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ThesisItem Open Access Studies on mastitis in goats(Department of Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1978) Venugopal, K; KAU; Paily, E PIn the present investigation, milk samples from 56 clinical and 379 apparently normal goats were examined. Staphaurous was isolated from 52 percent of clinical cases. The other organisms isolated were, starph. Epidermidis, str, agalactiae, C.pyogenes, K.pneumoniae, Esch. Coli, Ent.aerogenes and P.aeruginosa. The samples examined from apparently normal goats revealed an incidence of 47 percent subclinical mastitis. Mastaid Test conducted on milk samples from apparently normal goats revealed that this test was 96.5 percent efficient in detecting subclinical mastitis. From the somatic cell counts performed on milk samples, it was observed that normal milk (CMT Zero) had a mean cell count of 0.9 lakhs per ml. The cell counts of 5 to 10 lakhs (CMT + ) represented subclinical mastitis. When a comparative study was conducted study was conducted with mastrid test, whiteside test and tcepol mastitic test it was observed that mastaid reagent could only be relied upon in detecting subclinical mastitis. Chloramphenicol was found to be the drug of choice in goat mastitis, as evidenced by the in vitro sensitivity tests. Erythromycin, Ampicillin, Terramycin and Pencillin were moderately efficient. Results of the treatment with sensitive drugs on 40 selected clinical cases have been discussed.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of ascaridia galli infection on newcastle disease (Ranikhet Disease) vaccination(Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1981) Vikraman, V; KAU; Paily, E PUnder controlled conditions, the effect of Ascaridiasis on Newcastle disease vaccination was investigated. Haematological studies revealed reduction in erythrocytes, haemoglobin, serum protein, heterophils and basophils and an increase in leukocytes and eosinophils in A. galli infected birds. Post – vaccinal reactions, mostly of a paralytic nature, were observed in 25 – 30 per cent of the infected birds. The immune response of birds to Newcastle disease as revealed by the HI titres, is reduced by A. galli infection, the magnitude of reduction being related to the severity of worm burden. Although, all the birds resisted challenge, A. galli infected birds developed a mild form of disease. The need for routine deworming of birds before vaccination is stressed.ThesisItem Open Access Screening of dogs for possible rabies virus excretion(Department of Veterinary Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2004) Raju, S; KAU; Saseendranath, M RFive hundred dogs, belonging to various categories viz., healthy (vaccinated and non vaccinated), sick (vaccinated and non vaccinated) and stray dogs, were screened for the possible excretion of rabies virus in an enzootic area in Trichur, Kerala, based on the observation that nonfatal rabies occurs among dog populations in enzootic or epizootic areas. The criterion selected for the screening of dogs was detection of rabies virus antigen in comeal impression or saliva using fluorescent antibody test. None of the 500 dogs was found positive for rabies viral excretion in saliva or comeal impression. The validity of the test was periodically tested with salivary swabs from rabid dogs that were brought with clinical signs suggestive of rabies. Of twelve dogs thus examined, four were positive in saliva and two were positive in comeal impression test. One dog was positive in both comeal impression and saliva. All the twelve dogs died and rabies was diagnosed by Fluorescent antibody test. Brain samples from sixty-six suspected dogs brought to the department of pathology were subjected to fluorescent antibody test and forty-nineanimals found positive for rabies. The results were confirmed positive using polymerase chain reaction. Thus in the present study no evidence of non fatal, abortive or chronic rabies could be detected among dogs in the study or control group.ThesisItem Open Access Incidence of leukaemia and leukaemoid reactions in cattle in Kerala(Department of Therapeutics, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1980) Vijayan, R; KAU; Krishnan, Nair MThe present study was taken up to investigate the incidence of leukaemia and leukaemoid reactions in cattle in Kerala, utilizing 550 animals from selected private and Government farms and Veterinary institutions of the state. For the haematological diagnosis Benedixen’s key was followed. The haematological values of all the animals examined fell within the category of normal animals and it could be said that bovine leukaemia was not encountered in the bovine population screened in the present investigation. None of the samples showed any evidence of leukaemoid reactions. A few animals with enlarged lymphnodes showed lymphocyte per cent above 80 but their absolute lymphocyte values were within the normal range. The lymphocytes in the blood smears did not show any cytological