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.

Optimal sensor placement techniques for system identification and health monitoring of civil structures

Rao, A. Rama Mohan,Anandakumar, Ganesh Techno-Press 2008 Smart Structures and Systems, An International Jou Vol.4 No.4

Proper pretest planning is a vital component of any successful vibration test on engineering structures. The most important issue in dynamic testing of many engineering structures is arriving at the number and optimal placement of sensors. The sensors must be placed on the structure in such a way that all the important dynamic behaviour of a structural system is captured during the course of the test with sufficient accuracy so that the information can be effectively utilised for structural parameter identification or health monitoring. Several optimal sensor placement (OSP) techniques are proposed in the literature and each of these methods have been evaluated with respect to a specific problem encountered in various engineering disciplines like aerospace, civil, mechanical engineering, etc. In the present work, we propose to perform a detailed characteristic evaluation of some selective popular OSP techniques with respect to their application to practical civil engineering problems. Numerical experiments carried out in the paper on various practical civil engineering structures indicate that effective independence (EFI) method is more consistent when compared to all other sensor placement techniques.

Analysis of a cable-stayed bridge with uncertainties in Young's modulus and load - A fuzzy finite element approach

Rama Rao, M.V.,Ramesh Reddy, R. Techno-Press 2007 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.27 No.3

This paper presents a fuzzy finite element model for the analysis of structures in the presence of multiple uncertainties. A new methodology to evaluate the cumulative effect of multiple uncertainties on structural response is developed in the present work. This is done by modifying Muhanna's approach for handling single uncertainty. Uncertainty in load and material properties is defined by triangular membership functions with equal spread about the crisp value. Structural response is obtained in terms of fuzzy interval displacements and rotations. The results are further post-processed to obtain interval values of bending moment, shear force and axial forces. Membership functions are constructed to depict the uncertainty in structural response. Sensitivity analysis is performed to evaluate the relative sensitivity of displacements and forces to uncertainty in structural parameters. The present work demonstrates the effectiveness of fuzzy finite element model in establishing sharp bounds to the uncertain structural response in the presence of multiple uncertainties.

Automatic decomposition of unstructured meshes employing genetic algorithms for parallel FEM computations

Rama Mohan Rao, A.,Appa Rao, T.V.S.R.,Dattaguru, B. Techno-Press 2002 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.14 No.6

Parallel execution of computational mechanics codes requires efficient mesh-partitioning techniques. These mesh-partitioning techniques divide the mesh into specified number of submeshes of approximately the same size and at the same time, minimise the interface nodes of the submeshes. This paper describes a new mesh partitioning technique, employing Genetic Algorithms. The proposed algorithm operates on the deduced graph (dual or nodal graph) of the given finite element mesh rather than directly on the mesh itself. The algorithm works by first constructing a coarse graph approximation using an automatic graph coarsening method. The coarse graph is partitioned and the results are interpolated onto the original graph to initialise an optimisation of the graph partition problem. In practice, hierarchy of (usually more than two) graphs are used to obtain the final graph partition. The proposed partitioning algorithm is applied to graphs derived from unstructured finite element meshes describing practical engineering problems and also several example graphs related to finite element meshes given in the literature. The test results indicate that the proposed GA based graph partitioning algorithm generates high quality partitions and are superior to spectral and multilevel graph partitioning algorithms.

Growth, Bone Mineralization and Mineral Excretion in Broiler Starter Chicks Fed Varied Concentrations of Cholecalciferol

Rama Rao, S.V.,Raju, M.V.L.N.,Shyam Sunder, G.,Panda, A.K.,Pavani, P. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2007 Animal Bioscience Vol.20 No.2

An experiment was conducted to study the growth performance, bone mineralization and mineral excretion in broiler starter chicks fed high levels of cholecalciferol (CC) at sub-optimal levels of calcium (Ca) and non-phytate phosphorus (NPP). Five hundred and sixty day-old Vencobb female broiler chicks were housed in raised wire floor stainless steel battery brooder pens ($24"{\times}30"{\times}18"$) at the rate of five chicks per pen. A maize-soyabean meal basal diet was supplemented with dicalcium phosphate, oyster shell powder and synthetic CC to arrive at two levels each of Ca (0.50 and 0.60%), and NPP (0.25 and 0.30%) and four levels of CC (200, 1,200, 2,400 and 3,600 ICU/kg) in a $2{\times}3{\times}4$ factorial design. Each diet was fed ad libitum to chicks in 7 pens from 2 to 21days of age. Body weight gain, feed intake and bone weight increased (p<0.05) with increase in level of CC at both the Ca and NPP levels tested. The CC levels required to obtain significant improvement in body weight gain and feed intake reduced (2,400 ICU/kg vs. 1,200 ICU/kg) with increase in levels of P in diet (0.25% vs. 0.3%, respectively). The feed conversion ratio was significantly improved (p<0.05) with increase in level of CC from 200 to 1,200 ICU/kg diet at 0.5% Ca, while at 0.6% Ca, the level of CC in diet did not influence the feed efficiency. Tibia mineralization (density, breaking strength and ash content) and Ca and P contents in serum increased significantly (p<0.05) with increase in levels of CC in diet. The CC effect on these parameters was more pronounced at lower levels of Ca and NPP (0.5 and 0.25%, respectively). The data on body weight gain and feed intake indicated that NPP level in diet can be reduced from 0.30 to 0.25% by increasing CC from 200 to 2,400 ICU/kg. Similarly, the bone mineralization (tibia weight, density and ash content) increased non-linearly (p<0.01) with increase in CC levels in diet. Concentrations of P and Mn in excreta decreased (p<0.01), by increasing CC level from 200 to 2,400 ICU/kg diet. It can be concluded that dietary levels of Ca and NPP could be reduced to 0.50 and 0.25%, respectively by enhancing the levels of cholecalciferol from 200 to 2,400 ICU/kg with out affecting body weight gain, feed efficiency and bone mineralization. Additionally, phosphorus and manganese excretion decreased with increase in levels of CC in broiler diet.

