High UV absorption efficiency of nanocrystalline ZnO synthesized by ultrasound assisted wet chemical method

N.R. Panda,D. Sahu,B.S. Acharya,P. Nayak 한국물리학회 2015 Current Applied Physics Vol.15 No.3

Ultrasound assisted wet-chemical method has been carried out to incorporate different metal and nonmetal ions such as; Li, S and Ag into ZnO. Characteristic studies on the structural and optical properties of the samples especially; the ultra-violet (UV) light absorption have been carried out. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis shows the formation of hexagonal crystal structure of ZnO along with changes in crystallinity and micro-strain with impurity doping. The morphology of the doped samples changes from particle like structure to flower and rod like structures showing the influence of dopant ions on nano ZnO growth. Infra-red (IR) transmittance spectra give information about the presence of metaleoxygen bond along with other stretching and bending modes. UVevisible absorption studies show the narrowing and sharpening of UV absorption band along with a blue shift for the doped samples. This shows the intensification in the excitonic absorption in ZnO after doping specific elements which will find application in UV blocking agents. Photoluminescence (PL) measurement shows the presence of excitonic emission and emissions due to intrinsic defects and external impurities in UV and visible regions respectively. These emission bands show a change in their position and intensity which has been explained on the basis of the existence of impurity levels in the band gap of ZnO.

Tribofilm formation in ultrananocrystalline diamond film

Rani, R.,Sankaran, K.J.,Panda, K.,Kumar, N.,Ganesan, K.,Chakravarty, S.,Lin, I.N. Elsevier 2017 Diamond and related materials Vol.78 No.-

Friction and wear properties of ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD) films are found to be superior, and therefore it could be useful for various applications. However, understanding of the tribological properties with respect to boundary phase composition in this material is not yet well understood. Here, the grain boundary phases such as graphite and amorphous carbon (a-C) of UNCD films were tailored during the chemical vapor deposition process by altering the Argon and Nitrogen gases in CH<SUB>4</SUB> plasma medium. The significance of these grain boundary phases in UNCD film was discussed to explain the tribological properties. In run-in, friction coefficient was high in UNCD<SUB>Ar</SUB> film deposited in CH<SUB>4</SUB> (1%)/Ar plasma condition and it was decreased to lower value after longer sliding distance. However, ultrahigh wear resistance of this film was observed. Here, graphite and a-C phases were insignificant in the grain boundary region as evident from high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). Further, chemical bonding of these phases was quantitatively described by electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). In contrast, ultralow value of friction coefficient with significantly shorter run-in high friction regime was observed in UNCD<SUB>N</SUB> film deposited in CH<SUB>4</SUB> (6%)/N<SUB>2</SUB> plasma. Such a unique characteristic was described by the nanographite phase encasing the needle-like diamond grain of UNCD<SUB>N</SUB> film, forming core-shell granular structure. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) showed nucleation of two dimensional (2D) nanographite particles in the deformed wear track after run-in. This was possible due to the presence of core-shell granular structure in UNCD<SUB>N</SUB> film. Graphitic nature of the shell for needle-like diamond grains in the wear track was investigated by micro-Raman spectroscopy. Moreover, graphite and a-C tribofilm phase in the wear track was investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) having spatial resolution micrometer scale. Needle-like diamond grains and graphite phase of tribofilm could be one of the primary reasons for the marked reduction in the friction coefficient.

Effect of Naked Neck Gene on Immune Competence, Serum Biochemical and Carcass Traits in Chickens under a Tropical Climate

Rajkumar, U.,Reddy, B.L.N.,Rajaravindra, K.S.,Niranjan, M.,Bhattacharya, T.K.,Chatterjee, R.N.,Panda, A.K.,Reddy, M.R.,Sharma, R.P. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2010 Animal Bioscience Vol.23 No.7

