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Open Access
Effect of replacing dried fish with lysine and methionine in the calf starter on the growth performance of crossbred calves
(Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2004) Jith John, Mathew; Ally, K
A growth trial was conducted with fourteen crossbred calves below one month of age for 145 days to study the effect of replacement of unsalted dried fish in the calf starter with a total vegetable protein source supplemented with lysine and methionine. Calves were divided into two groups as uniformly as possible and allotted randomly to two dietary treatments. The control group was fed with a calf starter containing unsalted dried fish. The treatment group was fed a calf starter with only vegetable protein sources formulated to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric with control calf starter and equated by supplementation, with the same as regard to amino acids lysine and methionine plus cystine. Statistical analysis of the data showed that there was no significant difference in any of the parameters recorded during the study. An average daily gain of 325 grams and 348 grams were obtained in calves fed with the control and treatment diets respectively. Feed to gain ratio for the control and treatment groups were 3.85 and 3.81 respectively. Dry matter intake and haematological parameters such as haemoglobin, serum phosphorus, serum calcium, plasma glucose, serum total protein and blood urea nitrogen were similar in calves receiving the two dietary treatments. The digestibility coefficients of nutrients observed were 66.37 and 65.84 for dry matter, 72.21 and 72.36 for crude protein, 64.28 and 61.85 for ether extract, 62.34 and 60.71 for neutral detergent fibre and 51.95 and 52.25 for acid detergent fibre for the control and treatment diets respectively. Identical performance was obtained in all the parameters recorded. Cost per kilogram body weight gain was Rs 71.40 for the control group and Rs 69.63 in the treatment group. It could be inferred from the study that unsalted fish in a calf starter can be fully replaced by plant protein sources supplemented for existing deficiencies in lysine and methionine plus cystine to obtain similar growth performance of cross bred pre-ruminant calves.
Open Access
Effect of bakers yeast on growth and nutrient utilization in crossbred (large white yorkshire X desi )pigs
(Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 2003) Sekar, M; Viswanathan, T V
A study was carried out to assess the influence of baker's yeast culture on growth performance, digestibility of nutrients and carcass characteristics in Large White Yorkshire x Desi (75:25) crossbred pigs. Thirty weaned piglets (15 barrows and 15 gilts) with an average body weight of 13.5 kg were divided into three homogeneous groups with regard to age, sex and body weight. Ten piglets in each group were randomly distributed into five replicates of two piglets each. The three groups were randomly allotted to three dietary treatments viz., T,- control (standard ration), Tr control diet supplemented with 0.25 per cent baker's yeast culture and T3- control diet supplemented with 0.5 per cent baker's yeast culture. The piglets were fed on their respective grower rations which contained 18 per cent crude protein and 3200 kcal digestible energy per kg until they attained an average body weight of 50 kg and thereafter changed to finisher rations which contained 14 per cent crude protein and 3 100 kcal digestible energy per kg until the pigs were slaughtered. A digestibility trial was conducted towards the end of the experiment using chromic oxide as external indicator. On completion of seven months of age six pigs from each treatment were slaughtered to study the carcass characteristics. Average daily gain of 352, 383 and 405 g were recorded for the groups T" T2 and T3, respectively. The pigs fed with diet containing 0.5 per cent baker's yeast (T3) had higher (P<0.05) average daily gain than those fed with unsupplemented diet (T,). But, there was no significant difference between T, and T2 as well as T2 and T3. However, there was a trend for a higher average daily gain for those fed 0.25 per cent yeast culture (T2) over those fed control diet Cl (T,). Feed conversion efficiency was 4.36, 4.05 and 3.83 for the groups T" T2 and T3, respectively. The pigs fed with diets containing 0.25 (T2) and 0.5 per cent baker's yeast (T3) had higher (Pwith unsupplemented diet (T,). The digestibility coefficient for dry matter and ether extract were significantly higher (P<0.05) for pigs fed 0.5 per cent yeast culture than those fed with unsupplemented diet and there was no significant difference between T, and T2 or T2 and T3. Pigs fed diet containing 0.5 per cent baker's yeast had higher (P<0.05) crude fibre digestibility than those fed with the diets containing 0 and 0.25 per cent yeast culture. Study of the carcass characteristics revealed that the dressing percentage, carcass length, back fat thickness and loin eye area were not significantly influenced by the inclusion of yeast culture at different levels. The cost of feed per kg live weight gain was Rs.36.63, 35.52 and 34.99, respectively for the treatments T}, T2 and T3. Feed cost per kg live weight gain was lower in T3 compared to other treatments. It is concluded that baker's yeast can be economically included at 0.5 per cent level in the diet for better growth and feed conversion efficiency in crossbred pigs.
