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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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2000 - 20015
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Subject: Animal Nutrition × End date: 2001 × Start date: 2000 × Type: Thesis × Thesis Type: M.V.Sc. ×
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Influence of different levels of energy on growth performance of crossbred pigs
    (Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2001) Rekha, P; KAU; George, Mathen
    An experiment was conducted to assess •the influence of different levels of energy on the growth performance of crossbred (Large White Yorkshire x Desi) pigs. Fifteen male (castrated) and fifteen female weaned crossbred piglets with an average body weight of 12.9 kg were divided into three equal groups as uniformly as possible with regard to age, sex and body weight. The three groups of piglets were maintained on three rations with 16 per cent crude protein but differing in their energy content, viz., 2800 kcal (T1), 3000 kcal CT2) and 3200 kcal (TI) of digestible energy (DE) per kg. The average daily gains recorded for the three groups T1, T2 and TI were 262.9, 302.0 and 362.8 g respectively. The cumulative feed conversion efficiencies were 6.0, 5.2 and 4.1 for the groups T1, T2 and TI respectively. The values recorded for TI were higher (P<0.01) than those for T1 and T2. The digestibility coefficients of nutrients except that of crude fibre and crude protein were found to improve with increase in the energy content of the rations. Study of the carcass traits revealed that the body weight at slaughter and dressed weight without head improved as the energy content of the rations increased. However, dressing percentage, carcass length and back fat thickness were not significantly influenced by the energy content of the ration. The cost of feed per kg weight gain of animals was significantly lower (P<0.01) for the dietary treatment T3 compared to that of T2 and Tl, the values being Rs.49.90, 43.30 and 34.10 for Tl, T2 and T3 respectively. The above results indicate that crossbred pigs require 3200 kcal of DE/kg of the ration for better growth performance provided the crude protein level is maintained at 16 per cent.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Nutritive evaluation of squilla (oratosquilla nepa) meal in broiler chicken diets
    (Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2000) Kanakasabai, P; KAU; Kunjikutty, N
    An experiment was designed and conducted to assess the nutritive value of squilla (Oratosquilla nepa) meal in broiler chicken diet as an animal protein source replacing fish meal protein at three levels viz. zero, 50 and 100 per cent with supplementation of lysine and methionine at 100 per cent level of replacement. One hundred and eighty one – day old straight – run commercial broiler chicks were divided into four groups each with three replicates of fifteen birds and were allotted to four dietary treatments viz. T1 containing 10 per cent unsalted dried fish (control), T2 in which 50 per cent crude protein from dried fish was replaced with squilla meal protein, T3 in which 100 per cent crude protein from dried fish was replaced with squilla meal protein and T4 in which T3 was supplemented with adequate lysine and methionine as per BIS (1992). The rations were made isoproteimic and iso – caloric. The chicks were reared under standard managemental conditions for a period of eight weeks. The birds fed on 100 per cent squilla meal protein dist in replacement of fish meal protein attained significantly lower body weight gain )P < 0.01) compared to those in the control ( T1) and 50 per cent squilla meal protein (T2) group at six and eight weeks. Lysine and methionine supplementation in the 100 per cent squilla meal protein diet improved the weight gain of birds to a level comparable to those on 50 per cent squilla meal protein diet. Feed intake and protein of birds on various dietary treatments at different ages did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). But the feed conversion efficiency of birds maintained on control diet was significantly higher (P < 0.05) at six weeks and eight weeks (P < 0.01) than those on 100 per cent squilla meal protein diet (2.437 vs 2.93). Protein efficiency ratio of birds differed significantly between different treatment groups and the values correlate well with the body weight gain at different ages. Slaughter studies revealed no significant difference (P > 0.05) between the different groups in dressed yield, giblet yield and length of duodenum. However, the abdominal fat was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in control group of birds, while the ready – t0 – cook yield was significantly less (P < 0.05) in 100 per cent squilla meal protein group. The apparent metabolisable energy content of different rations and daily protein retention of birds showed no significant difference between the different dietary treatments. The cost of production per kilogram of live weight gain of birds maintained on the four dietary treatments T1, T2, T3 and T4 were Rs. 26.42, 26.24, 27.25 and 27.79 respectively. Though there was a slight decrease in the cost of production of birds due to incorporation of squilla meal in place of unsalted dried fish at 50 per cent replacement, the difference was insignificant. However, 100 percent replacement of fish meal protein with squilla meal protein and amino acid supplementation to the same increased the cost of production (P < 0.01) with no corresponding increase in performance. From the results obtained in the present study it was inferred that squilla meal can be effectively included in broiler chicken diets to replace 50 per cent of fish meal protein without affecting growth, feed conversion efficiency and the cost of production.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Effect of monensin supplementation on growth and bioavailability of minerals in kids
    (Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2001) Sindhu, P R; KAU; Gangadevi, P
