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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 prostaglandin-pregnent mare serum gonadotropin combination for enhancing prolificasy in Malabari goats(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2002) Senthilkumar, P; KAU; Balakrishnan, P PThe object of present Investigation was to evaluate the efficacy of prostaglandin-PMSG combination treatment at different dose levels in order to enhance the fertility and prolificacy of Malabari does. The material used for the study consisted of 48 cycling nulliparous Malabari does of eight to ten months age and body weight 18 to 20 kg, belonging to Kerala Agricultural University Goat farm, Mannuthy. All the experimental does were administered with two doses of cloprostenol (SYNCHROMATE) at the rate of O.Sml intramuscularly 11 days apart. One day prior to the second prostaglandin administration the does were randomly divided into four groups viz. Group I, Il, III and IV with 12 in each group. On the same day group I, 11 and III were administered PMSG (FOLLIGON) intramuscularly at the rate of 200, 400 and 600 IU respectively. Group IV was maintained as control with the prostaglandin treatment alone. After the second dose of prostaglandin all does in group I, 11 and III (100%) showed oestrus and in group IV only 11 does (91.67%) exhibited oestrus. The mean time taken for onset of oestrus in group I, Il, III and IV was 28.00±2.70, 30.00±4.31, 24.00, 43.64±4.36 h respectively. Group IV was significantly different from prostaglandin-PMSG group I, II and III (P < 0.01). The mean duration of oestrus in group I, 11, III and IV was 84.00±6.94, 64.00±7.44, 86.00±7.S2 and 34.91±4.97 h respectively. Group IV was significantly different from group I, IlandIlI (P Mean intensity oestrus score was 11.50±0.49, 12.25±0.33, 14.25±0.72 and 8.82±1.59 respectively in group I, 11, III and IV. Group IV was statistically significant from group I, II and III (P < 0.0 l). All prostaglandin-PMSG treated does exhibited common oestrus signs like wagging of tail, standing to be mounted, vulval redness, vulval oedema and vulval discharge whereas in control group only wagging of tail, vulval redness and vulval oedema noticed. The percentage of conception rate in group I, 11, III and IV was 41.67, 50.00, 33.33 and 45.45 respectively. In prostaglandin-PMSG groups I, 11 and III mean litter size was 1.60±0.25, 1.50±0.43 and 1.50±0.65 respectively but in group IV the same was 1.20±0.20. There was no significant difference between the groups in litter size. However, more litter size with twins and triplets was noticed in prostaglandin- PMSG groups than the control group. In group I, 11 and III mean birth weight was 1.45±0.14, 1.24±0.13 and 1.27±0.18 kg respectively whereas in group IV it was l.62±0.24 kg. There was no significant difference among the groups with respect to the birth weight of kids. The percentage of preweaning mortality of kids in group I, Il, III and IV was 50.00, 44.44, 50.00 and 33.33 respectively. The causes of preweaning mortality were pneumonia, enteritis and other etiological factors such as sudden death of weak born kids. Analysis of the results of present investigation indicated that prostaglandin double dose combined with PMSG at low dose regimen of 200 IV treatment can be used for enhancing the litter size without affecting the uq reproductive efficiency of nulliparous young does. For enhancing the litter size of goat, though requires further detailed investigation, it appears to offer a clear indication on the possibility of hormonally modulated for enhancement of litter size among goats. This might find in potential commercial application in intensive goat production system.ThesisItem Open Access Fertility of oestrus synchronised crossbred Malabari does inseminated with boer buck semen(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2003) Afsal, K; KAU; Balakrishnan, P PWith the objective of studying the fertility of frozen Boer buck semen, six Boer bucks maintained at Goat Breeding Station, Dhoni farm, Kerala Livestock Development Board and 150 Malabari crossbred does maintained at Sheep and Goat farm, Mannuthy were selected. Semen collection was carried out at weekly intervals from the bucks and preserved