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Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Wayanad
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ThesisItem Open Access INFLUENCE OF COCONUT OIL AND SUNFLOWER OIL ON PLASMA AND LIVER LIPID PROFILE AND PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE IN JAPANESE QUAIL (Coturnix coturnix japonica)(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 1997) MINI. K. P.; P.T. PhilominaThe role of dietary factors in the genesis and development of atherosclerosis has been associated wich elevated serum cholesterol levels, both in man and animals. Coconut oil has been a dietary component for Keralites from time immemmorial . There are several reports implicating coconut oil (a saturated fat) as one of the major factors involved in the production of increased blood cholesterol level leading to the increased incidence of cardio vascular disease (CVD) in human beings and animals. No systematic investigation has been carried out so far to study how increasing unsaturation of the oil affects lipid metabolism in warding off atherosclerosis. In addition to the chain length of fatty acids their relative position in the triglyceride molecule appears to affect their potency for atherogenicity. Gingelley oil is commonly used as one of the energy source in poultry feed and sunflower oil is also gaining popularity now a days, since many reports indicated that feeding of unsaturated fat decreased the cholesterol content in the oodv Hence it was thought worthwhile to study the influence cT these three oils on the levels of total lipid, triglyceride, total cholesterol and phospholipid in plasma and liver, the concentration of HDL-cholesterol and (VLDL+LDL)-cholesteroJ m plasma, weight of the liver and the level of total lipid and total cholesterol in egg yolk. The production performance under these dietary oils was also assessed in Japanese qua;' Is by recording the egg production, egg weight and egg mass, feed consumption, body weight and feed efficiency. A total number of 72 (36 males and 36 females), four-week old Japanese quails of the same strain (egg type) and hatch were procured from the Kerala Agricultural University Poultry Farm, Mannuthy and divided into three main groups (12 males and 12 females in each main group viz. GI, Gil, GUI) and then subdivided to 12 males and 12 females as M-I, M-II and M-III (males) and F-I, F-II and F-III (females) . The birds were provided grower ration upto sixth week of age and then adult ration, from the sixth to the 10th week of age in males and 16th week of age in females. The standard ration was incorporated with the different dietary oils at 2 per cent level viz. GI (MI and F-I) with gingelley oil, GII (Mil and F-II) with coconut oil and GUI (Mill and F-III) with sunflower oil. Feed consumption, egg production and egg weight were recorded daily and body weight recorded weekly. The eggs from the three groups (F-I, F-II and F-III) were collected on the last day of 14th, 15th and 16th week of age, weighed and stored at 4°C for biochemical analyses. The male birds were sacrificed at the 10th week of age and females at the 16th week of age. The weight of the liver noted and plasma and liver stored at -20°C for analyses. Total lipid, triglyceride, total cholesterol , HDL-cholesterol (VLDL+LDL)-cholesterol and phospholipid in plasma of male and female Japanese quails were not significantly different among the groups, since the normal level (2%) of oils used in the present study was not able to exert any significant influence on the lipid metabolism in quails. The total lipid content in the liver in male quails was not significantly different among the groups. In the female quails the total lipid content in liver of gingelley oil fed group (F-I) was significantly higher than that of coconut oil fed (F-II) and sunflower oil fed (F-III) groups. Lower triglyceride lipase activity in coconut oil and sunflower oil fed groups, which causes decreased break down of triglyceride in adipose tissue and lower transportation of fatty acids to liver may be the reason for the lower total lipid content in liver in these two groups. Irrespective of sex the triglyceride and total cholesterol content in liver were not significantly different among the groups. The liver phospholipid content in male quails of gingelley oil fed group (MI) was significantly higher than that of sunflower oil fed group (Mill) . Sunflower ocj (unsaturated fatty acids) causes enhanced faecal excretion of free fatty acids. The total lipid, triglyceride, (VLDL+LDL)-cholesterol and phospholipid in plasma were significantly higher in adult female quails compared to