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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 Effect of processing and freezing procedures on the acrosome morphology of buck spermatozoa(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1998) Ranjini, A; KAU; Prabhakaran Nair, KSix pooled semen samples (two ejaculates) of good quality from five Malabari crossbred bucks were processed and frozen in two different protocols to evaluate the effect of processing and freezing procedures on the acrosome morphology of buck spermatozoa. In protocol I, the samples were diluted 10 fold in Tris buffer before centrifuging twice and the final pellet was re-suspended in the non glycerolated fraction of Tris yolk diluent. The sample was glycerolated (six per cent), equilibrated (four hours), frozen (eight minutes), and thawed (250 C for 30 seconds). In protocol 11, centrifugation was done only once, after 15 fold dilution in Tris buffer. The re suspended pellet was glycerolated (seven per cent), equilibrated (three hours), frozen (10 minutes) and thawed (60° C for 10 seconds). The semen characters such as motility, live sperm, sperm abnormalities and acrosome abnormalities were evaluated at the end of washing and initial extension (stage I), cooling to 5° C (stage II), glycerolisation and equilibration (stage Ill) and freezing and thawing (stage IV). The results were compiled to evaluate the effect of different processing and freezing procedures on the semen characters in general and acrosome morphology in particular. The semen sample used for split sample dilution had a mean volume of 1.3282± 0.067 ml, creamy in colour, DDDD density, ++++ mass activity, pH of 7.275 2± 0.040 and a concentration of 2972 2± 293 millions per ml. No significant difference in the above semen characters were found between bucks. The initial sperm motility of 82.000 2± 0.606 was found to drop significantly during processing and freezing and the final post thaw motility obtained was 44.000 2± 0.790 in protocol I. Similarly in protocol II the initial motility dropped from 81.375 2± 1.089 to 44.750 2± 1.075 at the end of stage IV. Even though there was significant drop in motility between stages in both the protocols, there was no significant difference in the corresponding stages of the two protocols. It could be inferred that good post thaw motility was obtained in both the protocols. The fact that a single washing and centrifugation was only adopted in protocol II makes it a more acceptable procedure for buck semen freezing. The mean live sperm percentage of fresh semen was evaluated using both NE and NEG staining technique. The percentage of live sperms of 90.050 2± 0.801 was found to decrease to 54.250 2± 0.593 after freezing and thawing in protocol by NE staining. Similarly in protocol 11, the mean percentage of live sperms was found to reduce to 53.125 2± 0.793 with the same staining. Even though there was significant difference in the live sperm percentage between stages within protocol I and II no significant difference in the live sperm percentage between the corresponding stages of protocol I and I I . With NEG staining the initial live sperm percentage of 80.850 ± 1.494 was found to drop to 54.875 ± 0.677 in protocol I as against 53.400 ± 0.730 in protocol II. While there was significant difference in the live sperm percentage between stages within protocol I and II there was no variation between corresponding stages of the two protocols. A significantly lower percentage of live sperms was recorded with NEG staining when compared with NE staining probably on account of the fact that the differentiation of live and dead sperm was difficult in the former staining method as live sperms were stained light blue instead of colourless. The mean percentage of abnormal sperms of 3.050 ± 0.245 in fresh semen did not register any significant increase during processing. However, there was significant increase in the percentage of sperm abnormalities during freezing and thawing with the final abnormality percentage of 7.125± 0.706 in protocol I and 6.300± 0.36 in protocol II. The initial acrosomal abnormality of 8.825 in the fresh semen steadily rose to 23.375 in protocol I as against 19.825 in protocol II at the end of stage IV. There was no significant difference in the percentage of various acrosomal abnormalities between corresponding stages of the two protocols. However, there was significant increase in the acrosomal abnormalities during glycerolisation, equilibration, freezing and thawing under both the protocols. It was concluded that the processing and freezing under two different protocols did not significantly alter the post thaw motility, percentage abnormal and dead sperms and acrosomal abnormalities. A good post thaw motility and low acrosomal abnormality was obtained with a single washing of buck semen with 15 fold Tris buffer which was comparable with double washing with 10 fold Tris buffer.