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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 Utero-tubal insufflation technique for diagnosis of tubal impatency in cows(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1981) Athman, K V; KAU; Neelakanta Iyer, C PThe objective of the present study was to design an apparatus for utero-tubal insufflation test and to standardize its use in both excised genitalia and in live animals for the diagnosis and treatment of tubal impotency. Perfect obturation of the cervix was obstained using a stainless steel catheter with 22 FR. Neo Foley’s latex catheter sleeved over. Unilateral and bilateral impotency were recorded in 8.70 and 19.25 per cent of the excised genitalia. The incidence of unilateral and bilateral impotency in 37 infertile animals were found to be 2.70 and 13.52 per cent respectively. The mean pressure at which air escaped from both the tubes in excised genitalia was 128.12 mm. Hg. In cows and 148.93 mm. Hg. In heifers. On the contrary in experimental animals the corresponding pressure in cows and heifers were 116.38 mm. Hg. And 127.50 mm. Hg. Respectively. It was observed that a higher pressure was required to open both the tubes in heifers than in cows. Blown up condition of the uterus took place in excised genitalia of cows and heifers between 100-280 mm. Hg. And 100-260 mm. Hg. Respectively. The pressure range for producing “blown up” condition in experimental animal was found to be 120-220 mm. Hg. In cows and 195-200 mm. Hg. In heifers. Since the safety margin was estimated to be 60.00 mm. Hg. In experimental cows, the test is considered to be a safe diagnostic test for tubal impotency. Although uterus might be “blown up” in a very few cases at a pressure lower than the higher pressure for escape of air from normally patent tubes, the test will not endanger the life of the animal. Since 69.56 percentage of cows with bilateral patency of salpinx on testing conceived after insemination, utero-tubal insufflation test could also be exploited for the treatment of temporary tubal blockage.ThesisItem Open Access Reproductive pattern and performance of nanny goats in Kerala(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1992) Krishna Kumar, G; KAU; Sudarsanen, VA study to elucidate the reproductive pattern and performance of nanny goats under the agroclimatic conditions of Kerala conducted on a flock of 154 nanny goats of mixed genotype, Malabari, Saanen x Malabari and Alpine x Malabari, maintained under the All India Co – ordinated Research Project on goats for milk, Kerala Agricultural University, has revealed the following results and conclusions. The method adopted was detection of oestrus twice a day using a vasectomised buck and by clinical examination. On detection, all animals of good reproductive health were bred artificially with freshly collected semen extended in Tris buffered yolk extender and preserved at low temperature. A group of animals were given a second insemination after seven hours of the first insemination for a comparison of the success rate to single and double inseminations during a heat. Following breeding, the duration of gestation, durations of stages of parturition, presentation of kids, incidence of multiple birth and secondary sex ratio were also recorded. Daily record of maximum and minimum temperature for a period of one year of the study was maintained. The period was divided into four quarters almost in agreement with the four natural seasons and the conceptions during each of the quarters were related with their secondary sex ratio and birth weight records to know the influence of the environmental temperature on them. Placental area weight records were also maintained and by applying linear regression equation they have been correlated with the birth weight to establish that the birth weight difference was due to the influence of environmental temperature on placental growth and development. Goats were found to be polyoestrous and 61. 