males in all the groups. In the laying bird lipids are synthesised in the liver and transported to the ovary in the form of lipoproteins . This is the reason for higher total lipid, triglyceride and phospholipid in plasma of laying hen (VLDL + LDL)- cholesterol content was also higher in the female quails since they are the transport form of cholesterol from liver to the ovary. The total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol were higher in male quails compared to females, since the cholesterol is not eliminated through the egg yolk and are mainly found along with the HDL fraction in males unlike females. The total lipid, triglyceride and total cholesterol content in liver of female quails were significantly higher than that of male quails. There was higher lipid synthesis in the liver of female quails under the influence of oestrogen. There was no significant difference in the liver phospholipid content between male and female quails. No significant difference in the weight of the liver among the groups in both male and female Japanese quails could be noticed. However, weight of the liver in females was ® fi^sntly higher than the males in each group. There was no significant difference in the total lipid and total cholesterol content in egg yolk among the groups, at the 14th, 15th and 16th week of age. This was because the total lipid and total cholesterol content in the egg yolk has to be maintained at a constant level in order to create a favourable environment for the development of the embryo. Female quails attained sexual maturity earlier at the end f fifth week (38 to 41 days of age). Egg production started the 38th day in groups F-II and F-III while it was on the 41st day in group F-I. The egg production was lower in gingelley oil fed group (F-I) than coconut oil fed group (F-II) may be due to lower mineral absorption in gingelley oil fed group. The egg weight was higher in sunflower oil fed group (F-III) than coconut oil fed group (F-II) since sunflower oil in the diet causes higher protein retention. The egg mass was not significantly different among the groups. However, the egg weight and egg mass significantly increased with age. There was no significant difference in feed intake among the groups in both male and female Japanese quails as tiie caloric value of the feeds were the same. Female quails had higher feed intake than males due to their higher growth rat:e. The body weight of the male quails was not significantly among the groups. The body weight in gingelley oil fed group was the lowest among the female quails during most part of the experimental period, since there is lower mineralisation of bones in that group. The body weight of female quails in the three groups was significantly higher than that of males. Feed efficiency was not different among the groups in male Japanese quails. Among the female Japanese quails coconut oil (F-II) and sunflower oil (F-III) fed groups had better feed efficiency than gingelley oil fed group (F-I), lower rate of absorption of minerals in gingelley oil fed group (F-I) may the reason for the lowest feed efficiency anu body weight. In order to arrive at a conclusion as to which of the particular oil is ideal for health and for better production performance in Japanese quails, higher levels of oils are to be incorporated and a more detailed study is required.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF ENRICHMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND HALOTHANE SENSITIVITY ON PERFORMANCE OF LARGE WHITE YORKSHIRE AND DESI PIGS(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 1997) JOSEPH MATHEW; C.K.ThomasThe effect of environmental variables, halothane sensitivity and environmental enrichments in the form of wallowing, water sprinkling and access to a shaded range on various production and reproduction traits of exotic(LWYJ and Desi pigs was assessed by conducting a study in Kerala Agricultural University Pig Breeding Farm , Mannuthy (UPBl). Significant correlations were found between environmental variables and important production and reproduction traits in both breeds . The incidence of halothane sensitivity was found to be higher in LWY when compared to that of Desi.A clear breed difference was noticed between Desi and LWY with respect to traits such as body weight,daily weight gain,body measurements, feed intake, feed conversion efficiency(FCE), weaning weight,cost of production for unit meat and weaned piglet.Environmental enrichments were found to be beneficial for most of the traits such as body weight, daily weight gain,FCE,conception rate,live litter size at birth,birth weight,1itter weight at weaning and