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 Superovulatory response, embryo collection and transfer in crossbred cows(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1996) Unnikrishnan, M P; KAU; Suresan Nair, S POut of eleven crossbred cows superovulated with 2000 IU of PMSG on day eleven and 25 mg PGF2 alpha 48 h later, nine animals (81.8%) exhibited oestrum after an average interval of 39.44 ± 2.44 h. Average duration of oestrum was 40.00 ± 2.00 h with 66.7 per cent of them exhibiting intense heat signs and 33.3 per cent exhibiting only moderate heat signs. Average number of corpora lutea and unovulated follicles in both the ovaries put together was 6.67 ± 0.50 and 6.22 ± 0.57 respectively. Ovarian response was more in right ovary than in left ovary, though not statistically significant. Average fluid recovery on flushing was 79.5 per cent which was comparatively low. The average embryo recovery and percentage of embryo recovery were 3.38 ± 0.70 and 53.11 ± 10.18 respectively, which was comparatively lower. The reason for poor recovery of embryo was attributed to poor fluid recovery on flushing. The average number and percentage of transferrable embryo recovered were 1.50 ± 0.53 and 33.34 ± 10.14. Reason for these lower rates were attributed to loss of embryo quality, due to prolonged action of PMSG. Donors of parity over three performed better on superovulation and flushing, than those below three. Animals of age group six to nine years produced more transferrable embryos than cows of age group ten and above. A conception rate of 30 per cent was achieved after transfer of embryos to naturally synchronised recipients. Heifers appeared to be better recipients than cows. Although a high incidence of abortion was encountered, birth of an embryo transfer male calf was also recorded in the study. All the donor cows came into regular oestrous cycle within four months of superovulation treatment.ThesisItem Open Access Growth and reproductive performance of crossbred heifers in selected areas(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1998) Rajeev, R; KAU; Aravinda Ghosh, K NGrowth and reproductive status of crossbred heifers under field condition were assessed and the role of calcium, phosphorus, copper, zinc and manganese with reproductive performance was evaluated with the aim of evolving suitable corrective measures in cases of those with impaired reproductive performance due to subnormal serum mineral status. One hundred and twelve heifers were subjected to repeated gynaecoclinical examination. It was observed that there were 36.6 per cent true anoestrum, 19.6 per cent under developed genitalia, 29.5 per cent normally cycling, 9.8 per cent repeat breeders, 3.6 per cent suboestrum and 0.9 per cent bilateral ovarian hypoplasia. From the above heifers 89 were randomly selected and classified based on the breeding history and repeated gynaecological examination as 15 normally cycling (control), 41 true anoestrous heifers, 22 under developedgenitalia and 11 repeat breeders. The daily weight gain obtained was 55.05 ± 4.2 g, 32.26 ± 2.49 g, 27.33 ± 3.4 g and 24.1 ± 4.8 g. The above result gave significant difference in weight gain between control animals and other groups. The growth rate of heifers might have influenced the normal reproductive performance. Serum samples drawn from 89 heifers were analysed for calcium, inorganic phosphorus and trace elements namely copper, zinc and manganese. Serum calcium and phosphorus were estimated by employing spectronic-20, i&hile trace elements were estimated through atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The serum calcium level obtained was 11.1 ± 0.31 mg%, 10.74 ± 0.13 mg%, 10.8 ± 0.2 mg% and 10.8 ± 0.42 mg% in normally cycling, true anoestrous, under developed genitalia and repeat * breeding heifers respectively. The serum levels of all the four groups were well within the normal range and no significant variation among the groups. Hence the influence of calcium on reproduction could not be established. The serum inorganic phosphorus was 4.87 ± 0.13 mg% in normally cycling heifers (control) as against 3.83 ± 0.09 mg% for true anoestrous heifers, 3.52 ± 0.1 mg% for underdeveloped genitalia and 4.7 ± 0.15 mg% for repeat breeders. The level was significantly lower (<0.05) in true anoestrous and underdeveloped genitalia compared to control group. It can be summarised that hypophosphataemia might be one of the cause for true anoestrum and under developed genitalia. Among the trace elements estimated the serum level of copper only was found to be significantly varying among normally cycling, true anoestrous and heifers with under developed genitalia. The serum copper in control group heifers registered a value of 1,26 ± 0.07 ppm which was significantly higher (P<0.01) than those recorded for true anoestrous heifers (O’. 