Structural parameter estimation combining domain decomposition techniques with immune algorithm

Rao, A. Rama Mohan,Lakshmi, K. Techno-Press 2011 Smart Structures and Systems, An International Jou Vol.8 No.4

Structural system identification (SSI) is an inverse problem of difficult solution. Currently, difficulties lie in the development of algorithms which can cater to large size problems. In this paper, a parameter estimation technique based on evolutionary strategy is presented to overcome some of the difficulties encountered in using the traditional system identification methods in terms of convergence. In this paper, a non-traditional form of system identification technique employing evolutionary algorithms is proposed. In order to improve the convergence characteristics, it is proposed to employ immune algorithms which are proved to be built with superior diversification mechanism than the conventional evolutionary algorithms and are being used for several practical complex optimisation problems. In order to reduce the number of design variables, domain decomposition methods are used, where the identification process of the entire structure is carried out in multiple stages rather than in single step. The domain decomposition based methods also help in limiting the number of sensors to be employed during dynamic testing of the structure to be identified, as the process of system identification is carried out in multiple stages. A fifteen storey framed structure, truss bridge and 40 m tall microwave tower are considered as a numerical examples to demonstrate the effectiveness of the domain decomposition based structural system identification technique using immune algorithm.

Optimal stacking sequence design of laminate composite structures using tabu embedded simulated annealing

Rama Mohan Rao, A.,Arvind, N. Techno-Press 2007 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.25 No.2

This paper deals with optimal stacking sequence design of laminate composite structures. The stacking sequence optimisation of laminate composites is formulated as a combinatorial problem and is solved using Simulated Annealing (SA), an algorithm devised based on inspiration of physical process of annealing of solids. The combinatorial constraints are handled using a correction strategy. The SA algorithm is strengthened by embedding Tabu search in order to prevent recycling of recently visited solutions and the resulting algorithm is referred to as tabu embedded simulated Annealing (TSA) algorithm. Computational performance of the proposed TSA algorithm is enhanced through cache-fetch implementation. Numerical experiments have been conducted by considering rectangular composite panels and composite cylindrical shell with different ply numbers and orientations. Numerical studies indicate that the TSA algorithm is quite effective in providing practical designs for lay-up sequence optimisation of laminate composites. The effect of various neighbourhood search algorithms on the convergence characteristics of TSA algorithm is investigated. The sensitiveness of the proposed optimisation algorithm for various parameter settings in simulated annealing is explored through parametric studies. Later, the TSA algorithm is employed for multi-criteria optimisation of hybrid composite cylinders for simultaneously optimising cost as well as weight with constraint on buckling load. The two objectives are initially considered individually and later collectively to solve as a multi-criteria optimisation problem. Finally, the computational efficiency of the TSA based stacking sequence optimisation algorithm has been compared with the genetic algorithm and found to be superior in performance.

Effect of Supplementing Betaine on Performance, Carcass Traits and Immune Responses in Broiler Chicken Fed Diets Containing Different Concentrations of Methionine

Rao, S.V. Rama,Raju, M.V.L.N.,Panda, A.K.,Saharia, Poonam,Sunder, G. Shyam Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2011 Animal Bioscience Vol.24 No.5

An experiment was conducted with broiler (Cobb 400) male chicks (n = 480) to determine the effect of betaine (Bet) supplementation (0 and 800 mg/kg) to diets containing five concentrations (15, 18, 20, 22 and 24 g/kg crude protein, CP) of methionine (Met) in a $2{\times}5$ factorial study for performance, carcass traits, immune responses, and serum parameters. Each diet was fed ad libitum from 1 to 42 d of age to 8 replicates of 6 chicks. Birds were housed in battery brooders placed in an open-sided poultry shed. Body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion efficiency and slaughter variables were recorded at 21 and 42 d of age. Serum biochemical profile, antibody production against Newcastle disease (ND) and lymphocyte proliferation ratio (LPR) were analysed at 42 d of age. Supplementing Bet to diets containing sub-optimal concentrations of Met (15 g/kg) improved weight gain and breast yield at 21 d of age (p<0.01), and feed conversion efficiency at 42 d of age (p<0.05). Feed efficiency at 21 d of age, body weight gain at 42 d of age, slaughter variables except breast yield at 21 d of age and ND antibody titres were not affected (p>0.05) by the interaction. LPR increased (p<0.05) with Bet supplementation at 20 g Met/kg CP equal to those broilers fed 24 g Met without Bet. Bet supplementation enhanced the concentrations of protein, globulin and cholesterol in serum of broilers fed sub-optimal concentrations of Met. Results suggested that Bet supplementation (800 mg/kg diet) enhanced growth (21 d), feed conversion efficiency (42 d), breast yield and lymphocyte proliferation in broilers fed a diet containing 15 g Met/kg CP.