abnormalities to indicate noeplastic property.ThesisItem Open Access Study on the incidence of brucellosis in buffaloes in Trichur(Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1978) Baby, K; KAU; Paily, E PThe result of an investigation, carried out on 1026 buffaloes in and around Trichur, to assess the incidence of brucellosis in buffaloes was recorded. Standard serum tube agglutination test was carried out on the blood samples collected from 590 animals in and around Trichur, 146 animals maintained in the three organised farms in the State and 290 animals slaughtered at the abattoir, Kuriachira, Trichur. Milk ring test was conducted on 115 individual samples of milk. The overall incidence of brucellosis in the buffalo population tested was 2.24 per cent. All the animals maintained in the organised farms gave a negative result to brucellosis. The possible methods of control and eradication of brucellosis in Kerala State were discussed.ThesisItem Open Access Comparative feed efficiency of crossbred jersey and crossbred brown swiss cattle(Department of Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1989) Devasia, P A; KAU; Ananthasubramaniam, C RA comparative evaluation of the feed conversion efficiencies of crossbred Jersey and crossbred Brown Swiss cattle of Kerala involving a growth SLudv and a lactation stud} using eight heifer calves and six milch cows each for 28 and 14 fortnights respectively were carried out. While records 01 dailv feed intake water consumption, fortnightly data on bod\ weight, bodv measurements and monthly data on haematological values were maintained during the growth study, data on aailv feed intake milk vield, fortnightly data on composition of mill<, bod\ weight and haematolo gical values were gathered during the lactation stua\. Digestion cum-balance trials were carried out during the 14th and 28th fortnights respectively under growth studv and during the 11th fortnight under lactation studv There were no significant difierences between crossbred Jersey and crossbred Brown Swiss heifer calves in respect of their average daily dr\ matter and water consumptions, various body measurements, haematological values and digestion coefficients of various nutrients in their feed throughou the experimental period of 28 fortnights except that the average digestion coefficients of crude fibre in crossbred Brown Swiss heifer calves during digestion trial I was significantly nigner (P _/0.01) than that of crossbred Jersey Both the groups of heifer calves did not differ sigmficahtly in respect of heir average dailv consumptions of dr> matLer, gross energ} total digestible nutrients, digestible energy crude protein and digestible crude protein per unit metabolic body size (W / ). The feed conversioKB n efficiency values as adjudged m terms of quantities of dry matter, gross energy, total digestible nutrients, digestible energy, crude protein and digestible crude protein needed per kg body weight gain in crossbred Jersey were 13.70+1.01 kg, 54.25_+3.13 Meal, 8.09+0.46 kg, 36.32+2.09 Meal, 1.83+ 0.10 kg and 1.10_+0.06 kg respectively and the same were not significantly different from the average values of 14.80_+1.06 kg, 61.47+4.47 Meal, 9.17+_0.68 kg, 41.19+3.00 Meal, 2.03_+0.14 kg and 1.24^0.08 kg respectively observed in the case of crossbred Brown Swiss heifer calves. Both the groups did not differ significantly m respect of average daily nitrogen retention of 18.48_+0.61 and 18.06_+1.02 g respectively during trial I and 17.90_+1.02 and 18.86+1.13 g respectively during trial II. 0 75 Milch cows belonging to both the genetic groups of crossbred Jersey and crossbred Brown Swiss not only maintained their body weight but also showed an overall average fortnightly weight gain of 1.44+0.14 and 1.71+0.06 kg respectively without any significant difference between them in this regard. They also failed to show any significant difference in respect of feed consumption, digestion coefficients of nutrients and nitrogen retention, the marginally positive nitrogen balance together with normal haematological values obtained in respect of both the groups indicated that all the animals were m good nutritional status. The average daily milk yields of 7.28, 7.06 and 6.43 kg respectively during the 1st, 7th and 13th fortnights in the case of crossbred Jersey cows were not significantly different from those of 7.07, 7.08 and 6.80 kg respectively in the case of crossbred Brown Swiss cows There was no significant difference between cows belonging to the two genetic groups in respect of their average daily consumption of DM, gross energy, TDN, crude protein and DCP per unit metabolic body size. The overall average consumptions of 5.76_+0.23 Meal, 0.76_+0.03 kg, 3.17+0.13 Meal and 103.45+4.60 g respectively of gross energy, total digestible nutrients, digestible energyand DCP per kg of FCM produced by crossbred Jersey cows including their maintenance requirements were not significantly different from 5.87^0.25 Meal, 0.77+0.03 kg, 3.28+0.14 Meal and 