9 ± 0.04 ppm) and heifers with under developed genitalia (0.71 ± 0.05), ajhile no statistical significant variation obtained between serum value of repeat breeders (1.27 ± 0.08 ppm) and the control group. It is therefore reasonable to assume that hypocupraemia as evidenced by lower serum value might have contributed to true anoestrum and under developed genitalia condition and not with that of repeat breeding condition. The serum zinc and manganese levels of control group were 1.71 ± 0.05 ppm and 0.04 ± 0.002 ppm respectively. The corresponding values for the true anoestrum heifers were 1.61 ± 0.03 ppm and 0.04 ± 0.002 ppm and for heifers with under developed genitalia group were 1.6 ± 0.05 ppm and 0.04 ± 0.002 ppm respectively. These values did not vary significantly from those of control group. The corresponding values for repeat breeders were recorded to be 1.73 ± 0.06 ppm and 0.04 ± 0.002 ppm which did not differ: significantly from the values obtained for control group. The result of supplementation with dicalcium phosphate and copper sulphate to the respective mineral deficient heifers with true anoestrum and under developed genitalia showed that the mineral supplementation could induce oestrum. The serum mineral status comparison at different level of feeding showed significant difference (P<0.05) in the serum phosphorus level as well as copper level of moderate plane group with that of low and poor plane groups. Hence the effect of plane of nutrition on serum mineral status could be established in case of serum phosphorus and copper. The soil level of calcium, phosphorus, copper, zinc and manganese found to be well within the normal range. The level of exchangeable calcium and available phosphorus were ranged 0.11-0.12 per cent and 0.05-0.06 per cent respectively. The available copper, zinc and manganese levels obtained were ranged 4.43-4.5 ppm, 5.3-5.44 ppm and 96.34-99.7 ppm respectively. The result showed that the soil mineral content did not influence: the serum mineral statusThesisItem Open Access Superovulation and embryo recovery in rabbits(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1997) Sathesh Kumar, S; KAU; Suresh Nair, S PSuperovulation was induced in Newzealand White and Sovira. Chinchilla breeds of rabbits by administration of a single dose of 150 IU PMSG followed by double mating at induced cycle and 150 IU HCG soon after second mating to induce ovulation. The onset and intensity of oestrum, number of ovulations, embryo recovery and quality of embryos were studied and compared with those of the controls of the respective breeds. The mean interval from PMSG administration to onset of oestrus in both the breeds was 56.0 + 5.1 h. It was further observed that most of the treated animals showed intense oestrum when compared to controls. The ovulation rate based on the number of corporalutea in control animals of Newzealand White breed was 4.7 + 1.2 as against 22.0 ± 1.35 in the treated group. There was significant difference (P<0.01) in the ovulation rate between the groups. The percentages of embryo recovery, fertile embryos and transferrable embryos in the control group were 47.22, 86.7 and 92.3 while those of the treatment group were 31.67, 100 and 87.8 respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups. While the control animals in Soviet Chinchilla breed has an ovulation rate of 6.7 ± 0.65, the treated rabbits showed a higher ovulation rate of 20.0 ± 3.2. There was significantly higher ovulation rate (P<0.01) in treated group when compared to controls. The embryo recovery rate, fertilized embryos and transferrable embryos in the control group were 53.33 per cent, 77.8 per cent and 93.8 per cent respectively. The corresponding values in the treatment group were 36.27 per cent, 69.82 per cent and 93.1 per cent respectively. There was no significant difference between the groups. No breed influence on the above parameters could also be noticed in this study It may be concluded that superovulation could be successfully induced in Newzealand White and Soviet Chinchilla breeds of rabbits with single dose of 150 IU PMSG, followed by 150 IU HCG soon after second mating. Eventhough there was superovulation, the embryo recovery rate was comparatively lower in the treated group probably on account of an altered oestrogen-progesterone profile interfering with the transport of the zygote, however the fertilization rate and the quality of the embryos were unaffected with the superovulation treatment.