average weaning weight.When halothane sensitive animals were better in FCE and growth rate, halothane resistant animals came out with good reproduction results.But positive animals with environmental enrichments performed better than negative in certain traits.The biochemical traits associated with haiothane sensitivity were inconsistent.But clear trends with breed and genetic groups existed between haiothane positive and negative animals.An apparently clear interaction between breeds, genotype and environmental enrichments were niticed in certain production and reproduction traits.Provision for access to a shaded range was found to be beneficial for fattening pigs with respect to FCE and growth rate.Wallowing and water sprinkling have got negative effect on these traits.But for reproduction traits all the above enrichments had beneficial effect.Based on the observations and the results suitable combinations of various environmental enricfimenLs for different breeds, geno types and purpose were deslgried which fnay be used as tools for developing managemental systems under different situations.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF FEEDING ONION {Allium cepa var aggregatum G. Don; AND GARLIC (Allium sativum Linn/ ON LIPID PROFILE IN JAPANESE QUAIL (Coturnix coturnix japonica)(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 1997) V. GIRISH KUMAR; K P. SurendranathanPoultry products are comparatively rich in cholesterol. WHO report indicates incidence of coronary heart disease and high dietary cholesterol level to be positively correlated. In such a situation, decreasing the cholesterol content in poultry products would be appropriate. Onion and garlic are ascribed with therapeutic effects such as hypocholesterolemia, hypolipidemia and immunosuppressant action in mammals, while no convincing reports are available on the effect of supplementation of these agents in reducing cholesterol level in egg and poultry meat. Hence, this study reports on the hypolipidemic effects and/or other effects of dietary onion and garlic on the lipid profile in the tissues of Japanese quails. Further, information on the physiological norms of tissues is essential for understanding any pathological entity. Although in recent years, the Japanese quail has gained increasing popularity as a biological model for various investigations, published reports on the lipid profile in the tissues of this species are very few. Essentially, all the previous studies on this aspect are based on observations in only a particular tissue or a particular lipid component or sex and age. Hence, the present investigation is also aimed at establishing a more or less complete picture of lipid profile in liver, plasma and muscle in both sexes at three different physiological stages of growth via., three-week old (immature), six-week old (onset of sexual maturity) and in nine-week old (mature) birds. Likewise, the lipid profile that are analysed in the liver will also be established in the egg yolk. The results revealed an increase in the liver and plasma total lipid content (Table fi) due to onion and garlic. Although a trend of decrease in the cholesterol level in the liver and muscle was obseived the results were statistically nonsignificant (Table m), indicating the hypocholesterolemic effect of onion and garlic to be of questionable biological The plasma free cholesterol level (Table IV) was found to be decreased due to onion and garfic, while no effect of the same was observed with regard to plasma esterified cholesterol (Table IV). The effect of onion and garlic on the cholesterol content in different lipoproteins (Table IV) indicated that these alliums are causing recirculation of plasma cholesterol between different lipoproteins and/or tissues in such a way that the plasma LX)L-C is not increased. There was an increase in the triglyceride content in the liver and plasma due to dietaiy alliums (fable V). The phospholipid level in the plasma was found to be increased with a decrease in the plasma free fatty acid (Table XH) level due to dietaiy alliums. The variations in the plasma esterified fatty acid content (Table XH) due to alliums are in accordance with the variations in the plasma content of esterified f orm of Upids. The iodine value of liver lipid increased due to alliums in both sexes, while these alliums were found to have no influence the saponification and acid value of the liver lipid. In all the above instances where onion and garlic were found to have significant effect, dietaiy garlic was found to have either a similar or significantly more alliaceous effect than dietary onion. No significant variations in the