Loading...
Theses
Browse
17 results
Search Results
ThesisItem Open Access Evaluation of certain metabolic and haematological parameters in crossbred calves fed with rumen undegradable soyabean meal(Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2002) Yuvaraj, N; KAU; Ramnath, VProtecting ruminal feed proteins by formaldehyde treatment decreased their solubility and degradation in the rumen, eventually resulted in an increased availability of post-rumina I amino acids and this could be exploited for enhancing the growth rate of young ruminants as crossbred calves. Post natal growth in ruminants is chiefly in'fluenced by the metabolic hormones, whose secretions are, in turn, regulated by the circulating levels of critical amino acids. Hence, the objective of the present study was to determine and correlate the levels of certain metabolic hormones and other related haematological cum biochemical parameters in growing crossbred calves, fed with concentrate ration supplemented with untreated and formaldehyde treated soyabean meal. Twelve numbers of female crossbred calves of six months of age of the University Livestock Farm, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, were divided into two groups, viz., Group I and Group IT, with six calves in each group. One third of the quantity of concentrate ration to be given to each animal was replaced by raw soyabean meal (solvent extracted) in animals of Group I and 1 % formaldehyde treated soyabean meal in animals of Group Il, during the experimental period of 90 days (180 to 270 d of age). Drinking water and roughage were provided ad libitum. All the animals were maintained under standard managemental conditions. Fortnightly body weight of all the animals were recorded during the entire period of study. Blood samples were collected from all animals of both groups at the initial phase of experiment (180 d), thereafter on every 14 days as well as one month after the end of the experiment (300 d). The blood samples were analysed for blood glucose level (BGL) and haematological parameters like haemoglobin content, total erythrocyte count and total leucocyte count, volume of packed red blood corpuscles and erythrocytic indices using standard procedures. The serum was subjected for the estimation of biochemical parameters such as concentrations of total protein, albumin, globulin, total lipids, cholesterol, triglycerides, non-esterified fatty acids (NEF A), urea nitrogen, creatinine and bilirubin employing commercial kits. Hormonal traits like thyroxine (T 4), triiodothyronine (T 3) and insulin were also evaluated using radioimmuno assays. On analysing the proximate principles of various concentrates, it was found that both the groups received increased dietary protein intake and particularly animals of Group Il, through protected proteins. Animals of Group Il recorded a higher daily weight gain of 352.731 g/animal/day in comparison to 327.460 g/animal/day of animals of Group 1. The haematological parameters screened revealed a persistently increasing trend, with non-significant differences between groups. This upstream trend may be associated with an increased body weight gain of the animals and hence, with an increased requirement. Serum concentrations of total protein and albumin pursued an increasing trend in both groups with non- significant differences between them. This signified the elevated protein status of the animals with positive nitrogen balance. Moreover, there appears to be a direct correlation between albumin turn-over and body size (Kaneko et al., 1997). Serum globulin concentration revealed fluctuating yet an increasing trend in calves of both groups, suggesting an increased hepatic synthesis of a and ~ portions of globulins. A continuous upstream trend was evident in serum totallipids, cholesterol content and triglycerides concentration of calves of both the groups during the trial period, indicating an increased requirement of these constituents as membrane constituents and as energy reserve, for the build up of body size and weight. Increased insulin release stimulated by increased availability of post ruminal amino acids would have favoured an increased triglycerides synthesis. Decreasing trend in serum NEF A status of both the groups signified the reduced lipolysis for energy purpose with increased dietary protein intake. Blood glucose lev'el of calves of both groups revealed a pertinent increasing trend, elaborating the increased energy demands for the enhanced growth process. An increasing trend in serum urea nitrogen concentrations observed in calves of both the groups might be due to deamination and conversion into urea of excess protein in calves of both groups fed over and above the actual requirement. Serum levels of creatinine and bilirubin in both groups of animals showed a decreasing trend which may be attributed to the fine balance in their level by increased protein supplementation. Serum concentrations of hormones as T4, T3 and insulin exhibited an increasing trend in calves of both the groups. Increasing trend in insulin concentration demonstrated a positive relationship between amino acid absorption and insulin release and might have promoted