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of different glycerol concentrations on freezing of buck semen(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1995) Prasanth, V; KAU; Mathai, EWith the object of studying the effect of different concentrations of glycerol on post-thaw motility and fertility of frozen buck semen, five Malabari crossbred (Alpine x Malabari) bucks maintained at Artificial Insemination Centre and 75 does in heat, brought to the A. I. centre, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, Thrissur were used. The average volume of semen was 0.71 ± 0.02 mI. Semen volume varied significantly between bucks. The average colour index was creamy, density was DDDD and the mass activity was ++++. The average pH of semen was 6.85 ± 0.01. The average sperm motility percentage was 85.83 ± 1.05. Motility percentage varied significantly between bucks. The average sperm concentration was 2842.33 ± 153.93 millions/mI. Highly significant difference in sperm concentration was noted between bucks. The average live sperm percentage was 91.03 ± 0.56. There was highly significant difference in live sperm percentage between bucks. Significantly higher percentage of sperm motility was noted in spermatozoa with seminal plasma than in spermatozoa without seminal plasma at 60 minutes of incubation. Slight increase in motility percentage was noted for spermatozoa with and without seminal plasma at 10 minutes of incubation. From 10 minutes to 60 minutes motility was gradually decreasing. Between bucks there was highly significant difference in sperm motility of incubated spermatozoa. Live sperm percentage was significantly higher for spermatozoa without seminal plasma at all time periods of cold shock. There was a rapid reduction in live sperm percentage at five minutes of cold shock. The live sperm percentages between bucks were significant at different time periods except at 10 minutes and 30 minutes of cold shock. The average time taken for reduction of methylene blue by spermatozoa with and without seminal plasma were 173.16 ± 8.77seconds and 197.00 ± 9.97 seconds respectively. Significant difference was noted in methylene blue reduction time between bucks. Average percentage sperm motility after washing was 76.71 ± 0.79. Maximum percentage motility after glycerolisation was obtained in six per cent glycerolated semen (67.85 ± 1.39). There was highly significant reduction in motility percentage after glycerolisation. Maximum post-thaw motility was obtained in six per cent glycerolated extender (42.00 ± 1.84). Highly significant reduction in motility percentage was noted after freezing. The conception percentage and kidding percentage were 47 .36 and 43. 85 respectively. Average gestation length was 149.85 ± 4.45 days. The number of kids per kidding averaged 1.7. Percentage of male and female kidsborn were 51.16 and 48.83 respectively. From this study it could be inferred that Tris extender with six per cent glycerol was superior to Tris extender with four per cent, five per cent or seven per cent glycerol for better post-thaw motility and fertility of frozen buck semen.ThesisItem Open Access Synchronisation of oestrus super ovulation and embryo collection in goats(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1994) Benjamin, E D; KAU; Nair, M SWith the object of evolving effective methods for standardising techniques for synchronisation of oestrus superovulation and collection of embryos 18 healthy goats were selected from the goat farm attached to the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Mannuthy and randomly divided into three different groups with six animals in each Animals m the first group were given two doses of 10 mg PGF2cl H days apart and those in the second group were given 12 5 mg progesterone injection daily for 16 days Six animals in the third group were not given any treatment and kept as control The respective treatments were repeated in group I and II after a period of sixty days and superovulation in group I was carried out with eCG injection 1000 IU given intramuscularly on the day previous to the second dose of PGF2a In group II superovulation was done by intramuscular injection of 1000 IU eCG given on the 15th day of progesterone treatment All the animals in