Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

The history of agricultural education in Kerala can be traced back to the year 1896 when a scheme was evolved in the erstwhile Travancore State to train a few young men in scientific agriculture at the Demonstration Farm, Karamana, Thiruvananthapuram, presently, the Cropping Systems Research Centre under Kerala Agricultural University. Agriculture was introduced as an optional subject in the middle school classes in the State in 1922 when an Agricultural Middle School was started at Aluva, Ernakulam District. The popularity and usefulness of this school led to the starting of similar institutions at Kottarakkara and Konni in 1928 and 1931 respectively. Agriculture was later introduced as an optional subject for Intermediate Course in 1953. In 1955, the erstwhile Government of Travancore-Cochin started the Agricultural College and Research Institute at Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram and the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at Mannuthy, Thrissur for imparting higher education in agricultural and veterinary sciences, respectively. These institutions were brought under the direct administrative control of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Animal Husbandry, respectively. With the formation of Kerala State in 1956, these two colleges were affiliated to the University of Kerala. The post-graduate programmes leading to M.Sc. (Ag), M.V.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees were started in 1961, 1962 and 1965 respectively. On the recommendation of the Second National Education Commission (1964-66) headed by Dr. D.S. Kothari, the then Chairman of the University Grants Commission, one Agricultural University in each State was established. The State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) were established in India as an integral part of the National Agricultural Research System to give the much needed impetus to Agriculture Education and Research in the Country. As a result the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) was established on 24th February 1971 by virtue of the Act 33 of 1971 and started functioning on 1st February 1972. The Kerala Agricultural University is the 15th in the series of the SAUs. In accordance with the provisions of KAU Act of 1971, the Agricultural College and Research Institute at Vellayani, and the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, were brought under the Kerala Agricultural University. In addition, twenty one agricultural and animal husbandry research stations were also transferred to the KAU for taking up research and extension programmes on various crops, animals, birds, etc. During 2011, Kerala Agricultural University was trifurcated into Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU), Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) and Kerala Agricultural University (KAU). Now the University has seven colleges (four Agriculture, one Agricultural Engineering, one Forestry, one Co-operation Banking & Management), six RARSs, seven KVKs, 15 Research Stations and 16 Research and Extension Units under the faculties of Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering and Forestry. In addition, one Academy on Climate Change Adaptation and one Institute of Agricultural Technology offering M.Sc. (Integrated) Climate Change Adaptation and Diploma in Agricultural Sciences respectively are also functioning in Kerala Agricultural University.

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Open Access
Marker assisted selection for milk production traits in vechur cattle
(Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Mannuthy, 2005) Shymaja, Uthaman; Raghunandanan, K V
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 porcine immune responses among different genetic groups
(Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2005) Jeeeba K George; KAU; Rajan, M R
Porcine immune responses were evaluated using PHA skin test and microhaemolytic assay in this study. Investigation was undertaken in three genetic groups namely Desi, Large White Yorkshire and Duroc x Large White Yorkshire. The economic traits studied were birth weight, litter size at birth, weaning litter size and weaning body weight. The cell-mediated immune response was assessed by noting cutaneous response to intradermal injection of phytohaemagglutinin. Humoral immune response was assessed by noting antibody response to sheep red blood cells. Correlation of immune response with growth, disease occurrence and mortality among the littermates were also evaluated. The highest birth weight, body weight at weaning, litter size at birth and weaning were recorded in Duroc x Large White Yorkshire, medium