protein anabolism resulting in an increased body size with positive nitrogen balance. The increased metabolic demand for oxygen associated with the increased body size might have resulted in an increased synthesis and release of thyroid hormones, with significant (pdifferences between groups. The fluctuating T4:T3 ratios in both the groups correspond~d to the episodic release of the hormones. Results of the present study substantiate that increased dietary proteins had brought about elevated protein anabolism and associated haematological, biochemical and hormonal changes in growing crossbred calves offered with concentrate ration supplemented with rumen protected soyabean meal and this was certainly having an advantage in the crossbred calves, over the calves provided with increased rumen degradable proteins. Since protein supplements . are generally the most expensive ingredients in ruminant rations, thus there is an interest in maximizing their utilization.ThesisItem Open Access Study on management information system in institutional swine farm(Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2002) Bindu, P; KAU; Joseph MathewA study on Management-Information System (MIS) was conducted in Centre for Pig Production and Research (CPPR), Mannuthy to analyse the merits and demerits of the MIS presently available in the farm and to formulate an MIS based on computer software which may improve managerial efficacy and decision making process in swine farm and to develop, refine and then recommend a management information system. The merits and demerits of the present MIS in the centre were studied by conducting a survey using separate and well-designed questionnaire among scientists technical staff and administrative staff and also by interview. The information obtained in the survey were analysed and meaningful conclusions were drawn on the efficiency of the present MIS. Observations were made on the present MIS prevailing in the Centre with regard to various production parameters such as animals, its production and reproduction details, feeding, breeding, weeding, human resource components, labour management administration, financial implications, research, teaching and extension activities, profit and loss account productivity of each element and all other related elements. A computerized MIS was developed using the data collected from the farm. The enterprise edition of Visual Basic 6.0 was used as front end, while MS Access-97 was used as back end for the package developed. The MIS developed under this study is structured under a main menuwith various sub-menus such as System, History, Administration, Research, Breed and Management. The System sub-menu has Change Password, Users and Exit options. The History sub-menu is segmented into Introduction, Units divisions, Lay out, Objectives, Head of Station and Teaching and Extension options. The Administration sub-menu is divided into Employee details, Pay Entry Staff, Pay Entry Labours, Enter Biodata and List Employees options. The Research sub-menu has Select Title and Add Title options. Breed sub menu is provided with Details, Breed pictures, Add Animal group, Add Animal, Birth Entry, Death Entry, Sales and Care and Management options. The sub-menu Management is segmented into Registers, Profit/loss, Weight Recordings, Feed Management and Profit Loss Entry options. The developed software was tested by an “on-farm trial run” in the Centre for a period of one month for'identifying the defects and the developed MIS has recommended as a model after rectifying the defect. The model can be recommended for other farms with necessary modifications.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of supplementation of dried yeast (Nutramix - Mdy) on growth performance of pre- ruminant calves(Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2002) Asitha, T V; KAU; Mercy, A DAn experiment was conducted to study the effect of dietary supplementation of dried yeast (''Neutramix-MDY'') on growth performance of pre-ruminant calves. Twelve calves of one week to one month of age were distributed into two groups of six calves each, as uniformly as possible with regard to age, sex and body weight, with one group receiving the control diet (calf starter, grass and milk) and the other group receiving dried yeast ("Neutramix-MDY") @ 20g/day along with the control diet. The final body weight (kg) and average daily gain (g/day) were 72.5 and 247 for control group and 76.2 and 284 for treatment group during the trial period. Though there was no statistically significant difference between the control and the treatment group, there was a numerical increase in both the parameters in treatment animals. The average feed to gain ratio was 4.94 and 4.60 for the control and treatment group respectively. There was no improvement in dry matter, crude protein, acid detergent fibre and neutral detergent fibre digestibilities in yeast fed group over the control. Haematological parameters such as blood glucose, plasma protein, calcium and phosphorus were unaffected by the dietary treatment. The above results indicate that supplementation of yeast culture to the diets of pre- ruminant calves had no statistically significant effect on animal performance.