the above groups and animals in the control group were inseminated with good quality buck semen four to six hours after the onset of oestrus Embryos were collected surgically m all the eighteen goats by flushing the fallopian tube towards the fimbria after conducting laparotomy of the inseminated goats on the left flank All the animals in group I came to oestrus 57 8 ± 5 65 h after the second injection of PGF2a and the duration of oestrus was 48 ± 8 76 h In group II 83 33% were m oestrus at an interval of 101 6 + 6 11 h after the last progesterone injection and the duration of oestrus was 28 ± 1 41 h The results of administration of eCG in the second treatment regime with PGF2a in group I revealed that all animals in this group evinced oestrus at a mean interval of 50 3 ± 10 86 h after the second injection of PGF2a and the mean duration of oestrus was 44 ± 4h The total number of ovulation points on both the ovaries in this group were 8 4 ± 1 94 with 4 ± 1 30 and 4 4 ± 0 748 for the right and left ovaries respectively The total number of unruptured follicles on both the ovaries was 5 33 ± 1 64 The animals in group II after administration of eCG and progesterone evinced oestrus 72+9 06 h after the last progesterone injection with the duration of oestrus as 38 3 ± 4 46 h The total number of ovulation points on both the ovaries was 12 8 ± 1 4 and the values were 7 5 ± 2 31 for the right and 5 3 ± 2 04 for the left ovary The total number of unruptured follicles on both the ovaries was 3 2 + 1 579 The results of embryo collection in animals in group I revealed that the average number of embryos collected from both the ovaries was 4 8 ± 0 97 with 2 2 ± 0 66 for the right and 2 6 ± 0 39 for the left ovary The total number of embryos collected from all the animals in both the ovaries was 24 (57 14%) of which 17 (70 83%) were transferrableThesisItem Open Access Prostaglandin therapy for post-partum clinical endometritis(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1993) Jacob, T C; KAU; Madhavan, EThe object of the investigation was to evaluate the therapeutic values of alpha# for evolving a non antibiotic alternative for the treatment of post partum clinical endometritis. For this, 42 cross-bred cows, belonging to University Livestock Farm, Mannuthy, having post partum clinical endometritis were divided into four groups. Group I consisted of 10 animals which were watched for their natural oestrus and inseminated twice at 24 hours interval. In group II, 11 animals were observed for their natural oestrus and inseminated twice at 24 hours interval and were given post insemination intrauterine antibiotic treatment 24 hours later based on antibiotic sensitivity test. Eleven animals in group III were subjected to induction of oestrus by administration of PGF2 alpha (Lutalyse) 25 mg intramuscular 8-12 days of their cycle and inseminated twice at 24 hours, at the induced oestrus. Group IV consisted of 10 animals subjected to induction of oestrus as in group III and inseminated twice at 24 hours interval and were given post insemination intrauterine antibiotic therapy based on sensitivity tests, 24 hours later. The observations made and inferences drawn are given below. The interval from the administration of PGF2 alpha to the onset of oestrus ranged from 4.8-120 hours (mean 61.81 hours) and 36 to 72 hours (mean 54.0 hours) in group III and IV, respectively. The mean duration of oestrus was 21.6 hours, 23.36 hours, 28.36 hours and 31.60 hours in the four groups respectively. The duration of oestrus showed significant variation between groups I and IV (f = 2-8910) and between groups II and IV (t* = 2.6445). The percentage of intense, medium and weak oestrus was 66.66, 23.80 and 9.52 per cent respectively in natural oestrus and 66.66, 19.04 and 14.28 in induced oestrus respectively. The difference in the intensity of oestrus between natural and induced oestrus was not significantly different, although, a slightly high incidence of weak oestrus was observed, when oestrus was induced with Lutalyse. Physical changes of the reproductive tract' like oedema of the vulva, congestion of vulval mucosa and sliminess did not show any variation between the natural oestrus and induced oestrus. The percentage of animals showing purulent discharge, discharge with flakes and cloudy discharge showed a marked reduction when treated with PGF2 alpha alone and a combination of PGF2 alpha and antibiotics. Similarly the percentage of animals showing clear discharge increased enormously by above treatments. The bacterial organisms isolated from the uterine discharges were citrobacter spp. 23.84 per cent, Bacillus