104.98_+4.60 g respectively of the same by crossbred Brown Swiss cows. The two crossbred groups of milch cows failed to show any significant difference in respect of their economic efficiency in terms of dairy merit as well as income over feed cost, the average values being 22.74+0.88 and Rs 39.20 per day for crossbred Jersey and 22.59_+0.89 and Rs 39.12 per day for crossbred Brown Swiss cows respectively. No significant differences were observed in the performances of crossbred Jersey and crossbred Brown Swiss cattle in respect of their growth and milk production when reared in the same locality under identical conditions of feeding and management.ThesisItem Open Access Studies on non-specific anorexa in cattle(Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1989) Baby, P G; KAU; Alikutty, K MNon – specific anorexia as a peculiar clinical syndrome in cattle was observed for the last one and a half decades in Kerala. Sample survey on the incidence of this syndrome was conducted through the selected veterinary hospitals in the field and of the Kerala Agricultural University. During the period of 1978 – 1982, anorexia syndrome in cattle constituted 10.95 per cent of the total and 32.30 per cent of their digestive disorders. The incidence of the syndrome was also noted high during the months of November to April every year. Ten apparently healthy cattle maintained under identical conditions of feeding and management at the University Livestock Farm, Mannuthy were selected at random and used as the control animals (Group I) for this study. Twenty selected clinical cases of non – specific anorexia presented at the University Hospital, Mannuthy were divided into groups of ten each (Group II and GroupIII) and utilized for these investigations. Course of the disease was followed and samples of rumen liquor and blood were collected and analysed on the first, third and fifth days of their admission in the clinic. Inappetance, mucopurulent nasal discharge, dryness of the muzzle, followed by peeling of its epithelium, constipation or diarrhea, weakness, emaciation and also marked reduction in milk yield in the lactating animals were the clinical manifestations noted in the affected animals. Their rectal temperature was normal, pulse weak and rapid, respiration normal but sometimes labored and visible mucous membranes were pale or became icteric in the later stages of the disease. Rate of rumen motility was reduced and feeble in strength with rumination remaining suspended. Animals of group II were given conventional therapy comprising oral administration of alksline stomachics. Animals of group III were given 25 per cent dextrose solution and vitamin B – complex with liver extract parenterally and stomachics orally on the first, third and fifth days of their admission in the clinic. Rumen liquor of animals of groups II and III was light yellow, olive green or greenish in colour, aromatic / offensive in odour and thick/thin in consistency on the first day of observation. Protozoal motility was poor (+) to vigorous (+++) and sedimentation activity time was prolonged significantly on the first day. The mean pH of the rumen Liquor of these animals was not significantly different from that of the healthy group. Increase in the ammonia nitrogen level and decrease in total volatile fatty acids concentration in the rumen liquor observed on the first day were significant. Blood glucose, total bilirubin, total protein, albumin and albumin/globulin ratio in the serum were changed significantly in animals with non – specific anorexia. Significant changes observed in the above parameters in group II animals were further enhanced on third and fifth days of observation. In group III animals, a decrease in the ammonia nitrogen level and increase in the total volatile fatty acids concentration in the rumen liquor observed on the third and fifth day of admission in the clinic was statistically significant. Blood glucose, albumin – globulin ratio in the serum were also increased significantly in group III animals on fifth day. Following modified line of therapy the animals of group III became normal within three to five days. Clinical improvement was indicated by increased appetite, revival of rumen motility and rumination and also increased milk yield in the lactating animals. Decrease in the ammonia nitrogen level and increase in the total volatile fatty acids concentration in the rumen liquor of group III animals were significant on fifth day of therapy. Increase in blood glucose, albumin, albumin ratio in the serum were also found to be statistically significant on the fifth day. The changes in the blood glucose, total bilirubin, total protein, albumin and albumin – globulin ratio in the serum indicated hepatic insufficiency possibly responsible for the anorexia developed in the diseased animals. The modified line of therapy was found to be superior to conventional therapy for the clinical management of non – specific anorexia in cattle.ThesisItem Open Access Sero conversion studies of