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of prostaglandin-pregnent mare serum gonadotropin combination for enhancing prolificasy in Malabari goats(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2002) Senthilkumar, P; KAU; Balakrishnan, P PThe object of present Investigation was to evaluate the efficacy of prostaglandin-PMSG combination treatment at different dose levels in order to enhance the fertility and prolificacy of Malabari does. The material used for the study consisted of 48 cycling nulliparous Malabari does of eight to ten months age and body weight 18 to 20 kg, belonging to Kerala Agricultural University Goat farm, Mannuthy. All the experimental does were administered with two doses of cloprostenol (SYNCHROMATE) at the rate of O.Sml intramuscularly 11 days apart. One day prior to the second prostaglandin administration the does were randomly divided into four groups viz. Group I, Il, III and IV with 12 in each group. On the same day group I, 11 and III were administered PMSG (FOLLIGON) intramuscularly at the rate of 200, 400 and 600 IU respectively. Group IV was maintained as control with the prostaglandin treatment alone. After the second dose of prostaglandin all does in group I, 11 and III (100%) showed oestrus and in group IV only 11 does (91.67%) exhibited oestrus. The mean time taken for onset of oestrus in group I, Il, III and IV was 28.00±2.70, 30.00±4.31, 24.00, 43.64±4.36 h respectively. Group IV was significantly different from prostaglandin-PMSG group I, II and III (P < 0.01). The mean duration of oestrus in group I, 11, III and IV was 84.00±6.94, 64.00±7.44, 86.00±7.S2 and 34.91±4.97 h respectively. Group IV was significantly different from group I, IlandIlI (P Mean intensity oestrus score was 11.50±0.49, 12.25±0.33, 14.25±0.72 and 8.82±1.59 respectively in group I, 11, III and IV. Group IV was statistically significant from group I, II and III (P < 0.0 l). All prostaglandin-PMSG treated does exhibited common oestrus signs like wagging of tail, standing to be mounted, vulval redness, vulval oedema and vulval discharge whereas in control group only wagging of tail, vulval redness and vulval oedema noticed. The percentage of conception rate in group I, 11, III and IV was 41.67, 50.00, 33.33 and 45.45 respectively. In prostaglandin-PMSG groups I, 11 and III mean litter size was 1.60±0.25, 1.50±0.43 and 1.50±0.65 respectively but in group IV the same was 1.20±0.20. There was no significant difference between the groups in litter size. However, more litter size with twins and triplets was noticed in prostaglandin- PMSG groups than the control group. In group I, 11 and III mean birth weight was 1.45±0.14, 1.24±0.13 and 1.27±0.18 kg respectively whereas in group IV it was l.62±0.24 kg. There was no significant difference among the groups with respect to the birth weight of kids. The percentage of preweaning mortality of kids in group I, Il, III and IV was 50.00, 44.44, 50.00 and 33.33 respectively. The causes of preweaning mortality were pneumonia, enteritis and other etiological factors such as sudden death of weak born kids. Analysis of the results of present investigation indicated that prostaglandin double dose combined with PMSG at low dose regimen of 200 IV treatment can be used for enhancing the litter size without affecting the uq reproductive efficiency of nulliparous young does. For enhancing the litter size of goat, though requires further detailed investigation, it appears to offer a clear indication on the possibility of hormonally modulated for enhancement of litter size among goats. This might find in potential commercial application in intensive goat production system.ThesisItem Open Access Calcium and phosphorus requirements of indigenous layer ducks (Anas platyrhynchos)(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2002) Ravi, S; KAU; Peethambaran, P AA 3 x 3 factorial experiment was carried out at the Department of Poultry Science, Kerala Agricultural University during the period from February to July 2002 to establish the optimum requirements of calcium (Ca) and available phosphorus (AP) in the diets for indigenous layer ducks under cage system of rearing. The Kuttanad varieties of indigenous ducklings of Kerala were maintained on deep litter system of rearing until 18 weeks of age at the University poultry farm, Mannuthy. From this flock, Ninety (90) female ducks were housed in 45 California type cages at the rate of two ducks per cage and they were weighed individually at 20 weeks of age. The dimension of each cage was 60 x 45 x 40 cm and the floor area of 1350 cm2 per duck was provided in the cage. The experimental diets were fed from 21 to 40 weeks of age and the observations were recorded in five periods of 28 days each. Nine experimental diets containing three levels of Ca viz., 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0 per cent with three levels of AP viz., 0.40, 0.50 and 0.60 per cent were formulated and were fed to nine treatments consisting of five replicates of two ducks per cage in each treatment in a 3x3 factorial design. The mean body weight of ducks at 20 weeks of age was uniform III all groups