54 per cent came into oestrus during the period from April to September when the day is long. Of the two peak breeding activities noticed the greater one occurred in July and the other during November. Breeding activity was found to be low during the months of January and February. The duration of oestrous cycle was found to be 18 – 23 days but the cycle length varied from 6 to 140 days. 45.8 per cent of the animals had an oestrus duration of less than 18 days. Duration of oestrus varied from 12- 48 h. Cessation of oestrus was noticed in 84.8 per cent of animals by 36 h and in 93.26 per cent of animals by 48 h. Conception percentage to first time single and double inseminations during a heat were 33.93 and 42.85 respectively. Overall conception percentages for the above were 71.42 and 82.14 respectively. Average gestation length was 145.62 ± 0.23 days while with singleton, twin and triplet, the durations were 146.05 ± 144.86 ± 0.32 and 145.25 ± 1.03 days. In twin pregnancies and in pregnancies with male foetus/foetuses in both singleton and homogamous twin, was found to have lesser duration of gestation. Mean durations of the first, second and third stages of labour were 57.47 ± 10.29 , 14.52 ± 1.34 and 128.87 ± 4.84 min respectively. Presentation of kids at the time of birth was 88.9 per cent in anterior and the rest in posterior presentation. Secondary sex ratios of singleton and multiple pregnancies were 52.05 and 54.08 per cent with an overall of 53.22 per cent. No significant variation could be observed in the secondary sex ratio of kids those were conceived between seasons having variable environmental temperature. Mean birth weight of kids born during the three trimesters with mean environmental maximum temperature 39.0, 33.4 and 36.30 C were respectively 1.64, 1.92 and 1.88 kg. Between the trimesters having 39. 00 C and 33.40 C there was a significant increase in birth weight. A definite correlation was found to exist between the placental weight and birth weight and the placental area and birth weight. The following conclusions were derived : 1. There is a reproductive pattern difference as could be seen from the above as 61.54 per cent of the oestruses occurred during the period of long days, contrary to the belief that breeding season of goats is the short days. Peak breeding activity was also noticed during the month of July. An instinctive attempt to reduce the number of births during the months of heavy rain which is not conducive for the survival of the young could be appreciated from the low breeding activity seen during January and February. 2. The duration of oestrous cycle, oestrus, gestation and the first, second and third stages of parturition were found to be in consonance with the already available informations. 3. Two inseminations during a heat was found to improve the conception percentage over single insemination. 4. Incidence of multiple pregnancy was found to be lower in the flock. 5. Secondary sex ratio of the kids born was 53.22 per cent and it confirms well with the reports already available. Presentation of foetus was anterior in 88.9 per cent and the rest of posterior presentation. 6. Conception between periods of variable environmental temperature did not seem to influence the sex ratio, to significantly alter the secondary sex ratio. 7. Environmental temperature at the time of conception was found to significantly influence the birth weight of kids. From the correlation that could be established between placental weight and birth weight and between placental area and birth weight it could be inferred that the environmental temperature effect on birth weight is through its influence on placental development and growth.ThesisItem Open Access Observation on gestation and parturition in goat-Capra hircus(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 1981) Kuriakose, K K; KAU; Neelakanta Iyer, C PA systematic study involving the use of 85 does comprising 27 Malabari, 35 Alpine x Malabari and 23 Saanen x Malabari crosses reared and maintained at Mannuthy, Kerala, under All India Co – ordinated Research Project on Goats for Milk was carried out in order to ascertain the gestation length, process of parturition and placental details. In addition 583 breeding particulars gathered from the registers maintained at the Project also utilized for assessing the gestation length and frequency of occurrence of multiple births. The salient observations made and the valid inferences drawn are indicated below. The average gestation length of different genetic groups of goats was found to be 146.66 + 0.53 days. There was no significant variation in the gestation period of does of different genetic groups both in single and multiple births. Parity had no influence on the gestation length in does. The variation in gestation length due to difference in the sex of kid was also not significant. Gestation period was not found to vary between seasons. The frequency of occurrence of single, twin and multiple births was found to be 50.75 per cent, 45.05 per cent and 4.19 per cent respectively. Signs of approaching parturition was assessed based on the degree of manifestation of such symptoms as tumefaction of the vulva, udder engorgement and relaxation of the pelvic ligaments. The symptoms exhibited by the does were only moderate in the beginning but on nearing parturition there was