lipid profile of the muscle and yolk were observed due to dietaiy- supplementation of onion and garlic. I he influence of onion and garlic on the feed consumption by birds was found to vary with duration of feeding. In the first week of feeding alliums to both sexes and in flie second week in the male birds, no change in the feed consumption was observed, lliereafter in both the sexes the feed consumption increased due to dietaiy onion and garlic. Dietaiy onion and gariic caused a nonsignificant increase in the body weight. Feed efficiency in both the sexes and egg production in the females were unaltered due to dietaiy supplementation of onion and garlic. The levels of total lipid, total cholesterol, triglycerides, total phospholipid and phosphohpid fractions in liver, plasma and muscle were found to differ significantly due to effect of age within a sex and due to effect of sex within an age group. Similarly the level of plasma free cholesterol, esterified cholesterol, HDL-C, VLDL-C, HDL-C, free fatt>' acid and esterified fatty acid differed significantly due to age within a sex and due to sex within an age group. Iodine value and saponification value of lipid in liver were influenced due to age and sex, while the same was not observed in the muscle. The acid value of the lipid in the liver and muscle was unaltered due to age or sex. The feed consumption and body weight increased with age in both sexes and it was more in the females. The feed efficiency was unaltered due to age or sex. The egg production was also not influenced by age.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF FEEDING ONION {Allium cepa var aggregatum G. Don; AND GARLIC (Allium sativum Linn/ ON LIPID PROFILE IN JAPANESE QUAIL (Coturnix coturnix japonica)(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 1997) V. GIRISH KUMAR; K. P. SurendranathanPoultry products are comparatively rich in cholesterol. WHO report indicates incidence of coronary heart disease and high dietary cholesterol level to be positively correlated. In such a situation, decreasing the cholesterol content in poultry products would be appropriate. Onion and garlic are ascribed with therapeutic effects such as hypocholesterolemia, hypolipidemia and immunosuppressant action in mammals, while no convincing reports are available on the effect of supplementation of these agents in reducing cholesterol level in egg and poultry meat. Hence, this study reports on the hypolipidemic effects and/or other effects of dietary onion and garlic on the lipid profile in the tissues of Japanese quails. Further, information on the physiological norms of tissues is essential for understanding any pathological entity. Although in recent years, the Japanese quail has gained increasing popularity as a biological model for various investigations, published reports on the lipid profile in the tissues of this species are very few. Essentially, all the previous studies on this aspect are based on observations in only a particular tissue or a particular lipid component or sex and age. Hence, the present investigation is also aimed at establishing a more or less complete picture of lipid profile in liver, plasma and muscle in both sexes at three different physiological stages of growth via., three-week old (immature), six-week old (onset of sexual maturity) and in nine-week old (mature) birds. Likewise, the lipid profile that are analysed in the liver will also be established in the egg yolk. The results revealed an increase in the liver and plasma total lipid content (Table fi) due to onion and garlic. Although a trend of decrease in the cholesterol level in the liver and muscle was obseived the results were statistically nonsignificant (Table m), indicating the hypocholesterolemic effect of onion and garlic to be of questionable biological The plasma free cholesterol level (Table IV) was found to be decreased due to onion and garfic, while no effect of the same was observed with regard to plasma esterified cholesterol (Table IV). The effect of onion and garlic on the cholesterol content in different lipoproteins (Table IV) indicated that these alliums are causing recirculation of plasma cholesterol between different lipoproteins and/or tissues in such a way that the plasma LX)L-C is not increased. There was an increase in the triglyceride content in the liver and plasma due to dietaiy alliums (fable V). The phospholipid level in the plasma was found to be increased with a decrease in the plasma free fatty acid (Table XH) level due to dietaiy alliums. The variations in the plasma esterified fatty acid content (Table XH) due to alliums are in accordance with the variations in the plasma