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Open Access
Haematological And Serum Biochemical Profile Of Intestinal Impaction In Elephants
(Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 1999) Jayakrishnan, T N; KAU; Alex, P C
The present study was undertaken to analyze the haematological and biochemical alterations in elephants affected with gastro-intestinal tract impaction. The epidemiology, clinical fmdings and haematology were the main items of observations. Six elephants affected with gastro-intestinal tract impaction lasting for more than four days in and around Thrissur district were utilized for the study. Six apparently healthy elephants in and around Thrissur district were selected at random and utilized as the healthy controls. The detailed history was collected using a questionnaire (Annexure I). Sample of whole blood and serum from the animals of the healthy and diseased groups were collected and analysed. Haematological values consisting ofESR, PCV, Hb, TEC, TLC and DLC were recorded. Urea nitrogen, glucose, sodium, chloride, potassium, total protein, creatinine, bicarbonate, lactate and AST in the serum were estimated using standard methods. Analysis of the data indicated that the disease was more common in male elephants than in females. The incidence was more in summer season i.e., during the season of festivals. Characteristic clinical symptoms were absence of defaecation ~, tttc!ife than 24 hours, varying degrees of straining, exudation from re~t»m ~rn1 Y~frfrg degrees of dehydration. Clinical data were within physiological limits on the day of collection of blood sample, i.e. on the fourth day after the development of clinical symptoms. A highly significant increase in PCV but without significant alterations in Hb, ESR, TEC, TLC and DLC were observed in elephants affected with gastro-intestinal tract impaction. Biochemical changes in blood included a highly significant increase in urea-nitrogen and lactate levels. Highly significant decrease in the level of chloride was noticed. Significant increase in the level of bicarbonate was noticed. Decrease in the levels of glucose and potassium in the affected elephants was significant. Variations in total protein, sodium, creatinine and aspartate amino transferase in the blood were not significant. Changes in the parameters observed in elephants with gastro-intestinal tract impaction in the present study indicated that mild metabolic alkalosis with hypochloremia and hypokalemia were associated with this condition. Intensive treatment with a balanced electrolyte solution! Dextrose saline/ gastric replacement solutions is recommended in the early stages of gastro-intestinal tract impaction.
Open Access
Determination Of Permissible Level Of Aflatoxin In Broiler Chicken Feed
(Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 1999) Arulmozhi A; KAU; Koshy Varghese
The study was undertaken to assess the effect of various levels of aflatoxin on the performance of broilers and to establish the permissible level of aflatoxin in the broiler feed. One hundred and eighty day old broiler chicks were divided into six groups of 30 birds each and were given feed containing graded levels of aflatoxin at 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 ppb for a period of 45 days. Feed intake, weekly body weight gain, feed efficiency, haemogram, serum profile, organ weight, residual aflatoxin in tissues and pathological changes in liver, kidney, bursa and spleen were studied at fortnightly intervals to evaluate its dose related effects. A dose dependent decrease in the daily feed intake and mean body weights were noticed in all the groups. The cumulative FeR was extremely poor at 80 and 100 ppb levels at sixth week of age. The toxicopathological changes in the birds varied in its intensity in relation with the level of aflatoxin in the feed, with most severe changes being at higher dose levels. The values of haemoglobin, PCV, total leucocyte count, Iymphocytes, total serum protein and albumin showed a decrease whereas the ESR, heterophil and serum enzyme were increased. The aflatoxin, even at 20 ppb levels caused degenerative and necrotic changes in liver and kidneys and the intensity of the lesions increased with higher levels of toxin. Attempt for regeneration and repair processes were well pronounced by the 30th and 45th day. Lymphoid depletion was a characteristic feature in bursa and spleen. Degeneration and lysis of lymphocytes with cys; formation was also seen in bursal follicles. Residual aflatoxin was detected in the liver and muscle in all groups by the 45th day. The net returns from the toxin treated birds showed a dose related decline compared to control and the loss in profit at 20 ppb level was marginal About 24 per cent of the poultry feed samples tested during the period from January to July 1999 were contaminated with aflatoxin quantitatively ranging from 20 to 200 ppb. The results of the present study shows that even at 20 ppb aflatoxin causes cellular and subcellular damage to the tissues. However, the economic loss at this level was marginal when compared to higher dose levels. Hence 20 ppb can be considered as permissible level in broiler chicken feed.