in Large White Yorkshire and least in Desi. The increase in skin thickness at 24, 48 and 72 hour post- injection of PHA-M was highest in Desi, medium in Duroc x Large White Yorkshire and least in Large White Yorkshire. The correlations of cutaneous response to phytohaemagglutinin with pre- weaning mortality among littermates and enteritis were found to be non-significant in Desi, Large White Yorkshire and Duroc x Large White Yorkshire piglets. Among three genetic groups, serum samples from Desi piglets had a higher mean antibody titre on 7th, 14th, 21st day than the other two. Medium titre was noted in Duroc x Large White Yorkshire and least in Large White Yorkshire. Sire effect was highly significant with antibody response on seventh, fourteenth and 21st day post inoculation. The correlations of antibody response to sheep RBC with pre- weaning mortality among littermates and enteritis were also found to be non-significant in Desi, Large White Yorkshire and Duroc x Large White Yorkshire piglets. The effects of sires within Desi, Large White Yorkshire and Duroc x Large White Yorkshire were found to be highly significant (P<0.01) on antibody response to sheep RBC on 7th, 14th and 21st day. Different litter traits had no significant effect on cutaneous response to PHA-M and antibody response to sheep RBC. High heritabilities were estimated for pre-injection skin thickness, cutaneous response to PHA-M at 24, 48, 72 hour post-injection and antibody response to sheep red blood cells on 7th, 14th, 21st day post- inoculation. Correlations of antibody response to sheep RBC on 14th day with cutaneous response to phytohaemagglutinin at 24 hour and 48 hour were found to be non-significant. Antibody response to sheep RBC on 21st day correlated non-significantly with cutaneous response to PHA-M at 24 hour and 48 hour. Antibody response to sheep RBC on 7th, 14th and 21st day associated non-significantly with weaning body weight and pre-weaning mortality. Even though correlations were non-significant, they revealed a negative trend. The association between cutaneous response to PHA-M at 24 hour and birth weight was non-significant.
Open Access
Genetic diversity analysis of goat breeds using microsatellite markers
(Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2005) Amrita Susan, Jacob; KAU; Aravindakshan, T V
The study was undertaken to assess the genetic variability among four goat breeds of South India using microsatellite markers. Three breeds studied were native to Kerala. These were Malabari, Attappadi Black and non-descript goats of Thrissur. The fourth breed, Salem Black, originated in the Salem district of Tamil Nadu. Microsatellite analysis was carried out using four highly polymorphic bovine markers. Blood samples from 30 genetically unrelated animals of each breed were collected and used as a source of DNA. The phenol-chloroform extraction procedure was used and the mean yield of DNA obtained was 361.43±10.73 µg/five ml blood. The four markers selected for the study were, INRA63, ILSTS030, HUJII77 and BM6121. PCR conditions were standardised for all the primers. The forward primer of each primer pair used in the PCR assay was end labeled with γ32P-ATP prior to setting up of the PCR. M13 DNA was sequenced and used as the size standard. The PCR products were separated by denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Detection of the products was done by autoradiography. Gels after electrophoresis were dried and was set for autoradiography with X-ray film in a cassette fitted with intensifying screen. Allele sizes were obtained by comparing with the sequence of M13 single stranded DNA size standard. A total of eleven alleles were detected at the INRA63 locus. The mean heterozygosity and PIC values obtained were 0.774 and 0.743, respectively. Seventeen alleles were detected at the ILSTS30 locus. The mean values of heterozygosity and PIC were 0.878 and 0.866, respectively. Thirteen alleles were detected at the BM6121 locus with mean heterozygosity and PIC values of 0.851 and 0.833, respectively. The HUJII77 locus was the most polymorphic of all the four loci detecting 21 alleles. The mean heterozygosity and PIC values were 0.899 and 0.88, respectively. The allele frequency measures were used to estimate the Nei’s standard genetic distance among the populations using the PHYLIP package. The distance measures ranged from 0.388 to 0.224, with the highest value noticed between Salem Black and non-descript goats of Thrissur and the lowest between Malabari and non-descript animals. A dendrogram was constructed using the POPGENE program which grouped the Salem Black and Attappadi Black goats in one cluster and Malabari and the non-descript goats of Thrissur in another.