content of esterified f orm of Upids. The iodine value of liver lipid increased due to alliums in both sexes, while these alliums were found to have no influence the saponification and acid value of the liver lipid. was on In all the above instances where onion and garlic were found to have significant effect, dietaiy garlic was found to have either a similar or significantly more alliaceous effect than dietary onion. No significant variations in the lipid profile of the muscle and yolk were observed due to dietaiy- supplementation of onion and garlic. I he influence of onion and garlic on the feed consumption by birds was found to vary with duration of feeding. In the first week of feeding alliums to both sexes and in flie second week in the male birds, no change in the feed consumption was observed, lliereafter in both the sexes the feed consumption increased due to dietaiy onion and garlic. Dietaiy onion and gariic caused a nonsignificant increase in the body weight. Feed efficiency in both the sexes and egg production in the females were unaltered due to dietaiy supplementation of onion and garlic. I 1 1 I- ■ ^ ^ Ill The levels of total lipid, total cholesterol, triglycerides, total phospholipid and phosphohpid fractions in liver, plasma and muscle were found to differ significantly due to effect of age within a sex and due to effect of sex within an age group. Similarly the level of plasma free cholesterol, esterified cholesterol, HDL-C, VLDL-C, HDL-C, free fatt>' acid and esterified fatty acid differed significantly due to age within a sex and due to sex within an age group. Iodine value and saponification value of lipid in liver were influenced due to age and sex, while the same was not observed in the muscle. The acid value of the lipid in the liver and muscle was unaltered due to age or sex. The feed consumption and body weight increased with age in both sexes and it was more in the females. The feed efficiency was unaltered due to age or sex. The egg production was also not influenced by age.ThesisItem Open Access GENETIC STUDIES ON SERUM ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE AND HAEMOGLOBIN IN TWO STRAINS OF WHITE LEGHORN(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES Mannuthy - Thrissur, 1997) SANKARALINGAM, S.; Unni, A.K.K; SANKARALINGAM, S.The present investigation was undertaken to identify the Serum Alkaline Phosphatase (SAP) and haemoglobin (Hb) polymorphism and also aimed to find their association with production, egg quality and reproduction. Four hundred and ninety seven hens of two different strains of White Leghorn Viz. IWP (168 and 100) and IWN (129 and 100) belonging to SI5 and SI6 generations, respectively were typed by Horizontal Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (PAGE). Two phenotypes. Fast and Slow were determined. Higher frequencies of Fast phenotype were observed in IWP strain (0.66 and 0.58) than IWN strain (0.15 and 0.24) in both SI5 and SI6 generations, respectively. Hundred hens each of IWP and IWN strains were tested for haemoglobin polymorphism with Agar gel electrophoresis, which revealed no polymorphism. Two alleles namely Akp'' and Akp® with two phenotypes Fast and Slow were identified as SAP locus. Akp"" allele had the frequency of 0.42 and 0.35 in IWP strain and 0.08 and 0.13 in IWN strain of SI 5 and SI6 generations, respectively. Different matings between Fast and Slow moving types revealed that the Fast band is determined by an autosomal completely dominant gene over Slow band bird. The mean SAP level for the F and S birds revealed that the SAP activity was more in F type birds (97.54 and 88.96 KA units per 100ml serum) than that of S type birds (93.03 and 68.24 KA units per 100ml serum) in both IWP and IWN strains respectively. The association between SAP types and egg quality traits revealed no significant difference between them except shell thickness. The eggs from F type birds had significantly higher shell thickness than 8 type in IWP and IWN strains of White Leghorn. Correlation between different SAP type matings and reproduction traits revealed that the fertility of F x F and F x S matings were highest followed by S x S and S x F. The hatchability (on fertile egg set) was high in F X F followed by F x S and S x F. the least hatchability was observed in S X S cross. The findings tend to conclude that the birds having gene Akp*" perform better in respect of egg production, egg quality and reproduction traits. The egg production at the later stage of life was found to be high in F type birds and hence it is desirable to follow selection on extended testing periods than relying on 40 weeks egg records.ThesisItem Open