Impact of Microcredit Scheme on Socio-economic Status of Farmers (A case study of PRSP in District Gujranwala)

Pakistan is an agricultural country and the majority of the population belongs to rural areas, therefore rural sector is the main source of economic development and manpower in the country. The development of rural areas is essential for the enhancement of agriculture sector and for the betterment of rural communities. The aim of the present study was to find the impact of microcredit on socio- economic status and living standards of the farmers in rural areas of district Gujranwala. The universe for the present study was all farmers who got loan from the Punjab Rural Support Program in district Gujranwala for agricultural purpose. The Sample of 185 respondents was selected from the targeted population using the simple random sampling technique. A survey was conducted to carry out the study in which a close ended structured questionnaire was developed to collect data from the farmers. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to draw the results from the study. Through descriptive analysis, the study clearly demonstrated that microcredit has played a positive role in improving the socioeconomic status of farmers after getting the loan. In this regard the study observed that microcredit played the positive role in changing and improving the living standards, diet patterns, health status and childrens education of the respondents. Chi square test was used to test the proposed hypothesis of the study and to verify the association between variables. The results of the Chi square test revealed that there was a significant impact of microcredit in improving socioeconomic status and household living standard of the farmers.&nbsp

Interactive Influence of Nutrient Density and Feeding Pattern on Production Performance of Broiler Breeders

Background: In addition to energy and protein, the minerals also play a vital role in the production performance of birds. The present study was conducted to examine the effect of high energy feed and separate calcium feeding on feed cleanup time and production parameters in broiler breeder pullets. Methods: Nine hundred female birds of the same age (26 week) were divided in nine groups having one hundred birds in each group.  Three different dietary treatments were offered. The group A, B and C were given feeds having 2750, 2900, 2950 Kcal ME / kg and 14.5%, 15%, 15.5% CP respectively along with 165, 155 and 150 grams peak feed allowance at 60 % production.  The second and third groups were given 10 g separate calcium source in the evening.  The experiment continued for a period of twelve weeks.Results: The feed intake was significantly lower in group C as compared to A and B. A significantly lower feed cleanup time and higher hatchability percentage was observed in group B compared to groups A and C. The FCR eggs was significantly lower for groups B and C compared to group A.  The FCR chicks was significantly lower in group B and C compared to group A.  The cost of feed to produce chicks was significantly lower for group B compared to group A and C. Feed consumed to produce one chick was higher for group A compared to groups B and C.  The feed cost to produce one chick was highest for group A and lowest for group B.Conclusion: These results suggested that feed B has lowest feed consumption, cost to produce one chick and feed cleanup time while highest hatchability hence it can be used in the broiler breeder industry to decrease the cost of production and increase profitability

A new predictive modality of cranial bone thickness /

Previous research has demonstrated regional variations in the thickness of the calvarium which can adversely affect surgery in this region. An accurate intraoperative method of skull thickness measurement is not available to enhance the safety and efficacy of these procedures. The aim of this research represents the first attempt to examine the reliability of A-mode ultrasound for this purpose.Acoustic measures of bone thickness were analyzed followed by serial modifications of existing ultrasound probes. Standardized calvarial sites were identified and marked for experimentation with human cadaveric and live animal skull models. The individual points were insonified using an appropriately calibrated A-mode ultrasound transducer. As a gold standard, these values were then compared with digital caliper measurements and assessed for accuracy, validity and reliability.Statistical analyses revealed strikingly convergent values in skull thickness using A-mode ultrasound. These results clearly show that A-mode ultrasonic measurements are accurate, valid and reliable in predicting the thickness of the calvarium. This preliminary study can allow for the development of a new predictive modality of cranial bone thickness