ranging from 1400±9.11 to 1465±53.24 g with an overall mean of 1431±9.96 g. The Ca and AP levels did not influence significantly the 40th week body weight, which ranged from 1473±18.10 to 1579±58.28 g with an overall mean of 1544± 13.7 6g. The age at first egg in the flock with 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0 per cent Ca levels were 154, 158 and 148 days respectively and with AP levels 0.4,0.5 and 0.6 per cent the same were 161, 154 and 148 days respectively. The period wise mean duck housed number (DHN) from 25-40 weeks of age (18.1eggs) was significantly higher with ducks fed 4.0 per cent Ca (P<0.05). The interaction effect was significant (P<0.05) for the dietary combination of 4.0 per cent Ca and 0.6 per cent AP with 20.2 eggs. The cumulative egg number (EN) of 75.7 eggs from 21 to 40 weeks of age was also higher with the Ca level 4.0 per cent and the 71.9 per cent production with diet T9 was superior by interaction effect (P<0.05). The duck housed per cent (DHP) production from 25 to 40 weeks of age averaged 64.6±1.92 per cent with 4.0 per cent Ca level. The Ca and AP levels in the diet did not influence the mean daily feed consumption, feed conversion ratio (FCR), egg mass and shell thickness. The overall mean daily feed consumption was 137.2±1.49 g per duck. The FCR per dozen eggs was 2.8±0.078 and that per kg egg was 3.9±0.099 for the period from 25 to 40 weeks of age. The mean egg weight (EW) and per cent shell were highly significant and the EW of 60.1±0.575 g averaged with 3.0 per cent Ca and 0.5 per cent AP level as well were high (Pinteraction effect with the above combination was also significant (PThe 9. 7±0. 081 per cent shell recorded with 0.5 per cent AP was significantly lower in comparison with other AP levels (P<0.05). At 40 weeks of age, the overall mean serum Ca was 15.42±0.35 mg/dl and serum P was 3.18±0.081 mg/dl. The mean serum inorganic P value of 2.92±0.164. mg/dl recorded with dietary Ca level 4.0 per cent was significantly lower than that of 3.5 per cent Ca level (P<0.05). The tibia ash (62.34±0.512 per cent) was significantly higher with 0.6 per cent dietary AP level (P<0.05) and the tibia ash Ca with 4.0 per cent dietary Ca level was significantly higher and the interaction effect with 0.6 per cent AP level was also significant. With this AP level, the tibia P was reduced significantly, but the interaction showed that the tibia P was high with diet T9. The liveability was excellent in ducks reared in cages (100 per cent) and there was no mortality during the period from 21 to 40 weeks of age. In the present study, the production traits used for evaluating the Ca and AP requirements of caged layer ducks were EN, EW, egg mass, feed consumption and FCR. The study revealed that 4.0 per cent Ca in the diet was superior over other Ca levels in the diet. The dietary Ca and AP levels did not influence the mean daily feed consumption and feed conversion ratios significantly. On the other hand, dietary AP levels influenced the mean EW, per cent shell, tibia ash weight and tibia ash Ca and P. Though the mean EW of 60.1±O.566 g recorded with 0.5 per cent AP was significantly higher, the significant interaction on egg number with the 0.6 per cent AP with 4.0 per cent Ca was found superior. Therefore it will be logical to set the requirements of AP at 0.6 per cent level. Thus, the overall results of the present study revealed that the 4.0 per cent Ca and 0.6 per cent AP levels with 18 per cent Crude Protein and 2650 Kcal ME/kg was optimum for egg production in indigenous layer ducks under cage system of rearing.ThesisItem Open Access Ascending coccygeal venography in evaluation of paraplega in dogs(Department of Surgery, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2002) Joshi George; KAU; Sarada Amma, TThe study was undertaken with an objective of evaluating the comparative efficacy of ascending coccygeal venography and epidurography in locating the site and type oflesion in dogs suffering from paraplegia. The study was conducted in 12 clinical cases presented at the Surgery unit of Veterinary College Hospital, Mannuthy and were designated into two groups (Group A and B) of 6 animals each. Survey radiographs were taken in all the animals prior to the contrast radiographic procedures. Iohexol (300 mgIfrnl) was used as the contrast medium at a dose rate of 80 mgIlkg body weight for epidurography and 100 mgIlkg body weight for ascending coccygeal venography. In Group A, epidurography was conducted by introducing the contrast medium through the lumbosacral junction into the epidural space. The contrast medium was given as slow infusion and the zero minute radiograph was taken, as the last milliliter of the contrast medium remained to be injected. Subsequent radiographs were taken at the 3rd and the 5th minute. In Group B, ascending coccygeal venography was conducted by introducing the contrast medium intravenously as slow infusion into the superficial lateral coccygeal vein of anyone side near the base of the tail, after sufficient abdominal compression. Lateral/ventrodorsal radiographs were taken, as the last milliliter of the contrast remained to be injected. Subsequent radiographs