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Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Wayanad
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ThesisItem Open Access MEDROXYPROGESTERONE ACETATE AS AN AID TO BIRTH CONTROL PROGRAMME IN STRAY DOGS(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2005) D, K. DEEPAK MATHEW; Joseph MathewThe utility of Medroxyprogesterone acetate as an aid in the birth control programme of stray dogs was studied. Eighteen early proestrus bitches were randomly allotted to three equal groups (Group A Group B and Group C). Group A animals were administered with a single subcutaneous injection of 50 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate. Group B animals were administered medroxyprogesterone acetate orally at the rate of 10 mg per day for four days followed by 5 mg per day for another 12 days starting from the end of anoestrus. Six bitches of Group C acted as control animals. All animals in Group A and Group B responded to the treatment though one animal in Group A had returned to cycle in about 50 days. Reproductive cycle was controlled in all six animals of group A at a mean of 3.17 days and a mean of of 2.67 days in group B. Group A animals had a mean duration of control of 83.3 days while in group B it was 90 days. Vulval edema, vulval discharge, tail deviation reflex and interest in male decreased following treatment in Groups A and B while it seemed to be not changed or high in Group C animals. Detailed vaginal cytology was studied using Wright- Giemsa's stain. Cellular changes was characterized by a change from predominance of parabasal cells following treatment in Groups A and B while changes characteristic of oestrus cycle occurred in the control animals. There was significant difference in the mean percentage of parabasal cells between Groups A and B after treatment and during different stages of the oestrus cycle of the Group A up to end of dioestrus. Serum progesterone was estimated in all animals at fortnightly intervals. Animals in group A, B and C showed mean serum progesterone concentrations of 0.53 ng/ml, 0.57 ng/ml and 0.45 ng/ml during the beginning of proestrus. The mean progesterone in serum following treatment elevated in Group A to 27.83 ng/ml, while it maintained a low level of 0.55 ng/ml in group B and had a value of 4.43 ng/ml in group C which indicated oestrus phase. The progesterone level reached maximum concentration of 31.17 ng/ml on day 42 in group A and 49.00 ng/ml during dioestrus in group C. The values remained low in group B. Towards the end of experiment all animals had basal concentration of progesterone. It is concluded that reproductive control can be achieved effectively in bitches treated with medroxyprogesterone acetate by both oral and parenteral routes. Oral administration demand less technicalities and hence is more suitable for use in the field.ThesisItem Open Access MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND UTILISATION PATTERN OF CAPTIVE MALE ELEPHANTS {Elephas maximus) KERALA(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2004) CIJO K. JOSEPH; K.S. AnilThe utilization pattern, management and nutrition of the elephants of Kerala under different ownership conditions were studied between June-2003 and July-2004 using survey method. The credibility of the information so collected was checked using triangulation method where, the information about an animal was collected from the owner, mahout, and also by physical verification of the claims in all possible cases. It was seen that the elephants of private owners with one elephant (25.2years) were significantly younger than the elephants of private owners with more than one elephant and elephants of temple trusts with one elephant (32.7 and 35.4 years respectively). The comparison of the height of the elephants revealed that the average height of elephants of forest department (245cm) was significantly lesser than the average height of elephants of private owners with more than one elephant and elephants of temple trusts with one elephant (278.7cm and 283.9cm respectively). The group wise variations in the frequencies of bath given to the elephants were insignificant but the duration of bath in elephants of forest department was significantly lesser than the average duration of bath in all other groups. It was also seen that most of the elephants in Kerala did not have proper housing facilities, and that majority of them were tied under tree on sandy floor. Studies on the utilization pattern of the elephants revealed that the elephants irrespective of their type of ownership were idle for most of the time in the year and that the elephants idled for the maximum number of days in a year (322.3 days). Further, the elephants of group-2 attended the maximum number of festivals in a year (82.9 ±6.92 days). Proximate analysis of the feed fed to the elephants revealed that the nutritional status of elephants of temples with one elephant was the highest. The study also revealed that all the elephants of group-4 were given restorative therapy and the elephants of group-5 were not given restorative therapy.ThesisItem Open Access PRODUCTIVITY AND FEASIBILITY OF FIG PRODUCTION SYSTEMS IN RURAL SECTOR(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2001) S. HARIKUMAR; Joseph MathewThe