under freezing. Average volume of buck semen was 1.27 ± 0.06 rnl. Colour of the semen was creamy, density DDDD and mass activity + + + +. Average sperm concentration of the semen samples was 2956.67 ± 81.74 millions per ml and mean live sperm percentage was 88.16 ± 0.50. Average semen pH was 6.98 ± 0.03. No significant difference was found in these semen characters between bucks (P>0.05). Average percentage of abnormal spermatozoa in the fresh semen was 3.20 ± 0.27. Mean percentage of sperms with abnormal acrosome was 1.00 ± 0.13. The does selected were administered 0.147 mg Tiaprost Trometamol, a prostaglandin analogue (0.75 ml Iliren) intramuscularly at 11 days interval for oestrus synchronisation. The does were divided into two groups, Group I with 100 does and Group II with 50 does. Ninety six does in Group I and 47 does in group 11 responded to the treatment. Incidence of oestr~s in the does was 95.33 per cent. Average time taken for the does to come to oestrus was 51.02 ± 0.99 hours. Mean duration of oestrus in the does was 35.81 ± 0.86 hours. Average oestrus intensity score in the does was 5.97 ± 0.41. Wagging of tail (65.33 per cent), frequent bleating (56.67 per cent), vulal oedema (43.33 per cent) and standing to be mounted (34 per cent) were the prominent signs of oestrus exhibited by the does. Six semen samples from each buck were frozen in Tris and Biociphos extenders separately. Progressive motility of semen samples after washing twice in Tris buffer and after thawing was 67.00 ± 1.47 and 43.91 ± 1.86 per cent. Average percentage of live sperms in the fresh semen and after thawing was 87.83 ± 0.75 and 52.61 ± 1.56. Mean percentage of sperm motility after initial dilution and freezing and thawing in Biociphos extender was 80.56 ± 1.11 and 40.19 ± 1.87. Percentage of live spermatozoa in fresh semen and thawed semen was 87.64 ± 0.76 and 43.64 ± 1.49. Though no significant difference was noticed in post thaw motility of spermatozoa, highly significant variation was observed in the percentage of live spermatozoa between the semen frozen in Tris and Biociphos extenders (P>0.05). Artificial insemination was carried out in all the oestrus does by speculum method. Group I does were inseminated with semen extended in Tris and Group JJ does with semen extended in Biociphos. Pregnancy diagnosis was done at three months of gestation by abdominal palpation and the accuracy of the method was found to be 93.55 per cent. Conception percentage in Group I and Group n was 22.92 and 19.15. There was no significant difference in the conception rate between the two groups. Mean gestation length was 147.23 ± 0.76 days. Number of kids per kidding averaged 1.77. Percentage of male and female kids was 50.91 and 49.09. Average birth weight of kids was 2.38 ± 0.08 kg.ThesisItem Open Access Metoestrual bleeding and its effect on fertility in natural and induced oestrus in cattle(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2003) Leeba Chacko; KAU; Aravinda Ghosh, K NWith the objective of studying the occurrence, onset, duration and intensity of metoestrual bleeding and its effect on fertility in natural and induced oestrus in cattle, detailed data of animals belonging to University Livestock Farm and those presented at Artificial Insemination Centre and Bull Station, attached to the Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, were collected using a suitable proforma. Animals with the history of metoestrual bleeding were randomly selected and allotted to the following groups. Group I consisted of 16 animals, comprising- of eight cows and eight heifers, with the history of metoestrual bleeding that were inseminated at natural oestrus. Sixteen animals in group II (eight cows and eight heifers) with the history of metoestrual bleeding were subjected to induction of oestrus on tenth day using 25 mg PGF2 alpha (Lutalyse), which were inseminated at 72 and 96 h after the administration of Lutalyse. Sixteen animals (eight cows and eight heifers) which did not show metoestrual bleeding formed the group Ill. Out of 1626 animals screened, 99 (6.09 per cent) animals exhibited signs of metoestrual bleeding in one or more oestrous cycles. The occurrence was found to be higher in heifers (9.87 per cent) than in cows (4.52 per cent). Higher percentage of Brown Swiss cross bred cattle (9.88 per cent) exhibited signs of metoestrual bleeding, followed by Holstein-Friesian cross bred (7.66 per cent) and Jersey cross breds (7.4 7 per cent). Out of 99 animals with metoestrual bleeding, eight (8.08 per cent) animals showed bleeding on the day of oestrus (day 0), 44 (44.44 per cent) on day 1 of oestrus, 26 (26.26 per cent) on day 2 of oestrus and 21 (21.21) on day 3 of oestrus. Duration of metoestrual bleeding ranged from 6-36 h with a mean of 13.38 ± 2.64 h. Thirteen (13.13 per cent), 57 (57.58 per cent) and 29 (29.30 per cent) animals exhibited scanty, moderate and profuse bleeding, respectively. Thick mucus blood tinged discharge was observed in 60 per cent of cases, which on microscopic examination revealed fern pattern, that lay scattered in disintegrated form with presence of RBCs, in stained smears. Thin mucus blood tinged discharge was noticed in 40 per cent of cases with presence of RBCs in stained smears, without fern pattern. Microbial growth was not detected when metoestrual discharge was inoculated on the culture media and incubated at 37°C for 24 h. Gram positive bacilli were detected as the contaminants after 48 h. Out of eight cows and eight heifers in group II subjected to PGF2alpha administration, seven (87.5 per cent) and eight (100 per cent) responded to treatment, respectively. The overall oestrus response was 93.75 per cent. The time taken for the induction of oestrus in cows was 66.14 ± 1.55 h as against 59.88 ± 1.66 h in group II heifers. Average duration of oestrus in cows and heifers was 25.13 ± 0.99 and 18.75 ± 0.53; 31.43 ± 1.13 and 28.75 ± 2.00, and 23.63 ± 2.27 and 19.38 ± 0.65 h for groups I, 11 and III, respectively. Analysis of data revealed significant difference in the duration of oestrus in cows and heifers in group II from that of cows and heifers in groups I and III (P37.5 per cent of cows and 12.5,37.5 and 50 per cent heifers showed high, medium and low intensity of oestrus, respectively. In group II the corresponding values were 57.14, 28.57 and 14.28 per cent in cows and 62.5, 25 and 12.5 per cent in heifers. In group III 12.5, 37.5 and 50 per cent cows and 25, 37.5 and 37.5 per cent heifers exhibited high, medium and low intensity of oestrus, respectively. Out . of eight cows and eight heifers induced, none exhibited metoestrual bleeding in the induced heat. The overall conception rate in groups I, Il and III were 18.75, 66.66 and 43.75 per cent, respectively. It can be recommended that induction of oestrus using prostaglandin can be employed for enhancing the conception rate in animals with the history of met oestrual bleeding.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of human chorionic gonadotrophin,gonodotrophin releasing hormone and prostaglandin F2 alpha in augmenting conception rate of repeat breeder cattle(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2003) Velayudhakumar, R; Sreekumaran TRepeat breeding in cattle especially due to ovulatory disturbances has become a frustrating problem under field conditions. The present study was aimed to formulate an effective and economic therapy for this problem. Hence three therapeutic approaches viz. human chorionic gonadotrophin, Gonadotrophin releasing hormone and prostaglandin F2 alpha were undertaken, and its efficacy and economic viability was compared. The material for the study consisted of repeat breeder cross-bred cows and heifers presented at Artificial insemination centre and bull station, attached to the Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, Thrissur. Occurrence of ovulatory disturbance were studied and white side test was done to exclude those with infection Overall occurrence of anovulation and delayed ovulation were 7.38 and 15.77 per cent.Anovualtion in cows and heifers were 5.21 and 17.82 and delayed ovulation was 14.7 and 8.8 per cent respectively. On study of . characteristics of cervical mucus, clear colour (93 per cent), thick consistency (43.47 per cent) and atypical crystallization (57.97 per cent) were found to be high in repeaters with ovulatory disturbances. Spinnbarkeit value varied significantly (t' = - 4.2779, P < 0.01) where as pH variation was non significant (t' = 2.37, P > 