conspicuous increase in the intensity of these changes. Colostrum was present in all the animals two days prior to parturition. Visible flow of cervical mucus was evident in 75 does two days prior to kidding and in all, 24 hours before parturition. There was no significant fluctuation of body temperature of does during prepartum period. The total duration of parturition was 360.91 + 30.85, 358.20 + 16.67 and 395.42 + 40.09 minutes in single births and 359.12 + 26.15, 357.20 + 32.23 and 368.73 + 24.03 minutes in multiple births in Malabari, Alpine x Malabari and Saanen x Malabari goats respectively. The duration of parturition was not variance between genetic groups both in single and multiple births. The weight of kid was positively correlated to the weight of placenta, total number of cotyledone and to the number of large and medium sized cotyledons. There was negative correlation between weight of kid and the number of small sized cotyledons. The number of cotyledons in the gravid horn was significantly higher than that in non gravid horn in all the genetic groups. Weight of the placenta as well as the total number of cotyledone was found to be more in multiple pregnancy than in single pregnancy.ThesisItem Open Access Investigation on the pathological conditions in the genitalia of female goats(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1980) Ramachandran, K; KAU; Neelakanta Iyer, C PA study was undertaken to assess the incidence and nature of pathological conditions affecting the genitalia of female goats. The material for the present study comprised of 950 genitalia, inclusive of 42 gravid ones, collected at random, from the slaughter house, Corporation of Cochin, Ernakulam. The organs which revealed gross lesions and those which were suspected to be affected were subjected to detailed histopathological studies. Pathological lesions of genital organs were observed in 48 (5.053%) genitalia. Thirty two (3.368%) genitalia revealed various pathological changes of the ovaries and pathological changes of the uterus were recorded in20 (2.105%) genitalia. The cervix, vagina and vulva did not reveal any pathological changes in any of the genitalia examined. The following pathological conditions were observed during the course of the present study: Ovarian hypoplasia (0.316%); cystic ovarian degeneration (0.947%); cystic corpus luteum (0.421%); chronic oophoritis (0.211%); multifollicular atresia (0.105%); par ovarian cyst (1.368%); Bursitis (0.842%); salpingitis (0.105%); macerated foetus (1.684%); endometritis (0.211%); cystic glandular hyperplasia (0.105%) and cyst in the endometrium with sub – epithelial haemorrhage (0.105%).ThesisItem Open Access Studies on post- partun oestrum in cross bred cows(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1979) Suresan Nair, S P; KAU; Neelakanta Iyer, C PThe object of the study was to find out the various reproductive parameters that influence the onset of post – partum oestrus in cross bred cows. With this object in view, a detailed investigation was undertaken in a herd of 115 cross bred cows of Jersey x Sindhi and Jersey x Local breeds belonging to the University Livestock Farm of the Kerala Agricultural University, Mannuthy during the period from February 1978 to March, 1979. After parturition, they were grouped into normal and abnormal calvers based on the normalcy of calving. All the cows were stall fed and were under identical conditions of feeding and management. The observations made and inferences drawn are summarised below: There were significant variations in the cessation of lochial discharge, regression of pregnancy corpus luteum, period of uterine and vulval involution, onset of first and second ovulations and the post – partum oestrus interval between normal and abnormal parturitions. Duration of lochial discharge, regression of pregnancy corpus luteum and onset of first ovulation were found to be significantly influenced by the season of calving. Parity of the cow was found to influence the period of lochia, involutions of uterus and also the post – partum oestrus interval. Milk yield of the cow significantly influenced regression of pregnancy corpus luteum and vulval involution. However, the breed of the cow and sex and weight of calf were not found to have any significant effect on the reproductive parameters studied. An incidence of 13.4 per cent of aberrations of oestrum was also observed.ThesisItem Open Access Post-partum reproductive performances of crossbred cows(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1981) Bhaskaran, K V; KAU; Neelakanta Iyer, C PThe object of the present investigation was to study the various aspects of the