productivity and feasibility of pig production systems were studied in the rural sector of Kerala, The study on feasibility of pig production and problems and prospects associated with pig farming was conducted in Kaiparambu and Kuzhoor Panchayaths in Thrissur district of Kerala. The performance of Large White Yorkshire pigs in organized farms and field units was compared. Majority of the pig farmers were having higher educational and economic status and were equipped with potential and facilities for economic pig production. The management practices were cost effective and suited well for pig production in rural sector. Problems and constraints faced by the pig farmers were minimum in two Panchayaths. It was observed that the feasibility of the pig production was higher in two Panchayaths studied. The resource utilization efficiency of the existing pig production was only 40.95per cent and I9.53per cent, respectively in Kaiparambu and Kuzhoor Panchayaths. In the comparative study between pigs in the organized farm and field units, the pigs reared in small field unit on 40per cent chicken offal and 60per cent restaurant waste recorded a significantly higher (P<0.01) slaughter weight of 73.66 + 3.15kg than that of 60.00 ± 2.79kg in pigs reared on hostel food waste in the farm. In the case of body measurements, pigs in small field unit group recorded maximum values. The feed efficiency (3.221 ±0.15) was better in pigs fed on 40pcr cent chicken offal and 60pcr cent restaurant waste. The mean daily dry matter intake was a maximum of 1.417 ± 0.19g in pigs reared on concentrate ration. The average daily weight gain was highest in pigs fed on 40per cent chicken offal and 60per cent restaurant waste (367 .13 ± 16.64g) and lowest in hostel food waste fed pigs (287.96 ± 15.23g). Pigs fed on 40per cent chicken offal and 60per cent restaurant waste were recorded a maximum value for dressing percentage (75.52 ± 0.41). Pigs fed on concentrate ration attained a maximum of 19.36 + 2.2cm^ for loin eye area and a minimum of 28.0 + 0.22mm for back fat thickness. Meat bone ratio was the lowest in pigs fed on hostel food waste (3.53 ± 0.19). Hot carcass weight (55.66 ± 2.49kg) and carcass length (65.00 ± 0.83cm) was more in pigs fed on 40per cent chicken offal and 60per cent restaurant waste in T4 group. In proximate analysis chicken offal was recorded a crude protein content of 35.63 + 2.77per cent and ether extract of 30.9 ± 2.31per cent. Concentrate, restaurant waste and hostel waste were recorded a higher NFE content. Cost of production per kilogram live weight of pigs was the highest in concentrate t^d group (Rs 54.66) and the lowest in small field unit (Rs 12.64).ThesisItem Open Access STRESS ASSESSMENT OF PIGLETS UNDERGOING ROUTINE SURGICAL PROCEDURES RELATED TO MANAGEMENTAL PRACTICES(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2003) GEETHA, N.; Francis XavierStress in piglets undergoing routine surgical procedures related to managemental practices was assessed in the present study. The experiment was conducted at the Center for Pig Production and Research (CPPR) of Kerala Agricultural University, Mannuthy. Sixty male piglets formed ten treatments with SIX replicates. Treatments undertaken were ear notching, handling for ear notching, castration, sham castration (restrained identically but not castrated), combined handling and performance of ear notching and castration. Behaviour and vocalization were observed during four different time frames viz: 30 minutes before the treatment, during the treatment, 30 minutes after the treatment and 24 hours after the treatment respectively. Salivary cortisol concentration was determined by radio immuno assay technique. In one-week-old piglets, though the stress related behavioural scores due to ear notching was higher during the procedure, the scores got decreased after 30 minutes and 24 hours of ear notching. The scores were intermediate in the combined performance of ear notching and castration compared to individual performance at one week. Castrates at eight weeks showed fewer stress related behaviours than the castrates at one week of age. The intensity of vocalization in week old ear notched groups got reduced after 30 minutes and 24 hours of ear notching. Vocalization intensit}' persisted till 24 hours in one week aged castrates, but it got reduced after 30 minutes and 24 hours in eight weeks castrates. The groups with combined performance of ear notching and castration were intermediate in the intensit>' of vocalization compared to individual performance at one week. There was reduction in the duration of vocalization in week-aged ear notched groups after 30 minutes and 24 hours of treatment. Castrates at eight weeks of age showed increased duration of vocalization after 30 minutes and 24 hours, but the level was lesser compared to one week old castrates. The groups with combined performance of ear notching and castration were intermediate in the duration of vocalization compared to individual performance at one week. The frequency of vocalization in ear notched group got reduced in week old group after 30 minutes and 24 hours. Castrates at eight weeks of age showed increased frequency of vocalization after 30 minutes and 24 hours, but the level was lesser compared to one week old castrates. The groups with combined