Open Access
Evaluation of microsatellite markers for paternity testing in cattle
(Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2004) Preethy, M S; KAU; Usha, A P
A study was undertaken to evaluate the efficiency of microsatellite markers for paternity testing in cattle of Kerala. Genomic DNA was isolated from whole blood, fresh and frozen semen samples using phenol: chloroform method. DNA samples from 100 genetically unrelated animals were used to determine the polymorphisity of the markers and samples of known pedigree was used to test the inheritance of markers. The mean yield of DNA obtained from 5 ml of whole blood was 388.2 ± 14.3 µg, from fresh semen was 181.15 ± 6.2 µg/400 million sperms and from frozen semen was 116.95 ± 25.2 µg/150 million sperm cells. The optical density ratios (260/280) ranged from 1.64 to 1.81, 1.42 to 1.73, 1.54 to 1.76 and for DNA obtained from blood, fresh and frozen semen respectively. Three microsatellite markers viz., DRB3, ETH131 and FSH out of a panel of tested markers were chosen for the study based on their polymorphicity and ease of typing. The forward primer of each primer pair was end-labelled with  32P-ATP. PCR parameters varied between the primers with respect to annealing temperature (60°C for DRB3 and FSH; 55°C for ETH131) and MgCl2 concentration (1.25 mM for DRB3 and FSH; 1.5 mM for ETH131). The amplified products fractionated by denaturing polyacrylamide gel electropheresis were visualized by autoradiography. The number of alleles was counted and allele sizes assigned by comparison with sequences of M13 DNA run along with PCR products. The frequency of each allele was worked out. Seventeen alleles with sizes ranging from 138-192 bp were identified for DRB3, 11 alleles of size ranges 134-168 bp for ETH131 and nine alleles of size ranges of 184-214 bp were observed for FSH. The heterozygosity values obtained for each locus were 0.8938, 0.8385 and 0.8519 for DRB3, ETH131 and FSH respectively. DRB3 was highly informative with PIC value of 0.8864 followed by FSH (0.8392) and ETH131 (0.8151). The probability of exclusion of incorrect sire was calculated independently for the three markers and the values were 0.7913, 0.6787 and 0.7035 for DRB3, ETH131 and FSH respectively. The combined probability of exclusion obtained with DRB3 and ETH131 was 0.9329 and DRB3 and FSH was 0.9381 and that with ETH131 and FSH was 0.9047. The three markers together yielded a cumulative exclusion probability of 0.9801. Thus the exclusion probability was found to increase with the number of markers. The inheritance pattern of these markers was tested on known sire families. All the three markers agreed with each other in identifying the correct sire and excluding the incorrect one. Though the efficacy of the three markers for paternity testing was found satisfactory, it was concluded that one or two similarly polymorphic markers have to be used along with the markers studied to obtain maximum probability of exclusion of 0.99.
Open Access
Growth and survivability of GH/Msp I genotypes in malabari goats
(Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2004) Bindu Mathew; KAU; Raghavan, K C
etc. Growth hormone gene, due to its essential role in lactation and growth processes, is a perfect candidate marker associated with somatotropic axis. Selection of animals based on the growth hormone genotypes can be introduced in the animal husbandry sector for better production. The present investigation was undertaken to study the growth and survivability of GH/MspI genotypes in Malabari goats at different centers of Badagara, Thalassery, Thanur as well as Malabari conservation unit, Regional Agricultural Research Station, Pilicode. DNA was isolated from 32 bucks, 241 does mated to those bucks and 297 of their progeny using phenol - chloroform extraction method. A 768-bp fragment from third exon to fifth exon containing the polymorphic Msp1 site was amplified well using bovine primers, indicating species homology. The amplified product on digestion with the Msp1 enzyme revealed the GH/Msp1 (+) and (-) alleles. The percentage of incidence of (+/-) genotype was 61.76 and that of (+/+) genotype was 38.24. None of the animals typed were of the GH/Msp1 (-/-) genotype. The genotype frequencies of bucks and does were consistent with the general population. In the specific heterozygous mating (+/- x +/-), 28 per cent of the progenies were (+/+) homozygotes and the rest 72 per cent were heterozygotes (+/-). Early embryonic mortality was not found to be a cause for the absence of the GH/Msp1 -/- genotype as the kidding percentage in heterozygous mating were not different from other types of matings. There was no relationship between growth upto six months of age and GH/Msp1 genotypes. The study confirms a strong heterozygotic advantage for the GH/Msp1 +/- genotype and also the absence of GH/Msp1 -/- genotype in Malabari goats. Presence of duplicate copies of the growth hormone gene in goats may be a possible reason for the above results.

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

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