    An investigation spread over a period of 13 weeks was carried out to assess the effect of monensin on growth and bioavailability of minerals in kids. Eighteen Malabari kids of three to four months of age divided into three identical groups formed the experimental subject. The kids in groups I, Il and III were maintained on concentrate mixtures supplemented with 0, 20 and 30 ppm monensin respectively along with jack leaves fed ad libitum as the sole source of roughage, for a period of 13 weeks. Increase in body weight, feed conversion efficiency, dry matter intake, digestibility of nutrients, nitrogen balance, mineral balance and serum mineral concentration of kids were the criteria employed for evaluation. The weight gained by the animals during the experimental period was highest in group III followed by groups II and I in the descending order, group II and III showing significantly higher weight gain (p < 0.01) than group 1. This is suggestive of the positive influence of monensin on the growth of kids. Maximum improvement in feed conversion efficiency was shown by kids in group Ill, followed by group Il and group I. Though there was no significant difference (p < 0.05) between the two monensin supplemented groups (groups Il and Ill), both had significant improvement (P < 0.01) over the controls. The dry matter intake per 100 kg body weight was significantly lower (p < 0.01) in groups Il and III than group I, but no significant difference was recorded in a verage daily dry matter intake between the three groups. Regarding the nutrient digestibility an increasing trend In the digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, crude fibre, ether extract and nitrogen free extract• was noticed (P > 0.05)• in monansm supplemented groups over the non •supplemented control group. Nitrogen retention (per cent of intake) was highest In group IH and lowest in group I, with significant increase (P < 0.01) in monensin supplemented groups (groups Il and Ill) over group I. Though there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in per cent retention of calcium, phosphorus, i r on, copper, zmc and manganese between the monensin supplemented and non-supplemented groups, an increasing trend was observed in the percentage r eterrtion of major as well as trace minerals on monensin supplementation. The haematological constituents VIZ., haemoglobin, plasma protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, copper, zinc and manganese in kids of various groups were within the normal range. There was no significant influence (P > 0.05) of monensin on haematological values. From an overall evaluation of the results obtained during the course of the present investigation :it can be inferred that supplementation of monensin at 20 and 30 ppm level significantly (P < 0.01) improves the growth rate, feed efficiency and nitrogen retention, reduces the dry matter consumption and favours (P > 0.05) nutrient digestibility and utilization of major as well as trace mi ner al s in kids reared under intensive system of management.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Effect of energy supplementation on growth of crossbred heifers
    (Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2001) Sunil Wilson; KAU; Mercy, A D
    An investigation was carried out to assess the effect of energy supplementation on growth of crossbred heifers. Eighteen crossbred heifers with an average age of 15 months and were distributed into three groups as uniformly as possible with regard to age and body weight. The dietary treatments TI, T2, and T3 were randomly allotted to each group. The three dietary treatments were Tl - control diet (concentrate mixture + straw) as per ICAR recommendations, T2 - control diet supplemented with 0.5 kg ground maize and T3 - control diet supplemented with 1 kg ground maize. The animals maintained on the three dietary treatments Tl , T2 and T3 showed an average daily body weight gain of 535.47,602.15 and 631.18 g respectively during the experimental period of 155 days. Statistical analysis of the body weight gain showed no significant difference between the three dietary treatment groups. The average daily dry matter intake was significantly higher (Pin the animals maintained on T3 ration compared to Tl and 1'2. However the dry matter intake as percentage of body weight remained similar in the heifers fed the three experimental diets. The energy supplementation did not seem to have any effect on the feed to gain and protein efficiency ratios of the crossbred heifers. Energy supplementation to the crossbred heifers had no effect on any of the rumen fermentation characteristics as pH, total volatile fatty acid concentration and ammonia nitrogen concentration of the rumen liquor.• The plasma levels of calcium and phosphorus also remained similar for the animals maintained on the three dietary treatments. A significant increase in the digestibilities of dry matter (P<0.05) and crude protein (Pobserved in the animals supplemented with maize at 0.5 (12) and 1 kg (T3) levels as an energy source compared to the control (TI). However the digestibilities of ether extract, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre remained unaffected by the extra energy supplementation. An improved reproductive performance was exhibited by the animals maintained on T3 ration. The cost of feed for producing unit gain was almost similar for the three dietary treatments. Thus a critical assessment of the overall results obtained during the course of the present study did not reveal any significant effect of energy supplementation on the growth, feed efficiency, rumen fermentation characteristics and the plasma levels of calcium and phosphorus. However, energy supplementation improved the dry matter and crude protein digestibilities. The reproductive performance of the animals was also better in the high energy supplemented group.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Effect of particle size of maize on the growth performance and digestibility of nutrients in crossbred (Large White Yorkshire x Desi) pigs
    (Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2000) Vasudevan, G; KAU; Viswanathan, T V
    An investigation was carried out to assess the influence of particle size of maize on the growth performance, digestibility of nutrients and carcass quality in crossbred pigs. Twenty four female weaned crossbred (Large White Yorkshire x Desi) piglings with an average live weight of 14.5 kg were divided into three groups (Tj, T2 and T3) of eight animals as uniformly as possible. They were maintained on the same diet containing maize with the particle size of 3 mm, 1 mm and <0.1 mm, respectively for a period of five months. The average daily gains of 317, 335 and 373 g were recorded for the groups Tj, T2 and T3, respectively. The cumulative feed conversion ratios were 5.38, 5.08 and 4.57 for the groups Tl, T2 and T3, respectively. Finely ground maize in the diet of growing-finishing pigs improved average daily gain and feed conversion efficiency by 6 per cent each over medium ground maize and by 18 per cent and 15 per cent over coarsely ground maize, respectively. As the particle size of maize reduced an overall improvement in the digestibility of nutrients was observed. The pigs fed diet containing finely ground maize showed better nutrient digestibility than those fed with coarse or medium ground maize. Results of the studies on carcass traits revealed that there was no significant difference in the dressing percentage, carcass length, back fat thickness and loin eye area due to variation in the particle size of maize. Cost of feed per kg live weight of animals in the three groups Tl, T2 and T3 were Rs. 42.34,40.49 and 37.11, respectively. 2 This decrease in cost of feed per kg weight gain of pigs with reduction in the particle size of maize is due to better feed conversion efficiently as a result of increased nutrient digestibility. The above results confirm the positive influence of fme grinding of maize on the growth performance, feed conversion efficiency and nutrient digestibility in cross bred pigs. The additional benefit of reduced nutrient excretion due to increased digestibility will make swine husbandry more eco-friendly.