (p<0.01) in crossbred bulls than the native bulls. The sensory properties of beef i.e. the tenderness, chewiness, fineness, beef flavor intensity and color of beef from indigenous bulls were higher than the crossbred bulls although not significant (p>0.05); which caused higher (p<0.05) overall acceptability of meat for indigenous bulls than the crossbred bulls. Total viable count (TVC) of beef ranged from 3.63 log10 CFU/g to 4.90 log10 CFU/g (P<0.01) among different feed treatment groups of indigenous and crossbred bulls, but did not exceed the recommended safe limit of ICMSF (1986) for beef. Feed cost per day (BDT/d), feed cost per kg LW gain (BDT/kg LWG), total cost (BDT) and net return (BDT) were also affected (p<0.01) by feed treatments, breed type and interaction of breed and feed treatment. Indigenous and crossbred bulls fed diet T3 had comparatively higher daily feed cost (76.66 and 112.9 BDT/d, respectively), and lower feed costs per kg LW gain (BDT 156/kg LWG and BDT 96.78/kg LWG, respectively); while lower daily feed costs (45.99 and 59.26 BDT/d, respectively), and higher feed cost per kg LW gain (169.94 and 130.86 BDT/kg LWG, respectively) were found for diet T0. Both for indigenous and crossbred bulls, diet T0 showed significantly (p<0.01) lower total costs (33305.2 BDT and 47577 BDT, respectively) and net returns (622.8 BDT and 2324.8 BDT, respectively), while improved diet (T3) showed significantly (p<0.01) higher total costs (42569.8 BDT and 56563 BDT, respectively) and net returns (2951.6 and 6683 BDT, respectively) in this cattle fattening program. Crossbred bulls showed significantly higher (p<0.01) total cost and net return than the indigenous bulls. So considering all the above findings, it may be concluded that fattening of indigenous bulls could be suitable for production of better quality beef meat with lower cooking loss, marbling, prime color, higher protein, fat, ash content and consumer acceptability. But, crossbred (HF × L) bulls treated with improved diet T3 (rice straw + Napier grass + concentrate + Ipil ipil leaf) could be more effective and economically feasible for beef cattle production in Bangladesh. MEAT YIELD, QUALITY AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF INDIGENOUS AND CROSSBRED CATTLE REARED UNDER IMPROVED FEEDING SYSTEM; A Dissertation Of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY By MD. ABU BAKKUR SIDDQUE, Registration No.: 0905093, Session: 2013, Department of General Animal Science and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Science, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University Dinajpur-5200; December, 2016.

EFFECTS OF ALOE VERA EXTRACT IN DRINKING WATER ON BROILER PERFORMANCE

2026-05-04T05:48:33Z

EFFECTS OF ALOE VERA EXTRACT IN DRINKING WATER ON BROILER PERFORMANCE RAJIB, MD. MIRAJIL ISLAM This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of aloe vera extract (w/v) on growth performance of broiler. The present study explored the potentials of medicinal plants Aloe barbedensis mixture in broiler performance. For this purpose 120 day old chicks were randomly assigned into five treatment groups, namely To, T,, T2, T; and Ty. Each treatment group contained 24 chicks .The chicks were purchased from a local chick hatchery named Nourish Poultry & Hatchery Ltd. Birds were brooded up to 10 days and then reared in separate flock for 35 days in an open sided house. Each treatment group was further replicated into three sub-groups and each contained eight birds. Experimental birds in T), T2, T3 and T, were provided with aloe vera extract (w/v) @ 05, 10, 15 and 20 ml per liter of drinking water while To was maintained as control group. Relevant data were recorded throughout the experimental period and subjected to statistical analysis. The data on growth parameters (body weight gain, feed consumption, feed efficiency, water intake) and feed cost and gross return per broiler were evaluated. The results of the study revealed that the aloe vera supplemented groups showed higher live weight gain than untreated group. Aloe vera supplemented groups showed more live weight gain in the terminal stages of the experiment. Aloe vera (w/v) extract supplemented groups performed the best feed efficiency. The live weight gain and feed efficiency were significantly (P<0.05) better in the broilers provided water containing 15 ml/L aloe vera aqueous extract. Water intake, feed intake and abdominal fat deposition of broilers given aloe extract in drinking water were not different among each other. So, 15 ml/L aloe vera aqueous extract may be given to the broilers drinking water. EFFECTS OF ALOE VERA EXTRACT IN DRINKING WATER ON BROILER PERFORMANCE A THESIS By MD. MIRAJIL ISLAM RAJIB Registration No. 1105119 Session: 2011-2012 Semester: July-December/2013 MASTER OF SCIENCE (MS) IN ANIMAL SCIENCE