Open Access
Nephroprotective effect of Aerva Lanata (Cherula) and Boerrhavia Diffusa (* Thazhuthama) in rats
(Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,mannuthy, 2003) Fakrudeen Ali Ahamed, N; Venugopalan, K
An experiment was conducted to assess the nephroprotective effect of Aerva lanata (Cherula) and Boerrhavia diffusa (Thazhuthama) against gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity in rats. A group of 48 adult albino rats weighing 150-250 g of either sex were include in six groups and each group consisting of eight rats. All the experimental groups except. saline control (G I) were given gentamicin sulphate (80 mglkg/day subcutaneously) for 12 days. After 12 days, the experimental groups (G3, G4, G5 and G6) were given two selected doses [(G3 and G5 - 250 rng/kgjand (G4 and G6 - 500 mg/kg)] of dried alcoholic extract of Aerva lanata and Boerrhavia difJusa orally, for a period of another 21 days respectively. Feed intake and body weight was reduced in gentamicin administered groups (G2, G3, G4, G5 and G6) at I ih day and it was reverted to normal at 33rd day (G3, G4, G5 and G6). . Elevated blood urea nitrogen (1 ih day) was reverted to normal at 26th day in Aerva lanata @ 250 and -500 mg/kg (G3 and G4) and at 33rd day in Boerrhavia diffusa @ 250 and 500 mg/kg (G5 and G6) respectively. Microscopical examination of urine at 33rd day, revealed the initiation of regeneration of renal epithelium. The severity of gross and microscopical lesions of kidney observed at 12th day was minimized at 33rd day, indicate the nephroprotective effect of Aerva lanata and Boerrhavia diffusa. The change in haemogram at I z" day (reduced total leukocyte count, neutrophil count and increased Iymphocyte count) was reverted to normal in all the groups at 33rd day. Hence the study confirmed that Aerva lanata and Boerrhavia diffusa posses nephroprotective action and it could be used as nephroprotective agents .
Open Access
Immunopathologic and toxic effects of endosulfan in chick embryo
(Centre of Excellence in Pathology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2004) Kalai Selvan, P; KAU; Divakaran Nair, N
The present study was undertaken to investigate the immunopathologic and toxic effects of endosulfan in chick embryo. The embryos were exposed to endosulfan at various dose levels through different routes. The weight of the embryo, bursa, thymus and spleen, histopathology of the lymphoid organs, liver, kidney and brain and quantification of the preformed maternal IgY level in the egg yolk were the parameters analysed to study the effects. Endosulfan was found to be teratogenic at the grven dose levels. The abnormalities observed were agenesis of beak, crossed beak, short lower beak, eventration of viscera and curled toe. Endosulfan did not cause any significant gross changes in the developing embryos except mild haemorrhages. Endosulfan treatment did not produce any significant reduction in the weight of the embryos as well as the weight of the lymphoid organs. On histopathological examinations endosulfan was found to be nephrotoxic and hepatotoxic to the embryos. Varying degrees of degeneration and necrosis was evident in kidney and liver. Effect on the bursa, thymus and spleen were mild to moderate where in the degenerative changes predominated. Dose dependent increase in the involution process of the thymus as evidenced by increase in the Hassal's zone was observed. The lesions in the developing lymphoid organs reflected that endosulfan is toxic to the system and going to affect the immunocompetency by way of immunosuppression and thereby rendering the chicks susceptible to various diseases. The study indicated that the endosulfan treatment did not have any effect on the preformed maternal immunoglobulin level in the egg yolk.
