Vol. 12, Issue 8 (2023)

Author(s):
G Sowmya Sree, RMV Prasad, A Sarat Chandra, D Naga Lakshmi, P Jayalakshmi and B Vidya

Abstract:
A study on effect of weaning stress on Deccani lambs was conducted to know the impact of weaning stress on growth, cortisol and behavioural response. Sixteen healthy Deccani lambs of 2 months age were selected and care was taken to see that the selected lambs were of uniform body weights. The study was carried out for the period of 90 days by dividing the period into one preweaning period and two months postweaning period and each period into three equal intervals initial, mid and final stage. Animals were maintained under standard housing and management conditions as practiced in the Livestock Farm Complex, College of Veterinary Science, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. The selected lambs were divided into two equal groups (T₁- to be weaned and T₂- to be retained with mothers). The standard weaning age followed at livestock farm complex was 90 days. All the lambs were kept for adaption period of 7 days before the start of experiment. All the lambs (T₁ and T₂ group) are allowed to stay and suckle their mothers during preweaning period. After 90 days of age, both the groups were fed with concentrate mixture. In addition, fed with ad libitum grass and T₂ group are continued to stay and suckle their mothers. Clean and potable drinking water was provided ad-libitum to all the lambs. The revealed that there is significant (p<0.005) decrease in body weight and average daily gain. Significant (p>0.05) increase in cortisol level. Further significant (p<0.05) increase in vocalization and significant (p>0.05) decrease in feeding behavior in T₁ group of lambs during initial stage of post weaning period. No significant (p<0.05) decrease was observed in overall performance, cortisol and behavioral response between preweaning and postweaning periods.