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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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ThesisItem Open 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, MathenAn 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.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of replacing dried fish with lysine and methionine in the calf starter on the growth performance of crossbred calves(Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2004) Jith John, Mathew; Ally, KA growth trial was conducted with fourteen crossbred calves below one month of age for 145 days to study the effect of replacement of unsalted dried fish in the calf starter with a total vegetable protein source supplemented with lysine and methionine. Calves were divided into two groups as uniformly as possible and allotted randomly to two dietary treatments. The control group was fed with a calf starter containing unsalted dried fish. The treatment group was fed a calf starter with only vegetable protein sources formulated to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric with control calf starter and equated by supplementation, with the same as regard to amino acids lysine and methionine plus cystine. Statistical analysis of the data showed that there was no significant difference in any of the parameters recorded during the study. An average daily gain of 325 grams and 348 grams were obtained in calves fed with the control and treatment diets respectively. Feed to gain ratio for the control and treatment groups were 3.85 and 3.81 respectively. Dry matter intake and haematological parameters such as haemoglobin, serum phosphorus, serum calcium, plasma glucose, serum total protein and blood urea nitrogen were similar in calves receiving the two dietary treatments. The digestibility coefficients of nutrients observed were 66.37 and 65.84 for dry matter, 72.21 and 72.36 for crude protein, 64.28 and 61.85 for ether extract, 62.34 and 60.71 for neutral detergent fibre and 51.95 and 52.25 for acid detergent fibre for the control and treatment diets respectively. Identical performance was obtained in all the parameters recorded. Cost per kilogram body weight gain was Rs 71.40 for the control group and Rs 69.63 in the treatment group. It could be inferred from the study that unsalted fish in a calf starter can be fully replaced by plant protein sources supplemented for existing deficiencies in lysine and methionine plus cystine to obtain similar growth performance of cross bred pre-ruminant calves.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of bakers yeast on growth and nutrient utilization in crossbred (large white yorkshire X desi )pigs(Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 2003) Sekar, M; Viswanathan, T VA study was carried out to assess the influence of baker's yeast culture on growth performance, digestibility of nutrients and carcass characteristics in Large White Yorkshire x Desi (75:25) crossbred pigs. Thirty weaned piglets (15 barrows and 15 gilts) with an average body weight of 13.5 kg were divided into three homogeneous groups with regard to age, sex and body weight. Ten piglets in each group were randomly distributed into five replicates of two piglets each. The three groups were randomly allotted to three dietary treatments viz., T,- control (standard ration), Tr control diet supplemented with 0.25 per cent baker's yeast culture and T3- control diet supplemented with 0.5 per cent baker's yeast culture. The piglets were fed on their respective grower rations which contained 18 per cent crude protein and 3200 kcal digestible energy per kg until they attained an average body weight of 50 kg and thereafter changed to finisher rations which contained 14 per cent crude protein and 3 100 kcal digestible energy per kg until the pigs were slaughtered. A digestibility trial was conducted towards the end of the experiment using chromic oxide as external indicator. On completion of seven months of age six pigs from each treatment were slaughtered to study the carcass characteristics. Average daily gain of 352, 383 and 405 g were recorded for the groups T" T2 and T3, respectively. The pigs fed with diet containing 0.5 per cent baker's yeast (T3) had higher (P<0.05) average daily gain than those fed with unsupplemented diet (T,). But, there was no significant difference between T, and T2 as well as T2 and T3. However, there was a trend for a higher average daily gain for those fed 0.25 per cent yeast culture (T2) over those fed control diet Cl (T,). Feed conversion efficiency was 4.36, 4.05 and 3.83 for the groups T" T2 and T3, respectively. The pigs fed with diets containing 0.25 (T2) and 0.5 per cent baker's yeast (T3) had higher (Pwith unsupplemented diet (T,). The digestibility coefficient for dry matter and ether extract were significantly higher (P<0.05) for pigs fed 0.5 per cent yeast culture than those fed with unsupplemented diet and there was no significant difference between T, and T2 or T2 and T3. Pigs fed diet containing 0.5 per cent baker's yeast had higher (P<0.05) crude fibre digestibility than those fed with the diets containing 0 and 0.25 per cent yeast culture. Study of the carcass characteristics revealed that the dressing percentage, carcass length, back fat thickness and loin eye area were not significantly influenced by the inclusion of yeast culture at different levels. The cost of feed per kg live weight gain was Rs.36.63, 35.52 and 34.99, respectively for the treatments T}, T2 and T3. Feed cost per kg live weight gain was lower in T3 compared to other treatments. It is concluded that baker's yeast can be economically included at 0.5 per cent level in the diet for better growth and feed conversion efficiency in crossbred pigs.ThesisItem Open 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, NAn 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.