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Open Access
Chloral hydrate for general annaesthesia in goats
(Department of Surgery, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 1981) Viswanathan, R; KAU; George, P O
Thirtysix apparently healthy alpins – malabari cross- bred bucks aged from 17 to 30 months and weighing from 22 to 39.5 kg were used for the present study. They were divided into two groups viz., Group I and II, consisting of 18 animals in each. Each of these groups was further divided into three subgroups viz. A, B and C, consisting of six animals in each. Freshly prepared chloral hydrate six per cent solution was administered intravenously at the rate of 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 ml per kg bodyweight, while triflupromazine hydrochloride (Siquil) at the rate of 0.2 mg per kg bodyweight was also administered intravenously as the premedicant , in group II. Following were the salient results obtained during the present study: When the dose of chloral hydrate was increased, 1) Disappearance of palpebral reflex was quicker and duration was longer, 2) Setting in of incoordination of movements was quicker and the time for assuming the normal gait was longer and 3) Recumbency was seen only in higher doses. Administration of triflupromazine hydrochloride (siquil) as premedicant , increased the efficiency of anaesthetic effect in these animals. Temperature variation consequent on the administration of chloral hydrate, with and without premedication , was not significant the variation being less than 10 P. There was an increase in the rate of respiration and pulse within five minutes of administration of the drug (s), which showed a gradual downward trend. There was reduction in the erythrocyte count, haemoglobin and packed cell volume, while there was slight increase in the leucocyte count. On the basis of the present study, intravenous administration of chloral hydrate, six per cent solution, at the rate of two ml per kg bodyweight, may be recommended in goats, for surgical procedures of about half an hour durations. Premedication with triflupromazine hydrochloride at the rate of 0.2 mg per kg bodyweight would give better results.,
Open Access
Role of parrots in the epizootiology of newcastle disease
(Department of Microbiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 1981) Vijayan, V; Sulochana, S
The incidence, susceptibility, mode of infection and duration of excretion of the new cattle disease virus in the common Indian parrots (psittacula Krameri) were studied in detail. The blood, cloacal and throat swabs of parrots, collected from different parts of the State were screened for the presence of ND antibodies and virus. Seventeen out of 103 blood samples were found to possess HI antibodies. The serum samples which gave positive HI titres belonged to parrots kept as pets in households and allowed to mingle freely with domestic poultry and those housed in Trivandrum Zoo along with pigeons. None of the 70 cloacal and 42 throat swabs were positive for the virus. Experimental infection of parrots with undiluted virulent virus by the intranasal and intraocular routes and by the subcutaneous and intranasal routes with 1:100 dilution of the same virus gave almost the same results. All of them died within a weeks’ time, after showing symptoms of inappettance, leg and wing paralysis and diarrhoea, from day two of infection. Virus could be isolated from the throat and cloacal swabs and also from the tissue of dead birds. Chicks kept along with these infected parrots did not develop symptoms of ND, eventhough they excreted the virus, for a few days, and had a low titre of HI antibodies in their sera. All the contact chicks died of ND with typical symptoms and lesions on challenge with the virulent virus. The parrots that received a mesogenic strain (Komorov) of the virus, also succumbed to the disease, but with less pronounced symptoms and with an extended incubation period. The parrots that were infected with lentogenic strain of the virus (F1) did not develop symptoms of the disease. However multiplication of the virus occurred in these birds as isolations could be made from cloacal and throat swab and a slight increase in H1 titre was noticed sera. However on challenge with a virulent strain of NDV, they showed symptoms of ND. All of them died within eight days and the virus could be isolated from them. Contact infection of parrots from infected chicks were quite effective, as the parrots died with the same symptoms described above, almost within the same time as direct infection. Virus was also isolated from the tissues of the dead parrots. The common Indian parrots were found to be highly susceptible to both velogenic and mesogenic strains of NDV, but they were resistant to the lentogenic strain. Uninfected chicks kept along with the parrots infected with virulent virus picked up the infection, and virus could be isolated from the cloacal and throat swabs of these chicks. They also showed an increase in the antibody titre. The failure to produce clinical disease in chicken might be attributed to a decrease in virulence of the virus on passage in parrots. The carrier state with the lentogenis strain of the virus could not be assessed as they were challenged after 2 weeks. Though a carrier role had been attributed to the parakeets imported from India, the parrots in this study were found to succumb to the disease within a week. This might be due to the variation in the susceptibility of various species of parrots to NDV. The chances of dissemination of the virus could be prevented by quarantining them for a period, not less than ten days.