Open Access
Dermatological disorders in dogs
(Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1999) Madhu Rajan, Mathews; KAU; Aleyas, N M
Fifty dermatological diseases in dogs presented to the University Veterinary Hospital, Kokkalai and Veterinary College Hospital, Mannuthy were systematically investigated to find out the etiology. The results indicated that the conditions were mostly caused by bacteria and ectoparasites (42% each) and only a small proportion was caused by fungi (4%) and other factors (12%). Sixteen different clinical conditions were identified viz, Superficial Bacterial Folliculitis, Impetigo, German Shepherd Pyoderma, Furunculosis, Infantile Pustular Dermatoses, Localised Demodicosis, Generalised Demodicosis, Flea Bite Hypersensitivity, Flea Bite Dermatitis, Tick infestation, Pediculosis, Dermatophytosis, Dermatomycosis produced by non-dermatophyte, Callus Pyoderma, Telogen Defluxion, Irritant Contact Dermatitis and Lentigo. Among the dogs which were investigated, non-descript ones were mostly affected probably due to lesser care and attention given to them. The results suggested that animals kept full time indoor or outdoor were almost equally affected whereas animals reared under semi intensive system were less prone to dermatological diseases. In almost all conditions secondary lesions were predominant than pnmary lesions probably. due to the delay in medical attention. The only condition, with primary lesions alone, was lentigo. Lesions of bacterial dermatitis were predominant in the abdomen, hind legs and trunk. In dermatophytosis, ear, trunk and hind legs were affected, where as in dermatomycosis, head, trunk, hind legs and fore legs were affected. The lesions produced by ectoparasites were mostly in the back followed by trunk and fore legs. No characteristic distribution of lesions could be detected in other conditions; with an exception of callus pyoderma in which lesions were seen at the pressure points. The ditferent clinical bacterial dermatitis were produced by Staphylococcus intermedius. Ectoparasitic conditions were mostly produced by Demodex canis, followed by fleas, ticks and lice. Some cases of the ectoparasitic conditions developed secondary bacterial infection with S. intermedius. There were four clinical conditions, namely callus pyoderma, telogen defluxion, irritant contact dermatitis and lentigo caused by factors other than bacteria, fungi and ectoparasites. The haernatological and serum biochemical parameters studied did not suggest any systemic diseases. A significant reduction in haemoglobin level was noticed in impetigo, generalised dernodicosis and flea bite hypersensitivity. RBC counts were significantly reduced in impetigo and folliculitis. The total leukocyte count showed significant difference from that of control animals, in conditions such as folliculitis, German Shepherd Pyoderma, furunculosis, localised demodicosis, generalised demodicosis, flea bite hypersensitivity, flea bite dermatitis, tick infestation and callus pyoderma; suggesting primary or secondary bacterial infections.
