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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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20035
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Subject: Animal Nutrition × Author: KAU × End date: 2003 × Start date: 2003 ×
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Now showing 1 - 5 of 5
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Effect of dietary potassium diformate on growth performance in large white yorkshire pigs
    (Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 2003) Suresh, M; KAU; Viswanathan, T V
    A study was carried out to assess the influence of potassium diformate on growth performance, digestibility of nutrients and carcass quality in Large White Yorkshire pigs. Thirty weaned male piglings with an average live weight of 13.0 kg were divided into three equal groups as uniform as possible with regard to age and body weight. Pigs were maintained on three experimental diets viz., T j - control standard grower (18 per cent crude protein and 3150 kcal/kg ME) and finisher ration (15.5 per cent crude protein and 3100 kcal/kg ME), T2 - control diet supplemented with 0.75 per cent potassium diformate and T3 - control diet supplemented with 1.5 per cent potassium diformate. The average daily gain of 465,494 and 519 g were recorded for the groups Tj , T2 and T3, respectively. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) between the supplemented group and the group fed control diet. However, there was a trend for a higher growth rate of 6.2 per cent and 11.7 per cent, reported for T2 and T 3 over those fed control diet. The average cumulative feed conversion efficiency were 3.97, 3.74 and 3.55 for the groups Tj, T2 and T3, respectively. Addition of potassium diformate at 0.75 and 1.5 per cent level in the diet of growing-finishing pigs had a higher (Pthose fed control diet. Ther,e was no significant difference (P>0.05) between the supplemented groups. However, there was a trend for a higher feed efficiency for those fed 1.5 per cent potassium diformate supplemented diet. The digestibility coefficients for dry matter, ether extract, crude protein and nitrogen free extract were significantly higher (Ppotassium diformate at both the levels (0.75 and 1.5 per cent). There was no significant difference between the supplemented groups. Dressing percentage, carcass length, back fat thickness, loin eye area and others were not significantly influenced (P>0.05) by the inclusion of potassium diformate at different levels. The costs of feed per kg live weight gain of pigs were Rs.32.82, 32.05 and 31.50, respectively for T1, T2 and T3. The above results indicate that potassium diformate can be economically incorporated at l.5 per cent level in the diet of Large White Yorkshire pigs.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Effect of citric acid and microbial phytase on phosphorus utilization and growth in broiler chicken
    (Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 2003) Hariharan, T; KAU; Gangadevi, P
    An investigation spread over a period of eight weeks was carried out to study the effect of citric acid and microbial phytase (Natuphos®-SOOOG) on nutrient utilization and growth performance in broiler chicken. One hundred and ninety two day-old broiler chicks (Ven cob) were divided into four identical groups having four replicates in each group with 12 birds in each replicate and allotted randomly into four dietary treatments viz., T1, T2, T3 and T4. The treatments consisted of a standard broiler ration (SBR) with O.S per cent available P (T1), low available P broiler ration having 0.3 per cent available P (LAPBR) and 3.0 per cent citric acid (T2), LAPBR supplemented with 700 U of phytase/kg feed (T3) and LAPBR with 1.5 per cent citric acid and 3S0 U of phytase/kg feed (T4). All the rations were formulated as per BIS specifications except in the level of available P. Effect on body weight, weight gain, feed efficiency, protein efficiency, DM retention, nitrogen balance, mineral availability, serum and tibial mineral contents, processing yields and livability of birds were the criteria employed for evaluation. Body weight and weight gain of the experimental birds were significantly influenced by the dietary treatments. Maximum weight and weight gain were recorded in T4 followed by T2, T3 and Tl in the descending order, indicating the positive and synergistic effects of citric acid and phytase on phosphorus utilization and growth. Cumulative feed intake of experimental birds was significantly (Pgroups over the control, the highest feed intake being noticed in T4 followed by T2, T3 and T1. Cumulative FCR did not differ significantly (P>O.OS) between treatments. However, comparatively better feed efficiency was recorded in citric acid and phytase groups (T2, T3 and T4) at sixth week and comparable values at eighth week with the control group (Tl). Cumulative PER also showed similar trend in eight week with significantly high (Psignificantly, better DM retention, nitrogen balance, per cent retention and reduced nitrogen excretion were noticed in T2, T3 and T4 than Tl. Availability of P, Mg, Zn and Mn were enhanced (P>0.05) in T2, T3 and T4 by citric acid and phytase addition compared to Tl group on SBR. Mg and Mn availability were significantly influenced by dietary treatments with highest availability of Mg and Mn noticed in T3 (P<0.05) followed by T4, T2 and Tl. The excretion of P was significantly reduced (P<0.05) in T2, T3 and T4 on citric acid and for phytase supplementation. Weight of dried tibia was significantly high (P<0.05) in T4 followed by T2, T3 and Tl at sixth week. Per cent tibial ash at sixth and eighth week were also high (P>0.05) in T2, T3 and T4 compared to Tl on SBR which could indicate that citric acid and/or phytase favour P utilization and bone development. No significant difference \ could be noticed in tibial and serum Ca, P, Mg, Zn and Mn except for a significantly high . tibial Mg (P<0.05) in T4 and serum Zn (P<0.05) in T3 at sixth week. Serum alkaline phosphatase was significantly reduced (P . ., by T3, T2 and Tl. Birds of citric acid, phytase and combination group though maintained on low P diet registered no significant difference in per cent dressed yield, ready-to-cook yield, gib let yield, abdominal fat yield and livability, when compared to Tl fed on SBR. Regarding the cost of production as feed cost/kg gain, phytase group (T3) recorded the lowest due to high cost citric acid. Overall evaluation of the results of the present study revealed that inclusion of either 3.0 per cent citric acid or phytase (700U/kg feed) or its combination (1.5 per cent .citric acid + 350 U phytase/kg feed) in low available P diet (0.3 per cent) resulted in better nutrient utilization and growth performance in chicks than chicks maintained on SBR with 0,5 per cent available P; tending to suggest that available P level in the feed could be reduced by 40 per cent without affecting the performance and health of broiler chicks by dietary inclusion of citric acid and/or phytase.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Influence of rendered fat in the diet of large white yorkshire sows on litter performance