Open Access
Microbial agents associated with eye infection in chicken
(Department of microbiology, College of veterinary and animal sciences, Mannuthy, 2003) Jaison, George; KAU; Jayaprakasan, V
A study was undertaken to find out the microbial agents associated with the recently reported eye infection of chickens in many parts of Kerala. Samples were collected from 83 birds from different parts of Kerala. The bio-materials employed for the study were the conjunctival swabs and air sac materials. Organisms isolated from different stages of infection include 45 isolates of E. coli, 28 isolates of S. aureus, 11 isolates of B. coagulans, , eight isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, two isolates of S. epidermidis, ten isolates of Alloscheria sp., five isolates of Penicillin sp. and three isolates of Scopulariopsis sp. and three isolates of M gallisepticum. On an average, the rate of isolation of microbial agents per sample at the beginning, mid and advanced stage of infection were 0.5, 1.3 and 2.8 respectively, showing that the number and type of organism isolated increased as the disease advanced except in the case of MG which was isolated only from the beginning stage of infection. No viral agents or e . chlamydia could be isolated through embryonated egg inoculation. The findings of the present study suggest that MG could be the primary agent leading to conjunctivitis while other eubacterial and fungal isolates could be secondary invaders complicating the condition. The antibiogram of the eubacterial isolates suggest that proper treatment with antibiotics like ciproflaxacin/gentamycin at the beginning stage of infection could prevent secondary invaders from complicating the condition.
Open Access
Pathology of cardio-pulmonary disorders in canines
(Centre of Excellence in Pathology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2003) Pradeep, M; KAU; Vijayan, N
The present study was undertaken to assess the prevalence and pathology of various cardiac and pulmonary disorders in dogs. The data collected from the autopsy records maintained at the Centre of Excellence in Pathology, Mannuthy and seventy eight samples of heart and lungs from necropsy cases formed the basis of the study. Ninety nine per cent cases showed varying types of cardiac and pulmonary lesions. The highest incidence in the heart was dilated (75.32 per cent) and hypertrophic (15.58 per cent) cardiomyopathies. The other lesions found were hydropericardium, cardiac tamponade, haemorrhage, myocarditis, endocarditis, endocardial fibroelastosis, valvular blood cyst coronary arteriosclerosis and mural. thrombus. Myocardial infarction was found to be confined to the left ventricles and interventricular septum in all the encountered cases (5.19 per cent). Pulmonary congestion (70.51 per cent), haemorrhage (32.47 per cent) and edema (31.17 per cent) were observed with higher incidence rate. The other lesions found in the lungs were bronchitis, emphysema, pneumonia, collapse, infarction, mineralization, ossification, anthracosis and endarteritis obliterans. Metastatic osteosarcoma in the lungs, metastatic lymphosarcoma in the heart and lungs were also observed. The incidence of cardio-pulmonary disorders encountered was relatively high. The need and scope for investigation into the pathological disorders of the heart and lungs of canines were highlighted.
Open Access
Morphometry and ageing of captive male asian elephants (Elephas maximus)
(Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2003) Sasikumar, M; KAU; Francis, Xavier
The collection of morphometric details from elephants of different age groups would enhance our biological understanding and management of this valuable species.. A total of fifty two clinically healthy captive male Asian elephants, varying in age, under excellent management, maintained by 'Guruvayoor Devaswom Board' were utilized for predicting body weight and height from body measurements as well as determination of age from physical features. For prediction equations several morphometric parameters were measured. All possible linear regressions of weight on one, two, three and four body measurements were calculated. The equations having highest coefficient determination value (R2) with least standard error of estimation was taken for predicting body weight and height in elephants. The data were also divided into age groups (Group I (Young ones; 0-20 years), Group 11 (Sub adults; 21-30 years), Group III (Adults; 31-40 years), and Group IV (0 Id adults; 41-70 years)) and all possible linear regressions were calculated for each group. The best prediction of body weight (kg) for all age groups (G I to G IV) was obtained based on two parameters; the chest girth (cm) and right forefoot circumference (cm). Single and also the combination of various parameters were used for the prediction' of body weight in different age groups. An equation to predict the height at the shoulders (cm) from right forefoot circumference (cm) for various age groups of elephants was also derived. Various parameters were correlated with age of the elephants and average values of these parameters were salculated for age approximation. The data were again divided into various age groups (Group A (Young ones; 0-20 years), Group B (Adults; 21-40 years), and Group C (Old adults; 41- 70 years)) and comparison of parameters between two age groups was done. The parameters such as depigmentation on the trunk, hair distribution, hollow on the temple region, width of the ear, circumference of tusk base and middle, and height at the shoulders had high correlation as well as significant difference in various age group comparisons. So, these parameters could be useful for age estimation in male elephants with more precision.