were taken at the 3rd and the Sth minute. All the animals were subjected to a thorough clinical and neurological examination prior to radiography. Physiological and haematological parameters were evaluatedjust before and 24 hours after radiography. All the animals were observed for one week for the presence of any side effects/complications. The physiological and haematological parameters were within the normal range in all the animals both before and 24 hours after radiography. Iohexol was found safe for neuroradiological studies as none of the animals exhibited any side effects/complications during the period of observation for one week. In Group A, epidurography produced good quality radiographs and was consistent in all the six cases. Abnormalities/lesions could be located in four cases. The remaining two cases showed normal epidurographic pattern and could not be correlated with the neurological examination. In Group B, successful venograms were obtained in three cases in which lesions were located and correlated with the neurological examination. In the remaining three cases, the venous sinuses could not be opacified and hence failed in identification oflesion. The changes identifiable as lesions in Group A were attenuation of the contrast col W11l1 , considerable narrowing and elevation of the column, and failure of the opacification ofa specific region of the column. The changes identifiable with a lesion in venography were abrupt attenuation of the venous sinuses, considerable elevation of the venous sinuses and progressive thinning and attenuation of the veins. Thus epidurography showed consistency III all the SIX cases and diagnosis could be made in four out of six cases whereas diagnostic venograms were obtained only in three out of six cases. Thus ascending coccygeal venography was found inconsistent and required further studies before recommending this as a routine practice. Though epidurography possessed a distinct advan tage over ascending coccygeal venography in consistency and technical and diagnostic feasibility, epidurography couldnot be advocated as a sole diagnostic procedure and should be used as an adjunct with other .diagnostic aids after proper clinical and neurological examination.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of amla (Emblica officinalis) on hepatic function in broiler chicken(Centre of Excellence in Pathology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2002) Sajitha, I S; KAU; Lalithakunjamma, C RThe study was designed to assess the effect of Emblica officinalis on hepatic function in broiler chicken and to evaluate its efficacy as a feed additive. The liver of birds are exposed to various hepatotoxins present in feed, like added feed additives, antibiotics in excess as well fl-s mycotoxins like aflatoxin. The protection afforded by Emblica against these was studied. Fifty-four day old broiler chicks were divided into three groups of two replicates each. Group I (Control group) was given normal commercial feed, groups II and III were given amla at one per cent and two per cent levels respectively, for eight weeks along with the control feed. Body weight gain, feed efficiency, feed analysis, haemogram, serum profile, liver weight and gross and histopathological changes in liver were studied. A gradual reduction in body weight gain, was noted in the control group birds, when compared to the amla fed birds. Group II and III birds recorded a better FCR, when compared to group I birds. Proximate analysis of the feed indicated normal chemical composition of feed. Analysis for aflatoxin content revealed the presence of toxin in the range of 100-150 ppb in the starter and 150-200 ppb in the finisher feeds. The toxicopathological changes induced by the control feed, may be attributed to the presence of toxins in the feed. The toxicopathological changes in the birds were found to be lowered in its intensity in relation with the level of amla, with the most severe changes in the control group birds. Values of hemoglobin, PCV, total leucocyte, lymphocyte and heterophil count, total serum protein and albumin showed a decrease, whereas the ESR and the serum enzyme levels showed an increase in the control group birds. The gross and histopathological changes induced by the toxin, were reduced in the amla treated groups in a dose dependent manner. Degenerative and necrotic lesions and chronic fibrous tissue proliferation, bile duct proliferation and biliary hyperplasia were noted. Regenerative and repair processes were also well pronounced. The toxicopathological changes, induced by the toxin, was significantly reduced by Emblica officinalis, especially at two per cent level. Toxic contamination of commercial feed especially with aflatoxin is very common in Kerala. Considering this and the results of the present study, it can be concluded that Emblica officinalis has got significant hepatoprotective activity and can be used as an effective feed additive in commercial livestock feed.ThesisItem Open Access Haematological and biochemical changes in cattle of Eloor with special reference to endosulfan(Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2002) Jyotsana Menon; KAU; Gopakumar, NA