    (Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2003) Thiruveni, S; KAU; Viswanathan, T V
    A study was conducted to assess the influence of rendered fat in the diet of Large White Yorkshire sows on their litter performance. Thirty-two Large White Yorkshire gestating sows at late gestation (100 days of gestation) formed the experimental animals. Four groups with eight replicates each were maintained under four experimental diets, viz., Tl (standard ration - containing 18% crude protein and 3300 kcal DE/kg), T2 (standard ration + 5 per cent rendered animal fat), T3 (standard ration + lO per cent rendered animal fat) and T4 (standard ration + 15 per cent rendered animal fat) from late gestation (100 days of gestation) to weaning (56 days of lactation). There were no significant differences (P>0.05) observed between the four dietary treatments for the parameters observed such as litter size and piglet weight at birth and at weaning, average daily gain of piglets, body weight loss of sows during lacta~ion and piglet mortality. But there was a trend for reduction in lactational body weight loss of sows fed T2, T3 and T 4 experimental diets. The digestibility coefficients of nutrients such as ether extract (Pcrude fibre was found to be decreased (Pcrude protein were not affected (P>0.05) with the increasing energy density of the experimental diets. ii The cost benefit ratios showed an increasing trend in the economics of gain from the sows fed rendered animal fat added gestation and lactation diets than that of the control sows. The above results indicate that the rendered animal fat, as an energy source for Large White Yorkshire sows, can be added extra at 15 per cent level of the standard ration (containing 3300 kcal DE/kg and 18% crude protein) during late gestation and lactation, to improve the performance of sows and the litter and to have a better economics of gain.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Assessment of the dietary level of minerals for lactation in crossbred cows in Kerala under different feeding systems
    (Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2003) Syam Mohan, K M; KAU; Gangadevi, P
    An investigation spread over a period of eight months was undertaken in crossbred dairy cattle to assess the dietary levels of minerals for lactation under different feeding systems. Twelve healthy crossbred cows at eight months pregnancy having an average peak yield of minimum eight litres per day in their previous lactation were divided into two groups of six each as uniformly as possible with regard to age and milk yield and were allotted to two dietary treatments viz. ration A consisting of basal concentrate mixture and green grass as roughage (Grass based diet) and ration B consisting of basal concentrate mixture and paddy straw as roughage (Straw based diet). All the experimental animals were fed as per NRC (1989) standards and maintained individually on their respective dietary regime from two months before calving to six months of lactation. Average dry matter intake, milk yield, milk fat percentage, serum minerals, mineral content of milk, digestibility of nutrients, N balance, balance of Ca, P, Mg, Cu and Zn, incidence of metabolic disorders and reproductive performance were the criteria employed for evaluation. Average body weights of animals revealed no significant difference for both the groups during all the fortnights studied. Significant increase (P<0.01) in the average dry matter intake was observed for the animals of group I compared to group II and the highest dry matter intake was observed during the eighth and third fortnight, respectively. Average daily milk yield and fat per cent in milk in all the twelve fortnights did not differ significantly between the groups. The average haemoglobin and mineral concentration in serum and milk at the first, third and sixth month of lactation for the animals in group I and II did not differ significantly. The mineral content in serum and milk in both groups were within the normal range reported for the species. The average digestibility coefficients of dry matter, nitrogen free extract, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre in group I and II differed significantly (P<0.01) with higher values observed for animals of group I fed grass based diet. No significant difference could be observed in the digestibility coefficient of crude protein and ether extract between the group I and II during the third and sixth month of lactation. The average digestibility coefficients of crude fibre for the third month of lactation between the group I and II did not differ significantly but those for the sixth month of lactation differed significantly (P<0.01) with higher values for group I animals fed grass based diet. Results with respect to balance of N, Ca, P and Mg did not differ significantly (P>0.05) between the two groups for both periods of lactation whereas that for Cu during the third month and that for Zn during both periods of lactation differed significantly (P<0.01) with higher balance for the group I fed grass based ration. There was no incidence of metabolic disorders like hypocalcaemia, hypomagnesaemia and ketosis in both groups of animals. The reproductive performances of animals of both groups were almost similar. An overall critical evaluation of the results obtained in the present study helps to infer that grass based feeding system had a significant effect on improving the digestibility of dry matter, crude fibre, nitrogen free extract, NDF, ADF and the bioavailability of Cu and Zn. Positive balance was obtained for the minerals studied along with their normal content in serum and milk and the animals were apparently healthy without any incidence of metabolic disorders or deficiency symptoms. Hence it is inferred that NRC (1989) requirements of Ca, P, Mg, Cu and Zn is applicable to crossbred lactating cattle of Kerala under both grass and straw based system. The study also indicates that the requirements of P, Mg, Cu and Zn can be solely met from their content in the feed ingredients and Ca is the only element that needs to be supplemented under both feeding system.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Influence of level and degradability of dietary protein on early lactation in crossbred cows
    (Kerala Agricultural University;Thrissur, 2003) Ally, K.; KAU; Merey, A.D.