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of urea as source of rumen degradable preotein on milk production of crossbred cows in early lactation(Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 2005) Sheena Joseph, KAU; Ally, KA study was conducted with crossbred cows to assess the effect of urea as a source of rumen degradable protein on the milk production in early lactation. Eight crossbred cows within 20 days of lactation were selected as uniformly as possible with regard to their age, parity, weight and milk yield. They were allotted to the four dietary treatments in a switch over design. The four concentrate mixtures contained 16.93, 17.37, 19.92 and 19.92 per cent crude protein (CP) and 70.60, 69.24, 70.26 and 68.98 per cent TDN, respectively. The levels of rumen undegradable protein (UDP) and rumen degradable protein (RDP) in the four concentrate mixtures were 28, 39.15, 26.46 and 40 per cent of CP as UDP and 72, 61.85, 73.54 and 60 per cent of CP as RDP, respectively, on DM basis. There was no significant effect (P>0.05) of dietary CP or UDP levels on the body weight, dry matter intake and milk production of animals. The inclusion of urea at different CP or UDP levels did not show any marked influence on the production performance of the animals. There was no significant difference in any of milk composition parameters except MUN which was significantly higher (P<0.05) with 20 per cent concentrate mixtures compared to17 per cent concentrate mixtures at both levels of degradability. The haematological and biochemical parameters such as haemoglobin, plasma glucose, plasma urea nitrogen, plasma creatinine, plasma calcium, plasma phosphorus, plasma total protein and albumin estimated at the end of each feeding period were not significantly affected (P>0.05) by the four dietary treatments. There was no significant effect (P>0.05) of four dietary combinations on rumen fermentation parameters such as rumen pH, total volatile fatty acids and (TVFA) and rumen ammonia nitrogen (NH3–N) concentration. The cost of production per kg milk produced was Rs.7.25, 8.10, 8.05 and 9.09, respectively, for the four dietary treatments. From the overall results obtained in the present study, it could be concluded that a 17 per cent CP concentrate mixture with 28 per cent UDP was sufficient for meeting the protein requirement of early lactating crossbred cows producing about 10 kg milk per day. The study also revealed that one per cent urea can be added in the concentrate mixture of early lactating cows as a source of RDP without any deleterious effect.ThesisItem Open Access Energy supplementation on production performance of cows under field condition(Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2008) Ruby, Augustian; KAU; Mercy, A DA study was conducted to assess the effect of energy supplementation in the form of maize and rumen protected fat in early lactating cows under the field condition. Thirty, early lactating cross bred cows were selected and divided into three groups uniformly with regard to days in milk, the average days in milk being 40 days. The animals were randomly allotted to the dietary treatments T1, T2 and T3. The concentrate mix made in the semi liquid form and paddy straw formed the T1 ration. The animals of T2 and T3 were supplemented with 1 kg ground maize and 100 g of rumen protected fat respectively, over and above the control ration. The animals maintained on the three dietary treatments T1, T2 and T3 showed an average milk production of 15.38, 14.58 and 13.01 kg respectively during the 90 day period of the experiment. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference (P>0.05) in milk yield between the three treatment groups. The average daily DMI and DMI/100 kg body weight remained similar for all the three groups. The TDN intake was up to the requirement in animals maintained on T3 ration while T1 and T2 rations could not meet the requirements of the animals of the respective groups. The DCP intake was optimum from the three rations. The energy supplementation did not affect milk composition such as percentage of total solids, milk fat, solids not fat (SNF) and milk protein, and milk urea nitrogen (MUN). The 4 per cent FCM yield, total yield of milk fat and protein remained unaffected by energy supplementation. Animals in all the three groups showed similar blood parameters such as haemoglobin, plasma glucose, plasma urea nitrogen and plasma Ca and P. The digestibility of EE, DM, NDF and ADF was higher for the T3 ration than that of T1 and T2. The digestibility of crude protein (CP) was higher for T2 than T1 and T3 rations. Animals maintained on T3 ration showed earlier post partum heat. The cost of feed for producing 1 kg milk was higher for the dietary treatments T2 and T3. An overall assessment of the results obtained in the present study showed that energy supplementation in the form of either maize or rumen protected fat could not influence dry matter intake, milk yield and 4 per cent FCM yield. There was no change in the composition of milk and blood parameters studied, among the experimental animals. However, energy supplementation in the form of protected fat could meet the energy requirement of early lactating animals, improved the digestibility of EE, DM, NDF and ADF and positively influenced the first post partum heat.ThesisItem Open Access Organic chromium supplementation on growth of cross bred pigs(Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2007) Ann Nisa, Thomas; KAU; Mercy, A DAn investigation was carried out with the objective to determine the effect of chromium as chromium propionate on the growth of cross bred pigs and to evaluate the economics of organic chromium supplementation in the ration of cross bred pigs. Twenty four weaned piglets (12 male and 12 female) with an average body weight of 18 kg were used as experimental animals. The piglets were randomly divided into two groups with six replicates of two piglets in each group and were randomly allotted to two dietary treatments T1 (control diet) and T2 (control + 200 ppb chromium). The pigs were weighed at the beginning of the experiment and later on at fortnightly intervals. Blood samples were collected in the beginning and at the end of the experiment for the analysis of various biochemical parameters. Digestion trial was conducted at the end of the experiment to determine the digestibility coefficient of the nutrients of the experimental diets. Animals in the two dietary treatments showed similar (p>0.05) body weight gain, average daily body weight gain and feed conversion efficiency. There was a numerical increase in dry matter and crude protein digestibility of Cr supplemented ration. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) between the animals in the two groups for all the blood parameters studied except phosphorus and cholesterol, which were significantly lower (p<0.05) for T2 group. There was non-significant decrease in triglycerides and increase in HDL cholesterol level. The overall critical evaluation of the results obtained in the present study indicate that though supplementation of chromium propionate did not affect the growth or feed conversion efficiency of growing (Large White Yorkshire X Desi) cross bred pigs, it can be beneficially used to improve the lipid profile of the cross bred pigs.ThesisItem Open 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 VA 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.ThesisItem Open 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, PAn 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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