post-partum reproductive performances of crossbred cows and to assess the reproductive efficiency by breeding cows before and after 60 days post-partum. Fifty two freshly calved and randomly selected crossbred cows, belonging to the University Livestock Farm, Mannuthy formed the materials for the study of genital involution, cyclic ovarian acivity and post-partum oestrus. These animals were grouped into normal and abnormal calvers and data recorded and analysed. Twenty four crossbred cows, selected at random, were weighed at fortnightly intervals, commencing from the day of calving till 90 days post-partum to study the pattern of gain or loss in weight and its influence on the post-partum heat and conception. To study the effect of early breeding on the future reproductive efficiency 38 crossbred cows in oestrum were grouped into three. Group I was inseminated between 30 and 45 days, group II between 46 and 60 days and group III after 60 days post-partum and fertility assessed. Data collected were subjected to statistical analysis. The observations made and inferences drawn are summarized below: Abnormal calving significantly delayed the involution of uterus, cessation of uterine lochia, involution of vulva, regression of pregnancy corpus luteum and onset of first observed oestrus, The rate of uterine and vulval involution were significantly higher in primpara than pluripara. In contrast, primparous cows took a significantly longer interval for the onset of first observed heat. However, breed of the cow, milk yield and sex and weight of calf did not influence any of the parameters studied. Animals gained in body weight after calving exhibited early oestrum and better fertility. Further, breeding of cows, between 30 and 60 days after calving yielded high fertility without adversely affecting milk yield, thus reducing the service period and calving interval.ThesisItem Open Access Reproductive performance of crossbred heifers(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1981) Babu Rajendraprasad, P; KAU; Neelakanta Iyer, C PA detailed Investigation was undertaken with the object of studying the reproductive performance of crossbred heifers including the pattern of oestrous cycle. Data of 152 crossbred heifers and personal observation of 50 crossbred heifers belonging to the Cattle breeding farm, Thuraboormuzhi formed the materials for the study. The observations made and inferences drawn are furnished below. The lowest birth weight was Observed In 62.5 per cent Jersey crosses and highest in 50 per cent Holstein crosses* Attainment of puberty was earliest in 62.5 percent Jersey crosses while this was latest in 50 per cent brown Swiss crosses. Minimum weight at puberty and weight at conception were noticed in 62.5 per cent Jersey crosses whereas the corresponding values were maximum in 50 per cent Holstein crosses. Similarly age at conception was lowest in 62.5 per cent Jersey crosses and highest in 50 per cent brown swiss. Number of inseminations were conception was highest in 62.5 per cent jersey crosses and lowest in 75 per cent Brown Swiss crosses. Birth weight had significant positive correlation with weight at puberty and weight at conception in 50 per cent Jersey crosses whereas in 62.5 per cent the birth weight was significantly correlated only to weight at conception The overall mean length of oestrous cycle was found to be 19.54 days in the crossbreds studied* Significant difference was noticed in the length of oeetrous cycles in different genetic groups* The mean duration of oestrus in the crossbreds studied was found to be 16.97 hours without any significant difference between the different genetic groups. Majority of crossbreds exhibited pronounced heat symptoms and none of them shewed weak signs of heat* Ovulation occurred between 8 and 20 hours after the end of oestrus in majority of cases* Jersey crossbreds did not exhibit an ovulatory heat* while brown swiss crosses exhibited a higher incidence of an ovulation*Metoestorous bleeding was absent in 50 per cent Jersey crossbreds while 50 per cent Holstein crossbreds exhibited a higher percentage.ThesisItem Open Access Prostaglandin administration in improving the breeding efficiency of suboestrous cows(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1983) Rajagopalan Nair, R; KAU; Madhavan, EThe object of the study was to find the incidence of postpartum suboestrum in crossbred cattle and to evaluate the efficiency of PGF2 alpha (Estrumate) in the treatment of suboestrum. For this, the crossbred cows belonging to the University Livestock Farm, Mannuthy which were reported to be anoestrous even after 45 days postpartum were subjected to detailed clinic