Access SUPEROVULATION AND EMBRYO RECOVERY IN RABBITS(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES Mannuthy - Thrissur, 1997) SATHESH KUMAR, S.; Suresh Nair, S.P; SATHESH KUMAR, S.Superovulation was induced in Newzealand White and Soviet Chinchilla breeds of rabbits by administration of a single dose of 150 lU PMSG followed by double mating at induced cycle and 150 lU HCG soon after second mating to induce ovulation. The onset and intensity of oestrum, number of ovulations, embryo recovery and quality of embryos were studied and compared with those of the controls of the respective breeds. The mean interval from PMSG administration to onset of oestrus in both the breeds was 56.0 ± 5.1 h. It was further observed that most of the treated animals showed intense oestrum when compared to controls. The ovulation rate based on the number of corporalutea in control animals of Newzealand White breed was 4.7 ± 1.2 as against 22.0 ± 1.35 in the treated group. There was significant difference (P<0.01) in the ovulation rate between the groups. The percentages of embryo recovery, fertile embryos and transferrable embryos in the control group were 47.22, 86.7 and 92.3 while those of the treatment group were 31.67, 100 and 87.8 respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups. While the control animals in Soviet Chinchilla breed had an ovulation rate of 6.7 ± 0.65, the treated rabbits showed a higher ovulation rate of 20.0 ± 3.2. There was significantly higher ovulation rate (P<0.01) in treated group when compared to controls. The embryo recovery rate, fertilized embryos and transferrable embryos in the control group were 53.33 per cent, 77.8 per cent and 93.8 per cent respectively. The corresponding values in the treatment group were 36.27 per cent, 69.82 per cent and 93.1 per cent respectively. There was no significant difference between the groups. No breed influence on the above parameters could also be noticed in this study It may be concluded that superovulation could be successfully induced in Newzealand White and Soviet Chinchilla breeds of rabbits with single dose of 150 lU PMSG, followed by 150 lU HOG soon after second mating. Eventhough there was superovulation, the embryo recovery rate was comparatively lower in the treated group probably on account of an altered oestrogen-progesterone profile interfering with the transport of the zygote, however the fertilization rate and the quality of the embryos were unaffected with the superovulation treatment.ThesisItem Open Access LOW MILK FAT SYNDROME IN CROSSBRED DAIRY COWS(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES Mannuthy - Thrissur, 1997) SIVARAMAN, S.; Alex, P.C; SIVARAMAN, S.The epidemiology, haematological and and biochemical changes in blood and pattern of rumen fermentation in low milk fat syndrome cows were studied. Ten cases (below 3.5% milk fat) and six control animals (above 3.5% milk fat) were investigated. Rumen liquor, blood and composite milk samples were collected on three occasions viz. 30th, 60th and 90th day of lactation and selected parameters were studied. There was no significant difference in the physical characters, pH, SAT, MBRT protozoal motility and protozoal count of rumen liquor. Significant reduction in the rumen total volatile fatty acid and the acetic:propionic ratio (A:P) was noticed in the low milk fat group. Significant decrease in acetic acid and increase in propionic acid was observed in the low milk fat group. There was no significant difference in haemoglobin, haemotocrit, and TEC between the control and low milk fat groups. No significant difference was noticed in the serum triglycerides, cholesterol and glucose level between the control and low milk fat groups.ThesisItem Open Access ASSESSMENT OF PARATENIC HOSTS IN THE TRANSMISSION OF Ancylostoma caninum TO DOGS(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCE,MANNUTHY, 1997) DEENA ANTONY. U.; George Varghese, CAn investigation into the "Assessment of paratenic hosts in the transmission of Ancylostoma caninum to dogs" was carried out during the period from October 1996 to September 1997. The experimental animals comprised of 24 day old chicks, 15 one month old albino mice, 60 cockroaches collected locally and 10 pups of 6 to 8 weeks old. Larvae obtained from faecal cultures set in room temperature were used for infecting paratemic hosts. The migration and distribution of A. caninum larvae in the tissues of chicks infected orally with 1000 larvae were studied. Larval yield at necropsy from different organs after digestion with artificial gastric juice revealed a 50.1 per cent recovery at 4 hr after inoculation followed by a sharp decline to 