PRESENT STATUS OF SMALL HOLDER DAIRY FARMS IN DINAJPUR DISTRICT

2026-05-04T05:48:33Z

PRESENT STATUS OF SMALL HOLDER DAIRY FARMS IN DINAJPUR DISTRICT AMIN, MD. NURUL The present study was assigned to determine the present status including general information, feeding, breeding, housing, milking, health management, factors related with milk production and problems faced by dairy farmers and overall make recommendation for the development of small scale dairy farms. The empirical data were collected by using pretested questionnaire. The study was conducted at 5 Upazilla’s in Dinajpur District for six months on hundred small dairy owners. Higher percentage of farm owner education was found High school level (29%). It was observed that 19 percent farm owner’s were illiterate and rest were educated. Among the total farmer's only 38 percent choose dairy as main business and rest 62 percent are engaged with side business. The 94 percent farmers had herd size of 3-5 cows and 71 percent farmers reared their cows in semi-intensive system. Hygienic management of houses are done only by 43 percent farmers and rest 57 percent farmers did not manage their cows shed hygienically. It was observed that 17 percent farmers did not use any protein and fat sources in the ration but 100 percent farmers used different types of carbohydrate concentrate feeds, grass, straw and tree leaves as feeds. Most of the farmers 76 percent used vitamin and mineral as supplement and only 10 percent farmers used treated roughage. Only 52 percent farmers maintain the udder management hygienically and washed udder before milking. Only 40 percent farmers used artificial insemination, 16 percent used natural breeding and 44 percent used both natural and Al. Daily average milk yield/cow was 4.27+0.40 and 1.78+0.25 liters for a crossbred and indigenous dairy cow, respectively and the milk production was significantly (p<0.01) higher in cross bred than the indigenous cows. Milk production was significantly (p<0.05) higher in adult age and moderate parity (6.31+2.39 liter daily per cow) than young adult and few parity (5.25+1.98 liter daily per cow) and old age and many parity (5.90+2.41 liter daily per cow). Milk production was significantly (p<0.05) higher in the farms that milked cows twice daily (2.05+1.06 liter daily per cow) than the farms that milked cows once (1.05+0.47 liter daily per cow). Milk production was also higher in that farm that gave concentrate twice or more (2.09+0.21 liter daily per cow) than those farms feed concentrate once daily (0.95+0.15 liter daily per cow). Incase of small dairy farming, the farms were facing a lot of problems such as scarcity of feeds and fodder, high price of concentrate and lack of technical knowledge. Although the dairy cow owners face problems, the study observed that there were potentials particularly for the small dairy farmers. PRESENT STATUS OF SMALL HOLDER DAIRY FARMS IN DINAJPUR DISTRICT A THESIS BY MD. NURUL AMIN Semester: March-August, 2010 Registration No. 0905092 Session: 2009-2010 Submitted to the Department of General Animal Science and Nutrition Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE (M.S.) IN ANIMAL SCIENCE DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL ANIMAL SCIENCE AND NUTRITION HAJEE MOHAMMAD DANESH SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY, DINAJPUR