Open Access
Evaluation of boer halfbreds for development of meat goat strains suited for Kerala
(Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2004) Jeeva, L; KAU; Nandakumar, P
The tremendous potential of goat production in Kerala State is constrained due to the non-availability of meat type of goats suited to our climatic conditions. Malabari goats native to Kerala and improved Alpine Malabari (AM) grows to around only 8.5 and 11 kg respectively, imposing severe restrictions on commercial exploitation of these breeds. Introgression of Boer inheritance into Australian feral goats has led to the development of Australian goat meat industry and utilization of Boer goats to improve local goats in Maharashtra has paid rich dividend. With this background, the present investigation undertaken in Alpine Malabari crosses (AM) by infusing Boer inheritance was undertaken at University Goat and Sheep Farm was to evaluate the suitability of Alpine Malabari x Boer (AMB) crosses as a meat strain suited to Kerala State. Data on one hundred goat kids, 50 each belonging to 2 genetic groups, AM and AMB were subjected to least squares analysis to resolve the effect of genetic group, sire, month of birth and sex on type of birth, litter weight at birth, birth weight, body weight at first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth month, pre- weaning mortality, incidence of neonatal diseases, litter size at weaning, average daily gain in body weight, phenotypic correlation, viability and adaptability. Average litter size at birth (LSB) among Alpine Malabari (AM) and , Alpine Malabari x Boer (AMB) kids was 1.79±0.48. Alpine Malabari kid had a significantly (P:S0.05) higher litter size ~t birth of 2. I 2±0. I 6. Month of birth had a highly significant (P~O.OI) effect on litter size at birth with highest litter in July (2.2±0.17). Sire influences were highly significant on litter size at birth while sex had no significant influence on litter size at birth. Mean litter weight at birth was 3.77 kg and it was not found to be significantly affected by genetic group and sex. Month of birth and sire had highly significant associations with litter weight at birth. Alpine Malabari x Boer kids had a highly significant (P::::O.Ol) and higher body weight from birth to sixth month of age. Body weight in AMB kids was 2.38,6.01, 8.92 and 11.65 kg while AM kids had only 1.8,2.87,3.05 and 4.30 kg respectively at birth, one, two and three months respectively. Buck had a highly significant influence on birth weight of kid and body weight at first, second and third month. Month of birth had a significant influence on birth weight and body weights at first, second and third month. Incidence of enteritis was 0.31, respiratory infection 0.08 and pre- weaning mortality was 0.07. Effects of genetic group and sire were significant on respiratory infections and not on incidence of enteritis and pre-weaning mortality. Month of birth did not exert significant influence on respiratory infections, enteritis or pre-weaning mortality. The mean body weights at fourth, fifth and sixth month in AM and AMB crosses were 10.34 kg, 11.96 kg and 13.68 kg respectively. The effect of genetic group on body weights at fourth, fifth and sixth month was highly significant and superior in AMB crosses with 13.62 kg, 15.73 kg and 17.79 kg respectively while it was only 5.76 kg, 5.84 kg and 6.81 kg respectively in AM crosses. Sire effects were highly significant on the body weights at fourth, fifth and sixth month. Month of birth contribute to the body weights to a highly significant level and kids born in April and December were found to have higher body weights from fourth to fifth month. Sex of the kids was not found to influence the body weights from fourth to sixth month. The mean average daily gain in body weight (ADG) from birth to third month was 7r.36 g, from third to sixth month was 65.7 g and birth to sixth month was 66.7 g. AMB crosses had a highly significant ADG of 104.89 and 86.58 compared to 35.19 and 39.1 g during 0-3 and 0-6 month respectively. Sire influences were highly significant on ADG from 0-3 and 0-6 month. Month of birth had a highly significant effect on ADG and highest ADG was for kids born during April. Birth weight had a highly significant positive correlation with average daily gain in body weight from birth to third month and average daily gain in body weight from birth to sixth month and body weights from first to sixth month. Correlation between respiratory infections and pre-weaning mortality were highly significant. Average