Open Access
Impact of calf feed subsidy scheme on farm women
(Department of Extension, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1999) Reeja George, Pulinilkunnathil; KAU; Subhadra, M R
The impact of the calf feed subsidy scheme, a continuing dairy development scheme of the Animal Husbandry Department, Kerala, on farm women in terms of behavioural changes in the areas of attitude, knowledge and extent of adoption regarding scientific calf and dairy management practices was assessed. A static group comparison design of research was adopted. The study was carried out in Thrissur district of Kerala state, among 75 each of beneficiary and and non-beneficiary women. The non-beneficiary group served as the control. Comparison was made on 11 variables and since it was required to know differences in the attitude towards scientific calf rearing, knowledge of scientific calf rearing, extent of adoption of calf rearing as well as dairy farming technologies between beneficiary and non-beneficiary groups and since ready to use measuring scales were not available to measure these variables, suitable scales were developed. In general, beneficiary women differed significantly in their attitude, knowledge and extent of adoption of scientific calf rearing and dairy farming technologies indicating the positive impact of the scheme. However certain deficiency areas were identified which need immediate educational intervention. For instance, most beneficiary women did not have correct knowledge regarding early breeding as well as etiology of infertility; two-third' had not adopted these technologies as well. Many of beneficiary women did not have correct knowledge of the schedule of foot and mouth disease vaccination as well as deworming and a majority had either discontinued or not adopted these technologies. Fewer women had correct knowledge of the amounts of green fodder and ration to be fed to heifers, dry animals and those pregnant: adoption of these technologies was substantially low. Knowledge and adoption of the correct procedure of ligation of navel cord was one low. None of the beneficiaries had adopted post milking teat dipping while a few had adopted record keeping. Nearly half of the beneficiaries had not adopted the practice of quick reporting of out breaks and had either not adopted or discontinued technologies pertaining to flooring and drainage in cattle sheds. Two-third had not adopted the practice of culling bull calves at the right time. To make up these deficiencies, intensive extension educational measures are to be organised under the auspices of the scheme. In all such instances, women participatory programs need emphasis. Attitude building exercises, demonstrations etc wherever required should be organised and followed up.
Open Access
Analysis of the human resource development climate prevailing in Kerala agricultural university
(Department of Extension, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1999) Senthilkumar, R; KAU; Rajakamal, P J
The HRD climate prevailing in the Kerala Agricultural University and as perceived by its scientists was studied. In all, 262 scientists from main, regional and remote stations constituted the sample. The HRD climate studied was in terms of 12 major constituent dimensions, viz., management philosophy, training, career planning and development, manpower planning and forecasting, performance appraisal communication, team work, transfer, promotion, rewards and organizational culture. It was seen that organizational culture had been identified as the relatively most dominant dimension of HRD climate followed in that order by teamwork, transfer, management philosophy, communication, career planning and development, placement, rewards, performance appraisal, promotion, training, and manpower planning and forecasting. Manpower planning and forecasting being the weakest dimension need immediate intervention. Besides looking into the strength of various dimensions and components the issue of HRD climate was examined from the angle of the number of scientists perceiving it as favourable, moderately favourable and unfavourable. Considering only the percentage of scientists who perceived the various dimensions to be favourable, the latter were ordered. Accordingly, it was seen that comparatively the highest percentage of scientists perceived the dimension transfer to be favourable followed in that order by teamwork, placement, communication, organizational culture, career planning and development, rewards, manpower planning and forecasting, management philosophy, training, promotion and performance appraisal. Since the percentage of scientists perceiving the HRD dimension, performance appraisal to be favourable was the least, immediate reformative measures are warranted. It was also seen that there was a differential perception of the HRD climate between certain groups. For instance, men and women scientists perceived the HRD climate differently. The scientists of regional and remote stations perceived the HRD climate differently from those of main stations. Similarly, the perception of HRD climate differed between professors and associate professors and between associate professors and assistant professors (S.G). A more comprehensive study on the nature and cause of such perceptual differences is very essential. This shall be an objective of future research.
Open Access
Helminth parasites of mammals in Thrissur Zoo
(Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1999) Varadharajan, A; KAU; Pythal, C
An investigation on the prevalence of helminthic infections among the wild mammals in captivity in the Thrissur Zoo and also the variations thereof on account of season, age and sex were carried out by regular faecal examination using the concentration method of centrifugation-cum-sedimentation technique, over a period of one year from May-'98 to April-'99. Non-specific symptoms like general ,weakness, debility, occasional diarrhoea, dehydration and respiratory distress with cough were observed in a variety of mammals. The overall prevalence of the helminthic infection among the mammals was 68.05 per cent. Carnivores had the highest prevalence of infection (75.34%) when compared to herbivores (67.47%) and omnivores (65.35%). Strongyle, Strongyloides spirurid, ascarid, amphistome, Fasciola, Trichuris and Parascaris infections in a variety of herbivores; strongyle, Strongyloides, spirurid, Ancylostpma, Capillaria, Toxocara, Trichuris, Metagonimus, Artyfechinostomum and Hymenolepis infections in a variety of omnivores and Ancylostoma, Toxocara, Toxascaris, Strongyloides, Capillaria, spirurid, Diphyllobothrium, Hymenolepis and Paragonimus infections in a variety of carnivores were observed. A few specimens of Haemonchus contortus were recovered from the abomasum of a 6 year old female balckbuck during post-mortem examination. The overall prevalence of infection among the mammals was higher in the rainy seasons (South-West and North-East monsoons) than in the dry season. The prevalence of, infection was higher in the adults of herbivores and omnivores than in the young ones of both the groups. The prevalence was also higher in the males of herbivores and carnivores than in the females and was more or less equal in both sexes of omnivores. Treatments with Fenbendazole and Pyrantel Pamoate were effective against gastro-intestinal nematodes in camels and in Asiatic lions respectively. Control measures for the helminthic infections in the zoo < mammals have also been suggested.