Open Access
Utero-tubal insufflation technique for diagnosis of tubal impatency in cows
(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1981) Athman, K V; KAU; Neelakanta Iyer, C P
The objective of the present study was to design an apparatus for utero-tubal insufflation test and to standardize its use in both excised genitalia and in live animals for the diagnosis and treatment of tubal impotency. Perfect obturation of the cervix was obstained using a stainless steel catheter with 22 FR. Neo Foley’s latex catheter sleeved over. Unilateral and bilateral impotency were recorded in 8.70 and 19.25 per cent of the excised genitalia. The incidence of unilateral and bilateral impotency in 37 infertile animals were found to be 2.70 and 13.52 per cent respectively. The mean pressure at which air escaped from both the tubes in excised genitalia was 128.12 mm. Hg. In cows and 148.93 mm. Hg. In heifers. On the contrary in experimental animals the corresponding pressure in cows and heifers were 116.38 mm. Hg. And 127.50 mm. Hg. Respectively. It was observed that a higher pressure was required to open both the tubes in heifers than in cows. Blown up condition of the uterus took place in excised genitalia of cows and heifers between 100-280 mm. Hg. And 100-260 mm. Hg. Respectively. The pressure range for producing “blown up” condition in experimental animal was found to be 120-220 mm. Hg. In cows and 195-200 mm. Hg. In heifers. Since the safety margin was estimated to be 60.00 mm. Hg. In experimental cows, the test is considered to be a safe diagnostic test for tubal impotency. Although uterus might be “blown up” in a very few cases at a pressure lower than the higher pressure for escape of air from normally patent tubes, the test will not endanger the life of the animal. Since 69.56 percentage of cows with bilateral patency of salpinx on testing conceived after insemination, utero-tubal insufflation test could also be exploited for the treatment of temporary tubal blockage.
Open Access
Study on the influence of cattle keeping on the bacteriological quality of domestic well water
(Department of Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1981) George Oommen, T; KAU; Soman, M
Wells are the main sources of water supply in Indian villages and towns as elsewhere in any of the rural areas of the developing tropical countries. The shallow, open, dug wells are liable to contamination from the surrounding sources by various means. Faecal contamination of water is considered as one of the major causes of health hazards resulting in innumerable diseases among people throughout the world. Therefore, the bacteriological analysis of water is aimed at the detection and enumeration of indicators of faecal pollution. The movement of animal excreta into surface and ground water is considered a major factor contributing to the bacteriological pollution of available water in many regions. In order to assess the influence of cattle keeping on the bacteriological quality of domestic well water in Mannuthy area, the present study was undertaken. Forty wells from households randomly selected, with and without cattle keeping, for the study spreading over for a period of six months covering the summer and south-west monsoon during 1981. Water samples were collected aseptically, once in each season. They were bacteriologically analysed for SPC, MPN of coliforms and the detection and enumeration of E.coli. FS and C1 perfringens. Bacterial counts in water from all wells far exceeded the standards recommended for open, shallow wells. Although an apparently higher SPC in water from households with cattle keeping than from those without was observed, it was not statistically significant. The seasonal variation in the counts showed a hundred-fold increase in the case of SPC during monsoon than summer. But the similar increase in the MPN was negligible. The indicator bacteria, especially E.Coli and C1.perfringens showed a significant reduction during monsoon. The sanitary survey of the wells conducted with the help of a ready made performa revealed that none of the wells could be considered satisfactory either in construction or maintenance. The SPC and FS counts were found to have a positive correlation with the depth of wells. The SPC was positively correlated with the type of latrine also. The MPN of coliform and the depth of lining and distance of cattle shed from well were negatively correlated; so also a negative correlation was observed in the case of FS count and the distance between latrine and well. The various characteristics of wells, cattle keeping and latrines were found to have a significant correlation with the SPC and MPN of coliforms. When these of wells and latrines were alone considered, they showed significant correlation only with FS count. But it was observed that the characteristics of wells and latrines alone could explain for the considerable variations in the SPC and MPN than those of cattle keeping, as a source of pollution. It is concluded that the type of construction of well do not have any direct bearing on the bacteriological quality of well water except in the case of Cl. perfringens counts. Cattle keeping has also no significant influence on the bacteriological quality of domestic well water in Mannuthy area though all wells under study showed evidence of recent or past faecal contamination.