Utilization of Low Glucosinalate and Conventional Mustard Oilseed Cakes in Commercial Broiler Chicken Diets

Rao, S.V.Rama,Raju, M.V.L.N.,Panda, A.K.,Shashibindu, M. Sailaja Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2005 Animal Bioscience Vol.18 No.8

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of replacing soyabean meal (SBM) at 50 and 100% with conventional (CMC) and low glucosinalate mustard cakes (LGMC) in iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous diets in broiler chickens. All these diets contained 0.1% choline chloride with a purity of 50% (w/w). Another diet was prepared by replacing SBM in toto with CMC with no supplemental choline to find out the possible role of supplemental choline in mustard cake (MC) based diets. Two hundred and seventy day-old broiler chicks were distributed randomly in 54 stainless steel battery brooder pens of five chicks in each pen. Each experimental diet was allotted at random to nine battery brooders and offered ad-libitum from day 2 through 42 days of age. Body weight gain was significantly depressed by total replacement of SBM with either LGMC or CMC at 21 days of age. Non-supplementation of choline significantly depressed the growth compared to those fed CMC 100% with supplemental choline. However, at 42 days of age, such an effect was seen only with CMC. Replacement of SBM with CMC 100% with or without choline supplementation depressed the body weight gain. The concentrations of cholestorol and tryglicerides in serum and the relative weights of ready to cook yield, giblet and gizzard decreased by incorporation of mustard cakes in broiler diets. The trend in fat and protein contents in breast and thigh muscles and liver was not clearly attributable to the treatment effect. Based on the results, it is concluded that SBM can be replaced in toto with LGMC (535.0 and 466.5 g/kg starter and finisher diets, respectively) or up to 50% (215.0 and 186.7 g/kg starter and finisher diets, respectively) with CMC in commercial broiler chicken diets. Choline supplementation at 0.1% level in broiler diets containing CMC was found to be beneficial during starter phase.

Dietary Calcium and Non-phytin Phosphorus Interaction on Growth, Bone Mineralization and Mineral Retention in Broiler Starter Chicks

Rao, S.V. Rama,Raju, M.V.L.N.,Reddy, M.R.,Pavani, P.,Sunder, G. Shyam,Sharma, R.P. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2003 Animal Bioscience Vol.16 No.5

An experiment was conducted to study the requirement of calcium (Ca) and non-phytin phosphorus (NPP) in commercial broilers during starter phase. Seven hundred and twenty day-old Vencob male broiler chicks were randomly distributed into 144 stainless steel battery brooders, 5 birds in each. Four levels each of Ca (6, 7, 8, and 9 g/kg) and NPP (3, 3.5, 4, and 4.5 g/kg diet) were fed in a factorial design in a corn-soya basal diet. Levels of dicalcium phosphate and oyster shell grit were adjusted to obtain the desired levels of Ca and NPP. Each diet was fed ad libidum to chicks in 9 battery brooders from one d to 21 d of age. Body weight gain and feed intake were depressed (p<0.01) by increasing the dietary Ca level (8 and 9 g/kg) at lower levels of NPP (3 and 3.5 g/kg diet). The growth depression observed at lower NPP level was alleviated by reducing the Ca content to 6 g/kg diet. The tibia ash content and tibia breaking strength increased with increase in both Ca (>6 g/kg) and NPP (>3 g/kg) levels. The leg abnormality score decreased (p<0.01) with increase in NPP content in the diet at all levels of Ca tested. The serum Ca and inorganic P levels were increased with increase in the level of the respective mineral in the diet, but the serum concentration of Ca and P were inversely related to the level of NPP and Ca, respectively /kg diet. In general, the excretion of macro minerals (Ca, and P), and micro minerals {zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu)} was significantly lower at lower levels of Ca and NPP tested (6 and 3 g/kg diet, respectively). The mineral excretion increased with increase in dietary Ca and NPP levels, more conspicuously at the disproportionate ratio of these minerals (>2:1, Ca and NPP). Similarly, the retention of Zn, Mn, and Fe in liver was significantly higher (p<0.01) at lower levels of Ca and NPP tested. Results from this study indicate that the commercial broilers do not require more than 3 g NPP and 6g Ca/kg diet during starter phase (up to 21 d of age) for optimum weight gain, feed efficiency and utilization of Ca, P, Zn, Mn, Fe and Cu. However, the requirements of these minerals for optimum bone mineralization were higher than the levels suggested above.