Open Access
Efficacy of certain litter materials on broiler performance
(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1999) Sini Thomas; KAU; Amritha Viswanath
An experiment was designed and conducted at the Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy to evaluate the efficacy of different litter materials on the performance of broilers under hot-humid conditions of Kerala. Two hundred and ten, one-day old straight-run commerical broiler chicks were reared for a period of eight weeks. The birds were allotted into five different litter treatment groups, viz., wood shavings (T,) which formed the control group, saw dust (T2), rice husk (T,), coir pith (TJ and paddy chaff (T5), each comprising of three replicates with fourteen birds each. Standard broiler starter and finisher rations were formulated as per BIS (1992) specifications for the broilers. The chicks were reared under standard managemental conditions upto eight weeks of age. Results of the study revealed that body weight and body weight gain were not influenced by different litter treatments throughout the experimental period. Eventhough feed consumption and feed efficiency were influenced by litter materials during the initial periods, there obsno impact for the rest of the experimental period. Processing yields and losses were not affected by different litter treatments. Litter quality parameters like weight of the litter at the beginning and end of the experiment, weekly moisture content, fortnightly ammonia-nitrogen content, nitrogen-phosphorus- potassium content, litter pH and proximate composition of the litter at the beginning, at sixth week and eighth week were significantly different (P<0.01) between different treatment groups. It was observed that eventhough there was significant difference (P<0.05) between treatment groups for mortality by fourth week of age, no significant difference was obtained for all other periods. Cost-benefit analysis revealed that net profit per bird by sixth week and eighth week of age was more for litter materials, viz., saw dust, rice husk, coir pith and paddy chaff than wood shavings. Based on the above findings, it can be concluded that different litter materials, viz., saw dust, rice husk, coir pith and paddy chaff are equally good for broiler raising as wood shavings during the month of January through March in Kerala.
Open Access
Evaluation of silk worm pupae meal on growth performance in large white yokshire pigs
(Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1999) Ramamoorthi, S; KAU; Mercy, A D
An experiment was conducted to assess the effect of silk worm pupae meal, a by-product from sericulture industry, on growth, feed conversion efficiency and economics of production in growing pigs. Twenty seven weaned Large White Yorkshire female piglets with an average body weight of 16 kg were selected from University Pig Breeding Farm, Mannuthy and were divided into three groups of nine piglets each, as uniformly as possible with regard to their age and body weight. The piglets were then randomly allotted to three pens to form three replicates per treatment. The three groups of piglets were maintained for 90 days on three isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets T ir Tj and Tj in which protein from unsalted dried fish was replaced by silk worm pupae meal at 0, 50 and 100 per cent level. The animals maintained under the three dietary treatments T w Ta and T, had almost similar growth rate (P>0.05) with a cumulative average daily gain of 481.4, 510.1 and 495.7g. respectively. The total feed intakes of the animals in different groups were almost similar. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in cumulative feed conversion efficiency between the groups, the values being 3.78, 3.63 and 3.62, respectively, for animals in the dietary treatments Tlt T 2 and T 3. The digestibility coefficients of nutrients except that of ether extract, were slightly higher for the control, ration compared to those with silk worm pupae meal. The cost of production per kilogram live weight gain of pigs maintained on the three dietary treatments, T x, T2 and T3 were Rs. 31.46, 29.19 and 28.20 respectively. Though there was a slight decrease in the cost of production due to incorporation of silk worm pupae meal in place of unsalted dried fish in swine ration, the difference was non significant (P>0.05). The above results indicate that silk worm pupae meal can be effectively included in the diets of growing pigs without affecting growth, feed conversion efficiency and the cost of production.