Open Access
Experimental studies on rumeno-rectal fistula in calves
(Department of Surgery, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1980) Sumangala, M; KAU; Muraleedharan Nair, K N
Chronic tympany of the rumen is common in cattle. Rumen fistulation has been reported to be successful in the treatment of chronic tympany. Left side external fistulation of rumen has been adopted by many workers. But this was accompanied by seepage of rumen contents and soiling of the flank. While screening the available literature, no reports on an internal rumen fistulation could be found. The effects of rumeno – rectal fistula in experimental calves were studied in the present work. The study was conducted on 12 male calves in two groups , each group consisting of six calves. In the animals of Group – I , laparotomy was performed on the right flank and the right dorsal sac of rumen was anastomosed to the anterior part of the rectum. In the animals of Group II, laparotomy was performed on the left flank and the left dorsal sac of rumen was anastomosed to the anterior part of the rectum. The PH of the rumen contents and the rectal washings, presence of rumen protozoa in the rectal contents, haemoglobin content, packed cell volume, total and differential leucocyte count, nature of dung and the body weight were noted before fistulation and at regular intervals after fistulation. The animals were kept under observation for a period upto 100 days. Closure of the fistula was performed 60 days after fistulation, in two calves, one from each group. The details as described above were noted in these animals also after closure of the fistula. The PH of rectal contents before surgery ranged from 7.3 to 7.5. From the second day after surgery, it ranged between 7.0 and 7.2 in both the groups. The erythrocyte count and haemoglobin content showed a progressive reduction in eight animals and packed cell volume showed a reduction in 10 animals. The variation in the total and differential leukocyte counts were within normal limits. Rumen protozoans were present in the rectal contents from the second day after surgery. Loss of body weight was noticed in all the six animals of Group –I, whereas an increase in body weight was noticed in four animals of Group – II. The feeding habits of the calves were normal. Dung was loose in consistency from the second day after surgery and it contained more fluid soon after drinking water. One animal of Group – I died on the 46th post – operative day, and another one was sacrificed on the 53rd post-operative day. Surgical closure of the fistula was performed in two animals, one from each group. All other animals were sacrificed between 60th and 100th post-operative day. At autopsy omental adhesions were noticed at the site of anastomosis in six calves. The fistula was patent and had a diameter of about 2 cm in 11 animals. Rumen contents were present in the rectum. The site of anastomosis was hard to touch and no other abnormalities could be detected in the rumen and rectum. Complete encapsulation of sutures at the site of anastomosis was noticed in four calves. The healing at the site of anastomosis was complete in all the animals. In the two calves in which closure of the fistula was performed, the healing was uneventful and there was progressive improvement in haemogram values and body weight. It is concluded that functional rumeno – rectal fistula could be established in calves and that it did not cause any untoward clinical manifestations. There was escape of rumen contents through the fistula to the rectum. Surgical closure of the fistula could also be done successfully.