performance of ear notching and castration had longer duration of vocalization compared to individual performance at one week. At one week, ear notched group had lower cortisol value than the group handled for ear notching. One-week old castrates had higher cortisol concentration than eight-week-old castrates. Cortisol level was higher in combined performance of ear notching and castration than individual performance of the same. Individual performance of ear notching and castration was less stressful. Performance of ear notching at one week and castration at eight weeks of age is beneficial. This is the routine management related surgical procedure, practiced in the Center for Pig Production and Research (CPPR) of Kerala Agricultural University.ThesisItem Open Access MORPHOMETRY AND AGEING OF CAPTIVE MALE ASIAN ELEPHANTS {Elephas maximus)(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2003) SASIKUMAR, M.; Francis XavierThe 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 (R^) 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 II (Sub adults; 21-30 years). Group III (Adults; 31-40 years), and Group IV (Old 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 1 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 calculated 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 dcpigmcntation on the trunk, hair distribution, iiollow 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.ThesisItem Open Access ADAPTABILITY OF CROSSBRED PIGS UNDER DIFFERENT HOUSING AND FEEDING SYSTEMS(College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy., 2005) J. ANTON ROSELINE; Dr. JOSEPH MATHEWA study was conducted to find out the adaptability of two crossbred pigs, viz., CBi (Duroc 50% and Large White Yorkshire 50 %) and CB2 (Desi 50% and Large White Yorkshire 50%) under different housing and feeding systems. Twenty-four weaned piglets from each genetic group were randomly divided into four groups of six animals each and were subjected to four treatments, i.e., group housing with wallowing facility, fed with conventional feed (Ti), group housing with wallowing facility, fed with unconventional feed (T2), individual housing without wallowing facility, fed with conventional feed (T3) and individual housing without wallowing facility, fed with unconventional feed (T4). The climatological data, rectal temperature, pulse and respiratory rate at weekly intervals, daily feed intake, fortnightly body weight and behavioural scores of the animals were recorded. The average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), total cost of production per kg of live body weight, proximate principles of the feeds and faecal cortisol level were estimated. On attaining the slaughter weight two animals from each group were slaughtered for studying the carcass characteristics. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in microclimatic variables, viz., maximum and minimum temperature and relative humidity between the treatments. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in rectal temperature between the treatments but the pulse and respiratory rates were significantly higher (P<0.05) in group housed pigs than the individually housed pigs in both the genetic groups. Significantly higher (P<0.05) growth rate in T3 and T4 groups (individually housed) of CBi and a trend for higher growth ratefin T3 and T4 groups (individually housed) of CB2 were observed. The ADG was highest in T4 followed by T3, T2 and Ti and the FCR on dry matter basis was highest in T2 followed by T4^ Ti and T3 in both the genetic groups. Though there were no significant differences (P>0.05) in the behavioural scores, the feeding behavioural score was better was higher in pigs fed with unconventional feed. The quantity of dung voided was highest in pigs fed with conventional feed. The slaughter weight and hot carcass weight (kg) were significantly higher (P<0.05) in the T3 and T4 of CBi pigs but these traits were numerically higher in T4 followed by T3, T2 and Ti of CB2 pigs. Back fat thickness (mm) was lesser in CB| than CB2, Individually housed pigs had relatively higher back fat thickness in both the breeds. The loin eye area (cm^) was numerically higher in CBi than CB2 pigs. The dressing percentage was lower in groups fed with unconventional feed (T2 and T4) and meat yield (percentage) was higher in T3 and T4 in both the breeds. The meat bone ratio was numerically higher in CB2 when compared to CBi pigs. The moisture level was more in swill (72.03%) followed by chicken waste (71.88%) and infertile egg (59.87)%. The crude protein and ether extract were highest in chicken waste followed in infertile egg and swill. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in the faecal cortisol level between the treatments of both the breeds. From this study it is concluded that both genetic combination had better performance when they were maintained on unconventional feed irrespective of their housing and feeding systems. Among these two breeds Desi 50% and Large White Yorkshire 50%(CB2) seemed to be economical under unconventional feeding in both the housing systems, considering the cost of production per kg live body weight.ThesisItem Open Access BEHAVIOURAL RESPONSES IN CAPTIVE MALE ASIAN ELEPHANTS (Elephas maximus) TO SPECIFIED STRESSORS(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2003) VIVEK, G.; Saseendran, P.C.Assessing the welfare status of captive male Asian elephants is a growing area of concern, as ethical questions are raised about the psychological well-being of animals maintained in captivity. The study was undertaken as a synthesis of approach to measure stress through physiological and behavioural studies to quantify the welfare and ensure the well-being of elephants in captivity. Captive male elephants maintained at the "elephant camp" in Punnathur Kotta under the Guruvayoor Devaswom Board were utilized for the present study. The animals were divided into seven groups: group I (musth), group II (travel), group III (disease), group IV (restraint), group V (summer), group VI (monsoon) and group VII (normal). All the behavioural and physiological data were collected from the individual animals in the above mentioned groups. A total of forty two behaviours grouped into combined variables, were measured by focal-animal sampling technique using a behaviour check sheet to identify the behaviours indicative of stress. A total of thirty two hours of behavioural data were collected from four animals in each group, with eight hours of observation on each animal. The data were then analyzed using non-parametric tests to determine the significance of stress related behaviours. Most of the behaviours were performed with higher significance in group I followed by other groups in conjunction with a description of the context within which it takes place as an indicator of stress. The results indicate that musth is the single most stressful event. The prominent stress related behaviours identified during the present study were stereotypes, temporal gland secretion and aggression. The frequency or intensity of performance of other behaviours was in line with the severity of the stressful event. A good correlation between the cortisol values and behaviour scores indicates that both physiological and behavioural measures can be used in conjunction as potential non-invasive methods to assess stress. Other physiological measures like rectal temperature and respiratory rate could not be used as a measure of stress, since the healthy subjects have the physiological and behavioural ability to cope with varying conditions of stress to maintain the normal homeostasis. Urine and faecal samples collected from animals in each group were stored at -20°C until it was processed and analyzed for measurement of cortisol metabolites by radioimmunoassay technique and urine creatinine concentrations by enzyme immunoassay technique using standard procedures. Urine creatinine concentrations were analyzed to counteract the variations in fluid intake by individual animals. Mean urine cortisol concentrations were found to be highest during musth (143.60 ± 30.07 ng/mg Cr) followed by restraint (115.62 ± 20.65 ng/mg Cr), disease (102.86 ± 22.44 ng/mg Cr), travel (93.07 ± 19.78 ng/mg Cr), summer (73.55 ± 11.95 ng/mg Cr) and monsoon (69.13 ± 11.63 ng/mg Cr) when compared to the mean values in normal group (59.98 ± 8.45 ng/mg Cr), indicative of the level of stress in each group. Similarly mean faecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations (11,17 dioxoandrostanes) were highest during musth (449.02 ± 86.31 nmol/kg) followed by restraint (354.62 ± 72.07 nmol/kg), summer (337.85 ± 41.94 nmol/kg), disease (335.52 ± 56.81 nmol/kg), travel (300.14 ± 50.71 nmol/kg) and monsoon (249.60 ± 44.31 nmol/kg). Both the urine cortisol concentrations and faecal cortisol metabolite concentrations followed a similar trend in the values indicating that, both the methods can be used as a measure for reliable indicator of stress. The results suggest that, musth is the most stressful event and monsoon season the least stressful event. The results of the present study suggest that, integrating the endocrine assessment, such as cortisol levels in the urine and faeces, with other evaluations based on behaviour could potentially provide a more meaningful measure of stress in captive living male Asian elephants and can help resolve the managemental problems. The study underlines the feasibility of measuring faecal and urine cortisol metabolites combined with behavioural measure as a non-invasive approach, to answer questions such as animal welfare and stress in captive elephants.ThesisItem Open Access STUDY ON MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM IN INSTITUTIONAL SWINE FARM(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2002) BINDU, P.; 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 questioimaire 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 menu with 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 EVALUATION OF HUSBANDRY PRACTICES IN CAPTIVE ZOO MAMMALS IN KERALA(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2002) BIJU., S.; Trancis XavierHusbandry practices adopted for captive zoo mammals, were studied in the Government owned zoological gardens located at Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur districts of Kerala 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 observ ed in Thrissur Zoo. Vaccinations were regularly done only in felids in Thmavananthapuram 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 fi-equency 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^'^S^ivore r Ca , and primate cages.