Open Access
Pathological effects of aflatoxicosis in ducks
(Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1999) Latha, K; KAU; Mammen, J Abraham
In this investigation the pathological effects of aflatoxicosis and permissible levels of aflatoxin were studied at different dose levels viz. 5ppb, 10ppb, 20ppb and 40ppb. In the aflatoxin fed ducks, reduced feed intake and diarrhoea were noticed. There was a significant reduction in the body weight and carcass weight which were indicative of the toxic injury to the gastrointestinal tract. There was a significant increase in the liver weight reflecting the damage to the hepatic system. There was reduction in the haemoglobin concentration, total erythrocyte count, packed cell volume and significant increase in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate indicating the adverse effect of aflatoxin on the haemopoietic system. Leucocytosis with heterophilia and lymphopenia were observed suggesting the deleterious effect of aflatoxin on the lymphoid organs. Highly significant reduction in serum total protein, albumin values, AlG ratio and significant increase in globulin were observed indicating hepatic damage. Grossly, the aflatoxin fed birds showed pale enlarged liver, focal necrotic areas, subcapsular haemorrhage, fatty liver, greenish discolotation and surface granularity and nodularity of varying intensity depending on the dose and duration of the treatment. In the kidney and spleen, mild congestion were observed. Bursa showed atrophic changes. Histopathological alterations in the liver consisted of biliary hyperplasia, fatty changes, congestion of the hepatic sinusoids portal venous congestion, portal fibrosis, focal collection of mononuclear cells, dissociation of hepatocytes, hepatocytomegaly and fibrous tissue proliferation of varying intensity depending on the dose and duration of the treatment. In the spleen, congestion, vascular sclerosis and depletion of Iymphocytes in the cortical and paracortical areas were noticed, whereas in the kidney besides nephrosis, mild peritubular accumulation of mononuclear cell were noticed at 20ppb level of aflatoxin while tubular degeneration, swelling of the tubular epithelium, mild fibroblastic proliferation with cellular infiltration in the interstitium were noticed at 40ppb level. Generally, bursa of fabricius of the treated birds revealed lymphoid depletion in the follicles, interfollicular edema and proliferation of interfollicular connective tissue. Aflatoxin treated groups showed dose and duration dependant degrees of ultra structural changes. The ultrastructural changes noticed were intact cell nucleus with prominent nuclear pores, increased amounts of heterochromatin that appeared as clumps, dilatation and degranulation of rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), rounded, oval or elongated mitochondria which were either normal or swollen containing swollen cristae along with the presence of electron dense material within the matrix, smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) that appeared as small tortuous vesiculated structures and scattered lipid droplets. Aflatoxin B1(AFB1) residues were detected in the liver, muscle pooled samples of th.e kidney and blood of birds maintained with feeds containing • aflatoxin at levels of 20 and 40 ppb during the fourth, sixth and eighth month. No residual toxin could be detected in birds treated with aflatoxin at a level of 5ppbthroughout the experiment. At dose level of 10ppb, no AFB1 residues could be detected by the second and fourth month, but during the sixth and eighth month negligible amount of residues could be detected in the liver and muscle. This study highlights the pathological effects of aflatoxicosis in ducks. Moreover, the adverse effects on the hepatic, haemopoietic and renal systems could be documented. By considering the above facts aflatoxin level of 10ppb is fixed as permissible level in ducks. However, permissible level can vary with the season, diseased conditions of the bird and storage practices of feed. Therefore, this study emphasizes the need for regular screening of feed for aflatoxin content.

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