brucella abortus strain RB51 vaccine in cattle(Department of Veterinery Epidemology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Mannuthy, 2007) Nimisha, K N; KAU; Saseendranath, M RIn the present study, the sero conversion to two doses of Brucella abortus strain RB51 vaccine was assessed in cattle. Interference of Brucella abortus strain RB51 with routine diagnostic tests for brucellosis was also compared with Brucella abortus strain 19 vaccine. Vaccinations were done in sero negative calves of four months and above age. The study animals were grouped into three. Animals of group I and II were subcutaneously vaccinated with 1.8×1010 CFU and 1×1010 CFU of Brucella abortus strain RB51 vaccine respectively. Whereas group III animals were vaccinated with 4×1010 CFU of Brucella abortus strain 19 subcutaneously. Immune responses were assessed at weekly interval during the first month and there after at monthly interval for a period of six months employing indirect Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Clinical observations of all animals were also made two days before and one week after vaccination. All the vaccinated animals showed febrile reaction during the first 24 to 48hours post inoculation. But returned to normal temperature by 72 hours post inoculation. Eighty two per cent of the vaccinated animals developed swelling at the inoculation site 48 hours after vaccination but found to be reduced by 96 hours and became normal after one week. Animals were quite active and with good appetite throughout the observation period. None of the Brucella abortus SRB51 vaccinated animals, both with higher or lower dose, produced detectable antibody response in the conventional serological tests viz., RBPT and STAT throughout the study period. Whereas animals vaccinated with Brucella abortus S19 produced detectable antibody responses in RBPT and STAT till 90th day. Cattle vaccinated with higher dose of Brucella abortus SRB51 produced significant antibody level earlier (seventh day) than those with lower dose (21st day) and persisted longer (upto150 days), when compared to the group II (only upto 120 days). But both groups showed maximum immune response on the same observation period i.e on 60th day of vaccination. The proportion of animals with significant immune responses were also higher in animals vaccinated with higher dose than those with lower dose except on day 21 and day 90. From the serologic point of view, it is concluded that Brucella abortus strain RB51 is an ideal vaccine candidate than Brucella abortus strain 19 and animals vaccinated with higher dose produced better immune response to Brucella abortus SRB51, when compared to those vaccinated with lower dose.ThesisItem Open Access Investigation on sudden death in pigs(Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2006) Manjusha, A; KAU; Baby, P GStudy of “Investigation on sudden death in pigs’’ was conducted in pigs from various pig farms in Kerala, where cases of sudden death were reported. In these farms around 12.4 per cent of the total pigs were lost due to sudden death. Post mortem examination were carried out in six animals. Clinical materials were collected from the forty-five contact animals and six apparently healthy control animals. Occurrences of sudden death were common in three to six month old piglets. Most of the animals died without any premonitory clinical signs. All these animals were fed with uncooked swill mainly containing chicken waste. Some of the contact animals showed clinical signs like elevated temperature, congested mucous membranes and diarrhoea. On cultural examination of the samples from the two farms growth of the gram-negative organisms were obtained. Transmission of these organisms to these pigs may be from the uncooked swill fed to them. On antibiotic sensitivity testing cefotaxime and ceftriaxone were found to be effective against these organisms. Leukocytoses with neutrophilia were observed in animals of group III where as normal leukogram observed in animals of group II. Serum biochemical studies revealed an elevated level of creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase and aspartate aminotransaminase in animals without any obvious clinical sign of illness, indicating involvement of heart in the pathological condition. Animals with obvious clinical signs of illness revealed an elevated level of lactate dehydragenase, indicating damage of the tissues. Gross pathology on post mortem revealed lesions in heart, liver, brain, lymph nodes and kidney. Haemorrhages in the heart were the major findings. Prominent histopathological changes were noticed in heart and brain. Heart showed varying degrees of inflammation, degeneration and necrosis. Stomach, intestine, lung, liver and kidney also showed pathological changes. For all the animals under study supplementation of mineral mixture containing vitamin E and Selenium were advised. Animals with clinical signs of illness were treated with cefotaxime. It prevented further mortality in these farms.