spp.. 23.80 per cent, S. aureus .14.28 per cent, Pseudomonas 14.28 per cent, Corynebacterium spp. 9.52 per cent, Coagulase negative staphylococci, 9.52 per cent and the yeast Candida guilliermondii 4.76 per cent. Gentamicin was the most sensitive antibiotic for most of the organisms isolated, followed by chloramphenicol, oxytetracycline and sulphadiazine. Penicillin was the most resistant followed by streptomycin and nitrofurantoin. Significant difference in the overall conception rate was observed between different groups; the overall conception rate was significantly higher in group IV than in group I and II (t1 = 4.8341 between groups I & IV and t' = 2.9186 betweengroups II & IV). Significantly higher conception rate was observed in group III than group I also (t ' = 5.5886). The number of inseminations required per conception was lowest in group III and highest in group I. Thus, it appeared that PGF2 alpha in combination with antibiotic was beneficial in the treatment of clinical endometritis. But since the number of inseminations required for conception was lower in group III than group IV and because, there is no significant difference in the overall conception rate, between these two groups, it could be inferred that administration of antibiotics along with P G F 2 alpha did not have any added advantage. Furthermore, considering the harmful effects of administration of antibiotics, it may be stated that PGF2 alpha alone would be beneficial in the treatment of post partum clinical endometritis and can be recommended as the drug of choiceThesisItem Open Access Assessment of bacterial load in chilled and frozen buck semen(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1999) Liz Simon; KAU; Vijayakumaran, VWith the object of assessing the 'bacterial load of buck semen during processing and preservation by freezing and chilling, a study was carried out at Artificial Insemination Centre, College of Veterinary And Animal Science, Mannuthy, Thrissur, using 72 ejaculates from six Malabari cross bred bucks. The average volume of semen from two pooled ejaculates was l.23 ± 0.03 millilitre. Semen samples with creamy colour, BB mass activity and DDDD density were only used for processing and preservation. The samples were diluted 10 fold in phosphate buffered .. saline before centrifuging twice and the pellet was reconstituted to the original volume with PBS. These were then split into two portions, one for chilling and other for freezing. The sample for chilling was diluted ten fold with Tris-citric acid- fructose egg yolk diluent and preserved under refrigerated conditions for 48 hours. The sample for freezing was diluted five fold in nonglycerolated fraction of Tris- citric acid-fructose-egg yolk-glycerol diluent, cooled to 50 centigrade, glycerolated, equilibrated for 4 hours, frozen in liquid nitrogen and preserved upto 30 days. The initial live sperm percentage was 94.69 ± 0.67 which dropped to 57.83 ± 0.90 after freezing and storage for 30 days. Similarly, the initial sperm motility of75.14 ± 1.42 after washing and reconstitution dropped significantly to 33.17 ± 1 . 14 during the same period. There was an increase in the percentage of sperm abnormalities from 1.31 ± 0.67 to 7.42 ± 0.45 and that of acrosomal abnormalities from 0.70 ± 0.15 to 14.76 ± 0.77 during the same period. The bacterial load of neat semen was 1166.67 ± 348.64 organisms per millilitre which increased on washing and reconstitution to 3493.05 ± 734.90 organisms per millilitre. Further there was a significant increase on initial extension to 27272.22 ± 4012.70 organisms per millilitre. The declining trend started after glycerolisation with a reduction of bacterial load to '24466.67 ± 3682.40 organisms per millilitre. But on equilibration, reduction in the bacterial load was much more faster and significant and reduced to 2691.11' ± 664.81 organisms per millilitre. This further reduced significantly to 221.81 ± 129.77, 161.00 ± 19.94 and 162.78 ± 29.03 organisms per millilitre on storage at zero, 15 and 30 days of freeze preservation. With respect to preservation by chilling the live sperm percentage at zero, 24 and 48 hours were 88.24 ± 0.56, 80.82 ± 0.53 and 72.72 ± 1.70 respectively. The sperm motility also reduced from 73.47 ± 4.53 to 70.55 ± 0.17 and 62.50 ± 1.27 during the same period. There was a slight increase in the percentage of sperm abnormalities from 2.97 ± 0.37 at zero hour to 3.68 ± 0.51 and 4.74 ± 0.48 respectively at 24 and 48 hours of preservation. The percentage of acrosomal abnormalities were 7.20 ± 0.58, 8.58 ± 0.60 and 9.31 ± 0.66 respectively at zero, 24 and 48 hours of preservation.