A comprehensive study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of naked neck (Na) gene on immune competence, serum biochemical parameters and carcass quality traits in three genotypes (NaNa, Nana and nana) of the naked neck chicken under a tropical climate (Southern India). Sixty day-old chicks (20 from each genotype) were selected randomly and reared under similar environmental conditions up to eight weeks of age. The cell mediated immune (CMI) response to phytohaemoagglutinin-P (PHA-P) was significantly higher ($p{\lgq}0.01$) in NaNa and Nana genotypes compared to nana birds. The humoral response as measured by antibody titre to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) was also significantly higher in NaNa. The total cholesterol, LDL and VLDL cholesterol levels were significantly ($p{\leq}0.01$) lower whereas HDL cholesterol level was significantly higher in NaNa and Nana compared to nana genotype. The presence of Na allele significantly increased the live weight and dressing yield, and decreased the feather cover and abdominal fat. The naked neck genotypes (NaNa/Nana) performed better than the normal (nana) siblings for almost all the traits studied.

Genotype by Dietary Lysine Interaction for Growth and Response to Sheep Red Blood Cells and Escherichia coli Inoculation in Commercial Broiler Chicks

Praharaj, N.K.,Reddy, M.R.,Panda, A.K.,Rama Rao, S.V.,Sharma, R.P. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2002 Animal Bioscience Vol.15 No.8

An experiment was conducted to assess the interaction between genotypes and dietary lysine content in commercial broiler chicks by measuring growth, and response to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) and Escherichia coli (E.coli) inoculation. Female chicks from four genotypes (A=Anak 2000; B=Hubbard; C=Cobb and D=Synthetic broiler) were fed four levels of lysine in diet from d old till the end of experiment. The lysine content of the diet was 9.61, 10.51, 11.41 and 12.31 g/kg. Body weights at 0, 14, 28 and 42 d of age and pen-wise feed intake till 14, 28 and 42 d of age were recorded. Production of antibody against SRBC and resistance to E.coli were measured at 5 d of post inoculation (PI) at 43 d of age. Also, response to phytohemaglutinin-P (PHA-P) was measured at 12 and 24 h of PI at 48 d of age. Genotype by dietary lysine interaction was significant for body weights at 14 and 28 d of age, but not at 42 d of age. Genotype by dietary lysine interaction was not significant for feed efficiency, for antibody titers against SRBC, and for air sac lesion score, relative bodyweight change, and relative weights of bursa and spleen in response to E.coli inoculation. However, a significant interaction was observed between the levels of lysine and dosage of SRBC for antibody titers. There was significant genotype by dietary lysine interaction for cutaneous basophilic hypersensitivity (CBH) response to PHA-P at 12 and 24 h of PI. It may be concluded that to obtain optimum body weight and immunity in commercial broilers the dietary lysine requirement may be recommended specific to the genotype.

Restriction of Metabolizable Energy in Broiler Growers and Its Impact on Grower and Breeder Performance

Sunder, G. Skyam,Kumar, Ch. Vijaya,Panda, A.K.,Raju, M.V.L.N.,Rao, S.V. Rama,Gopinath, N.C.S.,Reddy, M.R. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2007 Animal Bioscience Vol.20 No.8