study was undertaken to assess the impact of environmental pollution with endosulfan in cattle of Eloor industrial belt. Hindustan Insecticide Limited is the major industrial unit handling endosulfan is situated here. So this area was selected for the conduct of study. Field samples like sludge, water and fodder and biological samples like blood, dung, urine and milk of cattle in the study area were collected. The collected samples were analysed for endosulfan level by gas liquid chromatography and compared (statistically) with those of control samples collected from University Livestock Farm (ULF), Mannuthy. A higher level of endosulfan could be detected in the field and biological samples ofEloor cattle than control animals. Milk samples collected from both Eloor area and ULF, Mannuthy had no detectable level of endosulfan in them except for one sample from the study area. Fodder was suspected to be the main source of endosulfan to cattle. A significant change was noticed in lymphocyte count, neutrophil and eosinophil count of the animals in affected area. Other haematologic values like total leucocyte count, total erythrocyte count, packed cell volume and erythrocyte indices (MC V, MCH, MCHC) did not show any significant di fferences. Eventhough the biochemical parameters like the creatinine phosphokinase and BUN level showed significant difference between test and control animals, these were within the normal range. It can be inferred that the levels of endosulfan in the field and biological samples were not sufficient enough to cause toxic symptoms and the variations in haematological and biochemical parameters might be due to role of other contaminants apart from endosulfan. However it could be concluded that field and biological samples collected from vicinities of Hindustan insecticides Ltd. were contaminated with endosulfan. The higher than normal endosulfan level in all samples may be looked with caution because of its toxic nature.ThesisItem Open Access Evaluation of husbandry practices in captive zoo mammals in Kerala(Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2002) Biju, S; KAU; Francis XavierHusbandry practices adopted for captive zoo mammals, were studied in the Government owned zoological gardens located at Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur districts ofKerala State. The mammals in the zoos were classified into ten groups, based on the taxonomic position and food habits. In the feeding management studies, the different feed ingredients used to formulate the ration for these ten groups of mammals were recorded. The dry matter content of the ration was worked out. A comparative study was taken up between Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur Zoos, in the feed ingredients as well as in the dry matter content of the ration in all the above ten groups of mammals. The management practices with regard to housing of animals were also observed. Cages and enclosures were provided for the animals and in most of the cases the floor was made of cement concrete. A comparison between the two zoos with regard to the substrate and the type of cage for the ten groups of mammals were also made. The environment enrichment methods adopted as well as the provisions for wallowing and perching were also observed and compared in the two zoos among the ten groups of mammals. Under the captive breeding observations in Thiruvananthapuram Zoo it was found that 23 different mammalian species were kept in breeding pairs though successful breeding were noticed in 19 of them. The animals which do not breed in captivity even when kept in pairs, were the Indian Porcupine, the Himalayan Black Bear, the Sloth Bear and the Jungle Cat. Whereas in Thrissur Zoo" 11 mammalian species were in breeding pairs and out of that eight species were successfully breeding. The Indian Porcupine, Small Indian Civet and the Camels in the zoos were not breeding, eventhough they were in pairs. Disease prevalence was another management practice studied. Parasitic diseases (44.68 per cent), infectious diseases (35.11 per cent), non-specific conditions (17.02 per cent) and neoplastic conditions (3.19 per cent) were observed in captive mammals in Thiruvananthapuram Zoo; and infectious conditions (59.32 per cent), neoplastic conditions (15.25 per cent), parasitic diseases (13.56 per cent) and non-specific conditions (11.87 per cent) were observed in Thrissur Zoo. Vaccinations were regularly done only in felids in Thiruvananthapuram Zoo and no vaccinations were done in Thrissur Zoo. Regular dewormings were done for all mammals in Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, but only in carnivores and Camels in Thrissur Zoo. The frequency of deworming varied between the species and did not conform to any scientific suggestions. Hygiene and sanitation showed that the enclosures in the zoos were cleaned daily in the morning, before the feeding of the animals. Along with that the feed and water troughs were also cleaned. The water pools were emptied, cleaned and refilled twice in a week. 'Benzalkonium chloride' solution was the disinfectant used in the zoos, and were occasionally used only in the carnivore and primate cages.