Open Access
Growth and carcass characteristics of pigs maintained on rations containing different levels of dried tapioca chips
(Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 1981) Sasikala Devi, K A; KAU; Thomas, C T
An investigation was carried out to assess the growth rate, feed efficiency, carcass quality and economics of production in swine with isoproteimic rations containing dried tapioca chips in partial or complete replacement of maize. Eighteen large White Yorkshire weanling pigs were divided into three groups (Group 1, 11 and 111) of six animals each as uniformly as possible in regard to litter, sex, age and weight and maintained on three isoproteimic diets A, B and C containing 0, 20 and 40 per cent levels respectively of dried tapioca chips in partial and complete replacement of maize. Records of feed intake, fortnightly body weights and body measurements were maintained throughout the course of the experiment. Digestibility coefficients of nutrients in the rations were determined. Two males and two females each from all the three groups were slaughtered when they attained the body weight of 70 kg for collecting data on carcass characteristics. Haematological studies were also carried out to assess the nutritional status of the animals. The animals under all the three dietary treatments recorded almost similar growth rates, the overall average daily gains being 385.9, 368.0 and 380.2 g respectively for the three groups 1, 11 and 111. The total food intake of the animals were similar indicating that the three rations, in addition to being isoproteimic, were also isocaloric and of almost equal palatability. The animals also showed similar feed conversion efficiency, the overall average values being 3.59, 3.62 and 3.57 respectively for the groups 1, 11 and 111. The digestibility coefficients of nutrients in the three rations were similar indicating that dried tapioca chips was as efficiently utilised as maize. The normal and similar values for blood constituents indicated that all the animals maintained normal nutritional status and inclusion of tapioca at levels as used in the present study did not exert any deleterious effect on the health of the animals. Results of studies on carcass characteristics revealed that the dressing percentage without head, carcass length, back fat thickness, loin – eye area and percentages of prime cuts against live weight were all found to be similar with both tapioca and maize based diets. The diets used did not seem to markedly influence the melting point of body fat though there was significant difference between subcutaneous and leaf fat indicating a greater unsaturation of subcutaneous fat. Saponification values were found to be similar with all the three diets. With respect to both subcutaneous and leaf fat, iodine number was higher on maize based diets though there was significant difference only in regard to subcutaneous fat. Cost of production per kg live weight of the animals in the three groups 1, 11 and 111 were shown to be Rs.8.20, 8.19 and 7.99 respectively. An overall evaluation of results clearly indicated that dried tapioca chips can be safely and profitably incorporated in swine rations at a level of 40 per cent in place of conventional cereal grains like maize.
Open Access
Optimum level of protein in concentrate mixtures of kids for growth
(Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 1981) Ganga Devi, P; KAU; Kunjikutty, N
An investigation spread over a period of 4 ½ months was carried out to establish the optimum level of protein in concentrate mixtures of kids for growth. Twenty four cross – bred kids (Saanen x Malabari and Alpine x Malabari) of 3 – 4 months of age, divided into four identical groups formed the experimental subjects. The kids in group 1, 11, 111 and IV was maintained on concentrate mixtures containing 16, 18, 20 and 22 per cent respectively of crude protein along with jack leaves fed ad libitum as the sole roughage. Increase in body weight and body measurements, feed conversion efficiency, digestibility of nutrients, nitrogen retention and haematological values of the kids were the criteria employed for the evaluation. The average daily gain in body weight recorded for the kids of the four groups were almost similar and were not influenced by the level of dietary protein fed. The body measurements did not reveal any significant differences between the groups except body length which showed increase with increase in level of dietary protein. Highest feed efficiency was shown by kids of group IV followed by group 111, 11 and 1 the values being 6.2, 6.9, 7.0 and 7.2 respectively for the four groups. The digestibility of nutrients especially that of crude protein and the average daily nitrogen retention were directly proportional to the level of dietary protein fed. All the animals maintained a sound nutritional status throughout the experimental period as evidenced from the normal haematological values recorded for them. Kids fed 22 per cent crude protein in the concentrate mixture showed maximum economic gain.