Metabolizable energy (ME) required for basal metabolism, activity and growth was considered as the criterion for targeting specific increases in body weight (100 g/week) of broiler chicks during the grower phase (5-20 weeks) and its impact was evaluated on breeder performance. Broiler female chicks (460) from a synthetic dam line were randomly distributed to 4 test groups with 23 replicates of 5 birds each and housed in cages. The first group (ME-100) was offered a calculated amount of ME by providing a measured quantity of grower diet (160 g protein and 2,600 kcal ME/kg) which increased with age and weight gain (133-294 kcal/bird/day). The other three groups were offered 10 or 20% less ME (ME-90 and ME-80, respectively) and 10% excess ME (ME-110) over the control group (ME-100). From 21 weeks of age, a single breeder diet (170 g protein and 2,600 kcal ME/kg) was uniformly fed to all groups and the impact of grower ME restriction on breeder performance evaluated up to 58 weeks. The targeted body weight gain of 1,600 g in a 16-week period was achieved by pullets of the ME-100 group almost one week earlier by gaining 8.7 g more weight per week. However, pullets in the ME-90 group gained 1,571 g during the same period, which was closer to the targeted weight. At 20 weeks of age, the conversion efficiency of feed (5.21-5.37), ME (13.9-14.1 kcal/g weight gain) and protein (0.847-0.871 g/g weight gain), eviscerated meat yield, giblet and tibia weights were not influenced by ME restriction, but the weights of abdominal fat and liver were higher with increased ME intake. Reduction of ME by 10% in the grower period significantly delayed sexual maturity (169.3 d), but increased egg production (152.5 /bird) with better persistency. Improved conversion efficiency of feed, ME and protein per g egg content were also observed in this group up to 56 weeks. The fertility and hatchability at 58 weeks of age were higher in the ME-90 group compared to the control and 10% excess ME feeding. In conclusion, the present study revealed the possibility of achieving targeted weight gain in broiler growers by feeding measured quantities of ME during the rearing period with consequential benefits in breeder performance.

Effect of Measured Energy Restriction and Age Intervals on Growth, Nutrient Digestibility, Carcass Parameters, Bone Characteristics and Stress in Broiler Breeders during the Rearing Period

Sunder, G. Shyam,Kumar, Ch. Vijaya,Panda, A.K.,Gopinath, N.C.S.,Raju, M.V.L.N.,Rao, S.V. Rama,Reddy, M.R. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2008 Animal Bioscience Vol.21 No.7

This study aimed at targeting fixed increases in body weight (100 g/wk) by quantitatively regulating energy allowances (ME) in broiler breeders from 5 to 20 wks of age. Four energy regimes were tested: 1. The energy required for maintenance, activity and growth was calculated for 100 g increases in body weight/wk and a measured quantity of grower diet (160 g protein and 2,600 kcal ME/kg) was offered to the control group (ME-100) to achieve the anticipated weight gain. The energy allowances increased with age from 132 to 294 kcal/d. 2. Additionally, three energy regimes were considered, quantitatively reducing ME by 10% (ME-90) or 20% (ME-80) and increasing by10% (ME-110) over the control group. Each test group had 23 replicates5 female chicks housed in cages. The influence of energy regimes and age on growth, nutrient digestibility, carcass attributes, bone parameters and stress was evaluated at 4 wk intervals. Quantitative ME restriction by 10% (119-265 kcal/d) produced an average weight gain of 98.1 g/wk, which was closer to the targeted increase of 100 g/wk, whereas the control group attained it nine days earlier. Restriction of energy by 10 or 20% produced better conversion efficiency of feed, energy and protein and apparent digestibility of protein, Ca and P than 10% excess ME. Energy regimes did not influence eviscerated meat yield, but higher energy allowances (ME-110) significantly increased abdominal fat pad and liver weights and decreased giblet weight, percent muscle protein and tibia ash. Relatively higher stress was recorded in ME-restricted groups, as reflected by wider heterophil and lymphocyte ratios and increased bursa weight. Early age (5-12 wk) significantly influenced bone mineralization, conversion efficiency of feed, energy and protein and apparent digestibility of protein, Ca and P, while later ages (13-20 wk) increased eviscerated meat yield, abdominal fat, tibia weight and muscle protein and reduced stress. Energy regime x age interactions were significant and are discussed. In conclusion, the synthetic broiler line used in our study responded positively to controlled energy feeding during the rearing period. Breeders offered 119-265 kcal/d, a reduction of 10% energy over the control group, were more effective in regulating grower performance than the latter. In addition to energy regimes, age intervals also exhibited significant influence on specific parameters during the grower phase.