4.5 per cent at 72 hr. Larvae were detected in the lungs and liver at 12 hr at the rate of 67 and 63 respectively. The gastro intestinal tract yielded the maximum number of larvae (215) at 4 hr after infection. Migration in the muscles of neck and thorax was detected at 12 hr after infection. But no larvae were recovered from heart, spleen and kidney. Migration and distribution of A. caninum larvae in the tissues of mice orally infected with 1000 larvae and the establishment of patent infection from mice to definite host were studied. Highest larval recovery was at 4 hr post infection (48.6%) and lowest was (13.6%) at 30 days post infection. Migration of larvae to the liver and lungs occurred within 24 hr. No larvae were recovered from spleen, kidney and heart. Migration in the muscles of thorax and head and neck occurred within 4 days. In the infected cockroaches, living larvae were found in the muscles, wall and lumen of the gut region and haemocele. Histopathological lesions included mild disruption of the villi with mild infiltration of the inflammatory cells in the intestine, areas of congestion, haemorrhage and necrosis were noticed in the liver and lungs with sections of larvae found rupturing the wall of the alveoli. Patent infection was established in hookworm free pups, infected with larvae, recovered from infected chicks, mice and cockroaches and the pre-patent period was found to be 18 to 19 days. The present observations established that chicken, mice and insects like cockroaches might act as paratenic hosts for A. caninum, thus serving as natural sources of infection to pups.ThesisItem Open Access IMMUNODIAGNOSIS OF TOXOPLASMOSIS IN GOATS(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES Mannuthy - Thrissur, 1997) SYAMALA, K.; Devada, K.; SYAMALA, K.A serological survey was carried out on the prevalence of caprine toxoplasmosis in Kerala, by two simple and sensitive serological tests-modified agglutination test (MAT) and carbon immuno assay (CIA). A total of 152 goat sera were collected from the Government Goat Farms, Attappady and Kommeri, Kerala Agricultural University Goat Farm, Mannuthy and from the slaughter houses at Trichur and Ernakulam. The MAT carried out for Toxoplasma gondii antibodies revealed 53.29 per cent as seropositive while CIA revealed 44.07 per cent. A higher prevalence was detected among does than in bucks. A remarkable age-wise prevalence was not observed in this study. Eventhough a higher prevalence was noticed in Malabari breeds, as the number of goats in each breed was too uneven, a breed-wise prevalence could not be ascertained. Area-wise, a higher prevalence was noticed in goats that belonged to Kannur district, both by MAT and CIA. Modified agglutination test was a sensitive and specific test for the serological surveys on caprine toxoplasmosis, while CIA was a cost effective and simple test which could be made use of under our field conditions. The methods of maintenance and propagation of T. gondii RH strain in mice in the laboratory were standardised and it was found that a dose of 0.30 ml of "+ + +' infective fluid given intraperitoneally was sufficient for propagation of the strain in mice in the laboratory. White mice experimentally inoculated subcutaneously and intraperitoneally, exhibited similar symptoms like huddling in one corner, anorexia, rough hair coat, respiratory distress and ascites. The intracerebrally inoculated mice showed epileptic symptoms and blindness. Haemorrhage and congestion of lungs, catarrhal inflammation of stomach and intestine and necrosis of liver were the main gross lesions noticed in the acutely infected mice. Alveolar and interstitial pneumonia, coagulative necrosis of liver, destruction of tubular and glomerular epithelium of kidney, necrosis of spleen and destruction of cardiac musculature were the prominent microscopic changes observed. Infection in mice by bioassay with acid pepsin digested visceral organs of acutely infected mice was successful. This indicated that T. gondii tachyzoites could survive acid pepsin for 75 min, as the tissues utilised for bioassay carried only Toxoplasma tachyzoites. Studies on the sensitivity of T. gondii tachyzoites to heat revealed that they could be killed by incubating at 56°C for 30 min or boiling at IGQOC for five minutes. The method of cultivation of T. gondii tachyzoites in duck embryos by the chorioallantoic membrane route was successful resulting in yellowish white pock lesions on CAM, with congestion and haemorrhage on embryos and brain. A successful cryopreservation of T. gondii using tris-glycerol as cryoprotectant for 145 days at -20°C and for 250 days at -56°C was achieved.