Open Access
Observation on gestation and parturition in goat-Capra hircus
(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 1981) Kuriakose, K K; KAU; Neelakanta Iyer, C P
A systematic study involving the use of 85 does comprising 27 Malabari, 35 Alpine x Malabari and 23 Saanen x Malabari crosses reared and maintained at Mannuthy, Kerala, under All India Co – ordinated Research Project on Goats for Milk was carried out in order to ascertain the gestation length, process of parturition and placental details. In addition 583 breeding particulars gathered from the registers maintained at the Project also utilized for assessing the gestation length and frequency of occurrence of multiple births. The salient observations made and the valid inferences drawn are indicated below. The average gestation length of different genetic groups of goats was found to be 146.66 + 0.53 days. There was no significant variation in the gestation period of does of different genetic groups both in single and multiple births. Parity had no influence on the gestation length in does. The variation in gestation length due to difference in the sex of kid was also not significant. Gestation period was not found to vary between seasons. The frequency of occurrence of single, twin and multiple births was found to be 50.75 per cent, 45.05 per cent and 4.19 per cent respectively. Signs of approaching parturition was assessed based on the degree of manifestation of such symptoms as tumefaction of the vulva, udder engorgement and relaxation of the pelvic ligaments. The symptoms exhibited by the does were only moderate in the beginning but on nearing parturition there was conspicuous increase in the intensity of these changes. Colostrum was present in all the animals two days prior to parturition. Visible flow of cervical mucus was evident in 75 does two days prior to kidding and in all, 24 hours before parturition. There was no significant fluctuation of body temperature of does during prepartum period. The total duration of parturition was 360.91 + 30.85, 358.20 + 16.67 and 395.42 + 40.09 minutes in single births and 359.12 + 26.15, 357.20 + 32.23 and 368.73 + 24.03 minutes in multiple births in Malabari, Alpine x Malabari and Saanen x Malabari goats respectively. The duration of parturition was not variance between genetic groups both in single and multiple births. The weight of kid was positively correlated to the weight of placenta, total number of cotyledone and to the number of large and medium sized cotyledons. There was negative correlation between weight of kid and the number of small sized cotyledons. The number of cotyledons in the gravid horn was significantly higher than that in non gravid horn in all the genetic groups. Weight of the placenta as well as the total number of cotyledone was found to be more in multiple pregnancy than in single pregnancy.
Open Access
Immunogenicity of an indigenous isolate of newcastle disease virus and Its usefulness as a vaccine strain
(Department of microbiology, College of veterinary and animal sciences, Mannuthy, 1983) Murugan, M R; KAU; Suloohana, S
The newly isolated mesogenic strain of Newcastle disease virus (NT) from an ailing mynah was studied in detail with particular reference to its biological characteristics, pathogenicity and immunogenicity. The results of various studies were compared with that of Komorov strain, a known mesogenic strain. The titer attained in developing chick embryos, mean death time of inoculated chick embryos at terminal dilutions, neuropathogenicity index in day old chicks and intravenous pathogenicity index were 109.5 /0.2 ml, 87 hours 0.63 and 0.00 respectively for the MT strain. The above values in order were 1010.5/0.2 ML, 76.5 hours, 1.16 and 0.000 for the Komorov strain. The infectivity of MT strain was labile at 560C for 10 minutes and the haemagglutinin was completely lost within five minutes. On the other hand the infectivity and haemagglutinin of K strain were comparatively resistant. Strain MT was pathogenic to day old chicks in which 26.6% mortality was noticed. In recovered chicks sufficient HI antibodies were seen and all of them withstood challenge. Although comparable results were obtained for Komarov strain, it was less pathogenic to day old chicks. Though 23.3% of chicks manifested clinical symptom only 3.3% died and the remaining birds recovered. In three weeks old chicks MT and K strain were found to be nonpathogenic either by S/C or oculonasal route. The inoculated chicks were immune when challenged six weeks later. Even in six weeks old chicks having no base immunity no post-inoculation reactions could be detected. All the chicks showed a rise in antibody titer reaching the peak level by the end of the third week and were resistant to challenge after six weeks. In chicks aged six weeks having a base immunity with strain were also free from any post infection reaction either by I/M or S/C route or inoculation. Chicks in both the groups produced HI antibodies and was always higher in those received infection by I/M route. The peak titers were obtained at the end of the third week and then declined. Though the titers were low by the end of the 6th week all the chicks were resistant to ND when exposed to a virulent virus. 2.9% of the chicks that received K strain by I/M route showed post inoculation reaction and died of ND. The remaining chicks and those in the S/C group behaved the same way as those received NT strain. Though the antibody response of chicken to MT and K were not statistically significant in all the three experiments, MWU test revealed that MT has a significantly higher immunogenic effect than K as the former always had a higher means than the latter. The ability to infect in contact chicks was also investigated. Strain MT was less efficient in this property giving only 25% to 28% transmission. On the other hand K strain revealed significantly higher transmissibility as it could spread to 62.5 to 75% of the inoculated in contact chicks. The mesogenic strain MT is quite safe in chicks of three weeks of age and above. It is also a good immunogen producing HI antibodies which protected the chicks from challenge even after six weeks. However the strain can be recommended as a vaccine strain only after further field trials and its effects on egg production are worked out.

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