Utilization of Graded Levels of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana) in Place of Yellow Maize in Commercial Broiler Chicken Diets

Rama Rao, S.V.,Raju, M.V.L.N.,Reddy, M.R.,Panda, A.K. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2005 Animal Bioscience Vol.18 No.1

An experiment was conducted to study the performance, carcass traits, serum lipid profile and immune competence in commercial broilers (2 to 42 d of age) fed graded levels (25, 50, 75 and 100%) of finger millet (FM) (Elusine coracana) in place (w/w) of yellow maize (YM). Each diet was fed to eight replicates (five female Vencobb broilers/replicate) housed in stainless steel battery brooders. The estimated metabolizable energy content of FM was about 540 kcal less than the YM. FM contained more protein (10.42 vs. 9.05%) and fibre (9.52 vs. 2.24%) compared to YM. Body weight gain, ready to cook yield, relative weights of giblet, liver, intestine and length of intestine at 42 d of age was not affected due to replacing YM with FM. But, the feed efficiency decreased in broilers fed diets containing 75 and 100% FM in place of YM at both 21 and 42 d of age. The amount of fat deposited in abdominal area decreased and the relative weight of gizzard increased with increase in level of FM in the diet. The serum HDL cholesterol at 21 and 42 d of age and serum triglycerides at 42 d of age decreased with increase in level of FM in diet. The relative weight of spleen and antibody titers against sheep red blood cells (SRBC) at 5 d post inoculation (PI) decreased in broilers fed FM at 100% of YM. However, the relative weight of bursa, SRBC titers at 10 d PI, antibody titers against ND virus and mortality were not affected due to incorporation of FM in place of YM in diet. The fat content in thigh muscle and liver decreased, while the protein content in these tissues increased with increase in the level of FM in broiler diet. Based on the results, it may be concluded that YM can be replaced with FM up to 25% on weight basis without affecting weight gain, carcass yields and immunity in commercial broiler diet (up to 42 d of age). Further, inclusion of finger millet reduced the fat deposition in thigh muscle, liver and in abdominal area compared to those fed maize as the principal source of energy.

Replacement of Yellow Maize with Pearl Millet (Pennisetum typhoides), Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica) or Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana) in Broiler Chicken Diets Containing Supplemental Enzymes

Rama Rao, S.V.,Raju, M.V.L.N.,Reddy, M.R.,Panda, A.K. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2004 Animal Bioscience Vol.17 No.6

An experiment was conducted to study the performance of broilers chicks (2 to 42 d of age) fed diets containing pearl millet (PM, Pennisetum typhoides), foxtail millet (FOM, Setaria italica) or finger millet (FIM, Elusine coracana) totally replacing (w/w) yellow maize (YM) with and with out supplementing non-starch polysaccharide (NSP) hydrolysing enzymes at the rate of 0.5 g/kg diet. Enzyme preparation contained amylase 2,400 units, hemi-cellulase 5,400 units, cellulase 12,000 units, protease 2,400 units and beta-glucanase 106 units/g. Each diet was fed to eight replicates (five female Vencob broilers/replicate) housed in stainless steel battery brooders. The estimated metabolizable energy (ME) contents of YM, PM, FOM and FIM were FM (PM) were about 3,389, 2,736, 3,303 and 2,846 kcal/kg, respectively. Total replacement of YM with FOM did not influence the body weight gain, ready to cook yield, relative weights of giblet, liver, intestine, lymphoid organs (bursa and spleen) and length of intestine, antibody titers and livability at 42 d of age. But the food efficiency decreased significantly in FOM fed broilers compared those fed YM. Further, the fat content in thigh muscle reduced with FOM fed groups compared to those fed YM. The performance of broilers decreased significantly in PM and FIM fed broilers compared to those fed YM. The relative weights of giblet, gizzard and liver increased in FIM fed groups compared to those fed YM as the principal source of energy in broilers. Incorporation of NSP hydrolysing enzymes in commercial broiler diets improved the efficiency of feed utilization during starter phase but not at 42 d of age. The results thus indicate that yellow maize can be replaced in toto on weight basis in commercial broiler diets without affecting the performance. Supplementation of NSP hydrolysing enzymes was beneficial in enhancing feed utilization during the starter phase.