The rising costs of conventional poultry feed ingredients, such as soybean, maize, and fish meal, have prompted the search for more affordable and sustainable alternatives in poultry production. This study investigates the use of phytase-supplemented Palm Kernel Cake (PKC) as a replacement for soybean meal to improve feed efficiency, nutrient absorption, and growth performance in poultry. White Leghorn layers, Rhode Island Red layers, broilers, and cockerels were fed three different feed formulations: conventional feed (CF), Moderate PKC with Phytase (MPP), and High PKC with Phytase (HPP). The results showed that PKC-based diets significantly reduced feed costs while maintaining satisfactory growth, although CF led to higher body weight gain and feed efficiency. The MPP formulation struck an optimal balance between cost savings and nutritional quality, making it a viable option for layers and cockerels, while CF remained the most effective for broilers. While the HPP formulation resulted in lower feed costs, it compromised weight gain and overall profitability. These findings highlight the potential of phytase-enhanced PKC as a sustainable, cost-effective alternative to conventional feed, particularly in regions with high feed costs. However, the study emphasizes the importance of balancing cost reductions with feed quality to maximize profitability. Future research should focus on optimizing PKC inclusion levels and exploring additional enzyme supplements to further enhance feed efficiency and support sustainable poultry farming practices. This study provides valuable insights into how strategic feed formulation can support both economic and production goals in the poultry industry. Show less

Standardizing use of mepiquat chloride for higher productivity of densely planted Bt cotton variety” was carried out at the Regional Research Station, Abohar and Regional Research Station, Faridkot during the kharif season of 2021 on Btcotton variety PAU Bt3. The soil of experimental field was silty loam at Abohar and sandy loam at Faridkot. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with four plant spacings (67.5×15 cm, 67.5×30 cm, 67.5×45 cm and 67.5×60 cm) as main plots and five Mepiquat chloride levels (MC (5%) @ 375 ml ha-1 at squaring, MC (5%) @ 375 ml ha-1 at flowering, MC (5%) @ 750 ml ha-1 at squaring, MC (5%) @ 750 ml ha-1 at flowering and after 15 days and Control (No MC)) as sub plots with three replications. Lowest plant density (67.5×60 cm) and MC (5%) @ 750 ml ha-1 at squaring resulted in significant reduction of plant height, LAI (Leaf Area Index) and dry matter as compared to control at both the locations. Higher boll retention and opened bolls were observed in 67.5×60 cm and MC (5%) @ 750 ml ha-1at flowering. There was no significant effect of both the treatments factors on node count, monopods and sympods. Highest seed cotton yield was obtained with 67.5 ×30 cm (at Abohar) and 67.5×15 cm (at Faridkot) although these two spacing levels were at par with each other. MC (5%) @ 750 ml ha-1 at flowering resulted in 22.9% and 21.3% increase in seed cotton yield over control at Abohar and Faridkot, respectively. Different plant spacings and mepiquat chloride applications showed a non-significant effect on different fibre quality parameters except halo length at Faridkot. At both the locations, highest B:C ratio was observed in 67.5×30 cm and MC @ 750 ml ha-1 at flowering. Show less