daily gain in body weight from birth to third month had a highly significant negative correlation with respiratory infection and pre-weaning mortality. Significantly higher litter size at birth in AM crosses over AMB crosses direct to the feasibility of AM genotype of enhancing litter size at birth which might partially be also contributed by use of oestrus synchronization on frozen semen technology in production of AMB crosses. Modulation of litter size at birth by month of birth reflect on the environmental factors influencing the ovulation rate, conception rate and embryonic survival. Monthly body weights from birth to six months was found to be highly superior in AMB crosses indicating the Boer superiority in enhancing body weights of AMB crosses. Significant effect of sire on these trait suggest of the additive genetic effect which might improve body weight in Boer crossbred goats. Contribution of month of birth on bodyweight probably influenced by ambient temperature, availability of biomass, offers potential for improvement of these traits by appropriate managemental strategies. Increased incidence of diseases in AM genetic group with higher pre-weaning mortality is worth for further investigation. ADG 0-3, ADG 0-6 were significantly higher in AMB crosses highlighting the importance of Boer development in improvement of growth rate of goats. The role of month of birth in variations in ADG partially reflect on the environmental conditions can adversely affect the growth rate. Phenotypic correlations, which were positive and highly significant between birth weight, ADG and body weight are suggestive benefits of early selection on birth weights for enhanced, slaughter weights. The negative correlation of ADG and incidence of pneumonia, pre- weaning mortality and enteritis could be used for the development of goats adapted to local climatic conditions.
Open Access
Evaluation of different techniques for the diagnosis of bovine babesiosis
(Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2003) Renjitha, T S; KAU; Deveda, K
Different techniques to diagnose bovine babesiosis were evaluated by screening 71 cattle presented at the various Veterinary Hospitals of Thrissur and Ernakulam districts and those maintained at the University Livestock Farm, Mannuthy and the Cattle Breeding Farm, Thumburmuzhi with symptoms suggestive of the disease. The techniques employed were examination ofGiemsa stained blood smears, examination of ticks collected from suspected animals and serological tests like the Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test (IF AT) and Slide- Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (Slide-ELISA). Among the 71 cattle, 11 were suffering from an acute illness whereas 60 showed only subclinical symptoms. Examination of Giemsa stained blood smear could detect Babesia bigemina organisms in 9 (12.68 per cent) of the total samples, which were mainly from the acutely infected cattle, except for one, that was obtained from a subclinically infected calf. The principal vector of babesiosis was identified as Boophilus annulatus in the present study. Parasitic masses indicative of the organisms were identified from the various tick tissues dissected and stained with methyl green pyronine. Considering the ticks as positive on detection of developmental stages of the parasite in any of the tissues, ticks from 27 (54 per cent) out of total 50 animals were interpreted as positive. The IFAT detected B. bigemina antibodies in 37 (52.11 per cent) and Slide-ELISA in 39 (54.93 per cent) sera out of 71 samples that were screened. These two serological techniques were found to be equally efficient, with Slide- ELISA proving more suitable for use as a field diagnostic test. Most of the animals that were detected positive for the organisms by all the tests, were above one year of age. As the number of male and female animals was too uneven, a sex related comparison could not be appropriately done. Similarly, a comparison on the performance of the different tests between the breeds was also not feasible owing to the wide variation between the numbers of breeds studied. On evaluation of the different diagnostic techniques, serology and examination. of ticks were found equally effective in detecting both the clinical and subclinical forms of the disease over and above the conventional method i.e., the blood smear examination. However, examination of Giemsa stained blood smears continues to be the method of choice to detect acute infections.

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