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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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19923
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Subject: Animal Reproduction and Gynecology × End date: 1992 × Start date: 1990 × Type: Thesis ×
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    ThesisItemOpen 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, V
    A 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.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Superovulation, Sychronisation of oestrus and embryo transfer in crossbred cows
    (Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1992) Suresan Nair, S P; KAU; Neelakanta Iyer, C P
    The object of the present investigation was to ascertain the influence of varying doses of FSH and PGF2₻on various parameters of superovulation and embryo collections, with the ultimate aim of fixing the optimum dose of FSH and PGF2 ₻ required for successful superovulation in crossbred cows. Detailed investigation was made in a herd of 32 crossbred cows belonging to the University Livestock Farm, attached to the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, during the period from April 1989 to December, 1991. The animals were randomly divided into 6 groups based on 3 doses of FSH and 2 doses of PGF2 ₻ administered. It was observed that 20 mg of FSH, with 25 mg of PGF2 induced satisfactory superovulation response and 20 mg of FSH with 15 mg of PGF2 ₻ resulted in better embryo quality. Further increase in the dose did not show any improvement in the responses. Right ovary showed more response than the left. Day 11 was found to be ideal for starting superovulation treatment, and day 6 for embryo collection, though statistically no significant influence was noticed by day of collection on superovulation response. Parity and age of donors had no influence on superovulation. Rainy and summer months were found to be better seasons for superovulation treatment than winter. Shorter duration (24 hr) of oestrum was noticed in more number of animals. 20 mg of FSH and 25 mg of PGF2 ₻ (group 3) yielded better cervical dilatation and flushing efficiency. Level of progesterone increased following superovulation treatment and declined 3 days before oestrum and reached the lowest level on day of oestrum. Pregnancy rate achieved was 33.3 per cent, but calving percentage was nil.
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    ThesisItemOpen 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, E
    A 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.