gynaecological examination and those having palpable corpus luteum were considered as suboestrous. Among these, 54 cows which had an active corpus luteum of 7 – 14 days of age were given 500 microgram of Estrumate and the result of the treatment was assessed. The observations made and inferences drawn are summarised below. The incidence of postpartum suboestrum in the herd was 45.68% and in the reportedly anoestrous animals 71.84% were suboestrous. In all, 98.15% cows exhibited cestrus at an average interval of 53.2075 + 1.038 hours, after the administration of the drug. Among these 92.45% ovulated at an average interval of 82.6122 + 2.0015 hours after the administration of Estrumate. The percentage of treated animals which conceived at first insemination was 43.4. The conception rate in the induced heat was significantly influenced by the intensity of heat. The number of inseminations required per conception did not vary significantly from that of the rest of the herd. The service period of the treated animals was significantly shorter (92.4583 + 3.5394) than that of the herd (135.11 + 6.9742) days. In short, it may be stated that PGF2 alpha analogue, Estrumate, was effective in the induction of ovulatory oestrum with satisfactory fertility in the suboestrous cows.ThesisItem Open Access Treatment of endometritis for improving fertility in dairy cows(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1992) Vahida, A; KAU; Mathai, EA study was undertaken to assess the incidence of endometritis in cows and to find out the effect of intramuscular and intrauterine administration of different antimicrobial agents in improving the conception rate in cows during the period from April 1991, to July 1992. The study was conducted in the animals brought to the Artificial Insemination Centre attached to the Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, Thrissur. In vitro sensitivity test was done on 127 samples of uterine discharge collected aseptically by the use of a newly designed Catheter. Sensitivity tests showed that 78 isolates (61.41 per cent) were sensitive to Gentamicin, 75 (59.05 per cent) to Chloramphenicol, 59 (46.45 per cent) to Furazolidone and 30 (23.62 per cent) to Co – trimoxazole. Intermediate sensitivity to Co – trimoxazole was seen in 12 (9.45 per cent) isolates. Identification of bacterial organisms were also done in the study. Isolates obtained were Coagulase negative Staphylococc spp. (40 per cent), Staphylococcus aureus (30.00 per cent) corynebacterium spp. (16.66 per cent) Bacillus spp. (6.67 per cent) and Pseudomonas spp. (6.67 per cent). Animals were grouped into 3 treatment groups based on result of sensitivity tests. Animals in 1 A and 11 A received intramuscular and intrauterine administration of Gentamicin respectively. Dose rate was 4 mg/kg body weight for intramuscular and 400 mg for intrauterine administration at 12 hour interval for three days and two days respectively. Animals in 1 B received Chloramphenicol at the rate of 4 mg/kg body weight intramuscularly at 12 hour interval for three days and animals in 11 B got intrauterine administration of 1 g chloramphenicol at 12 hour interval for two days. Group 111 A consisted of animals in which discharge showed sensitivity to Co – trimoxazole and received Co – trimoxazole (Sulphamethoxazole 3000 mg + Trimethoprim 600mg) as intrauterine infusion at 12 hour interval for two days. Group 111 B animals were given Furazolidone 30 ml as intrauterine infusion at 12 hour interval for two days. After treatment animals with clear discharge in the subsequent heat were considered as recovered and were inseminated. The recovery obtained was 80.00, 95.00, 95.83, 85.00, 72.73 and 95.24 percentages respectively in Group 1A, 11A, 1B, 11B, 111A and 111B. Conception rate was calculated on the basis of actual follow up. The percentages of conception were 66.60, 75.00, 72.73, 75.00, 100.00 and 64.71 per cent in Group 1A, 11A, 1B, 11B, 111A and 111B respectively. Out of 127 animals treated, 98 animals were followed up and 73 animals were found pregnant. Sixty three animals were found pregnant at first insemination, eight after second insemination and two after third insemination. The average conception rate was 74.49 per cent. Data were subjected to statistical analysis and there was no significant difference among treatment groups in conception rates except for animals which received Co – trimoxazole as intrauterine infusion. These animals showed a significantly higher rate of conception. The data on comparative effect of intramuscular and intrauterine routes of administration on analysis showed that both routes are equally effective in counteracting endometritis.