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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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 P
The 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.
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 P
A 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.
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 P
A 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%).
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 P
The 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.
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 P
The 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.
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 P
A 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.
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, E
The 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.
Open Access
Studies on the preservation of buck seman
(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1979) Balakrishnan, P P; KAU; Neelakanta Iyer, C P
With the ultimate object of evolving a suitable extender for buck semen, 64 ejaculates from eight healthy cross bred bucks (6 saanen x Malabari and 2 Alpine x Malabari) selected at random from “ All India Co-ordinated Research Project on Goats for Milk Production”, Mannuthy, were used for the preservation studies. Six diluents viz., Tris, Skim milk citrate fructose glycine (SMCFG), milk citrate fructose glycine (MCFG), whole cows milk (CM), whole goats milk (GM) and Cornell University Extender (CUE) were stored at 50C and at room temperature in coconut milk extender (CME). Buck semen could be stored up to 60 hours in Tris, SMCFG and MCFG with good motility at 50C. In CME, semen could be stored only up to 24 hours in 1: 200 dilution. Egg yolk containing diluents proved to be least suitable for preservation of buck semen at 50 C. The percentage of conception rate was 44.0, 52.0 and 53.3 with Tris, SMCFG and MCFG diluents respectively.
Open Access
Preliminary trials on presservation of buck semen in glycerol containing diluents
(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1983) Aswini Kumar, Sarma; KAU; Matai, E
A systematic study was carried out on normal characteristics and preservation of buck semen in chilled and frozen conditions. A total of 240 ejaculates from 3 Malabari and 3 Alpine X Malabari bucks were utilized for the study on normal semen characteristics. The overall average reaction time was 98.86 + 4.309 seconds. Significant positive correlation between reaction time and mass activity was observed. The mean semen volume was found to be 0.55 + 0.017 and 0.72 + 0.015 ml in Mala bari and Alpine X Malabari bucks respectively. Semen volume was significantly higher in cross bred bucks. The colour of buck semen varied from milky yellow to cremy white. The overall density score of buck semen was 3.52 + 0.030 out of four. Mean values for pH of Malabari and Alpine X Malabari semen were 6.74 + 0.026 and 6.74 + 0.019 respectively. Mass activity varied significantly between bucks. Significant difference was noted in motility percentage between breeds. Initial motility was having significant positive correlation with the live sperm percentage. The overall mean live sperm percentage was 90.64 + 0.317. Significant difference in sperm concentration was observed between bucks. Average total sperm abnormalities of 1.65 + 0.183 and 1.14 + 0.093 per cent were noted in Malabari and Alpine X Malabari bucks respectively. Effect of room temperature and refrigeration temperature glycerolisation of Tris and reconstituted skim milk diluents, each having 0, 1,3 and 7 per cent glycerol, on preservability of buck spermatozoa was studied. Motility and abnormality assessment were made at zero hour to 144 hours, at 24 hours interval. Skim milk diluent with seven per cent glycerol at refrigeration temperature glycerolisation preserved above 30 per cent sperm motility up to 72 hours of storage. No added advantage could be observed in the addition of glycerol at room temperature in skim milk diluent. Tris diluent with one per cent glycerol was found to be suitable for preservation of buck spermatozoa at 5°C, in room temperature and refrigeration temperature glycerolisation. Refrigeration temperature glycerolisation was found to be significantly superior to room temperature glycerolisation in preserving motility percentage in both the Tris and skim milk diluents. In both the diluents, total abnormality percentages at room temperature glycerolisation were significantly higher than that at refrigeration temperature glycerolisation. With both methods of glycerolisation in Tris and skim milk, the total abnormality percentages were higher as the level of glyoerol increased. The present study revealed an increase in acrosomal defects with the advancement of storage period. The occurence of acrosomal defects was significantly higher in room temperature glycerolisation. ill four ejaculates each from six bucks were diluted in Tris and skim milk diluents each with seven per cent glycerol, to study the effect of deep freezing and post-thawing motility. The average post-thawing motility in Tris and skim milk diluent was 44.44 and 31.06 per cent respectively. Tris diluent was found significantly superior to skim milk diluent for freezing buck spermatozoa.

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

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