0.05) between normal and repeaters. Changes in the tubular tract such as vulval oedema, hyperaem ia of vaginal mucosa and uterine tonicity were found to be medium and low in most of the repeat breeders. Repeat breeders with ovulatory disturbances were randomly allotted to three groups of twelve each group-A, group B and group C. Intramuscular administration of Human chorionic gonadotrophin (Chorulon, 1500.I.U),GnRH analogue (Buserelin acetate -Receptal, l Ougjand Prostaglandin F2 alpha analogue (Luprostiol - Prosolvin, 3 mg) were done immediately after insemination in group-A ,group B and group C respectively. There was a significant reduction in duration of oestrum in group A (50.17 to 38.08 hours) and group B (50.08 to 36.17 hours) and non significant in group C. Ovulatory response was 33.33, 75.00 and 66.66 per cent respectively in group A, Band C. Conception rate was 25,50,50 and 22.22 per cent respectively in group A, B, C and repeaters given double insemination at 24 hours interval. The cost for treatment per animal in rupees and amount required per conception in rupees was 220, 103,44, and 35 and 880, 206, 88 and 157.5 respectively in group A, B, C and those given double insemination. Hence it is inferred that PGFz alpha treatment immediately after insemination is preferred to treatment with GnRH or hCG or double insemination at 24 hour interval and that administration ofGnRH is found better than hCG in repeat breeding due to ovulatory disturbances in cattle.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of norgestamet and prostaglandinfalpha in crossbred heifers for augmenting fertility(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2001) Gopikrishnan, P; KAU; Vahida, A MWith the objective of studying the effect of norgestamet-oestradiol and PGF2a treatment on oestrus synchronisation and to enhance the fertility rate in crossbred heifers at fixed time double insemination, forty-five cycling heifers, selected from Kerala Agricultural University Livestock Farms, were randomly allotted to three treatment groups, Group I, Il and Ill. Fifteen heifers of Group I were given 3 mg norgestamet implant kept in situ for nine days and an injection containing a combination of 3 mg norgestamet and 5 mg oestradiol valerate on the day of insertion of implant. While the fifteen heifers of Group Il were given double dose regimen of 15 mg PGF2a (luprostiol) at 11 days apart. Group III consisted of fifteen heifers that were kept as control. In both Groups I and Il, 14 heifers (93.33 per cent) each responded to the treatments. The time taken for the induction of oestrus in the Group I was 50.1 ± 4.58 hours as against 69.50 ± 1.34 hours in the Group 11. There was significant difference on the time of induction of oestrus between Group I and Group n. The duration of oestrus in the Group I was 27.8 ± l.09 hours, as against 28 ± 1.07 and 19 ± 0.33 hours respectively in Group II and Group III. Though analysis of variance showed no significant difference between Group I and Group Il, pairwise comparison showed no significant difference between Group I and Group Il. A higher percentage of heifers in Group I and II showed medium to high intensity of oestrus than Group Ill. The cervicovaginal mucus examination revealed an increase in typical fern pattern in Group I and II than Group Ill. The first, second and third service pregnancy rate in Group I were 21.42, 28.57 and 14.28 per cent respectively at fixed time artificial insemination, 48 and 72 hours after the removal of the implant, as against 42.86, 21.43 and 14.28 per cent at fixed time artificial insemination, 72 and 96 hour after the second injection of PGF2a in Group II. In Group III heifers 20 per cent each required one and three inseminations and 13.44 per cent required two inseminations to effect pregnancy. The overall pregnancy rate obtained for Group I, II and III were 64.27, 78.57 and 53.33 per cent respectively. The AI indices for Group I and II were 1.72 and 1.63 as against 2.13 of Group Ill. The present study reveals that though norgestamet- oestradiol and PGF2a could be effectively used for synchronisation of oestrus, use of PGF 2a is the better alternative for augmenting fertility in crossbred heifers.ThesisItem Open Access Classification and characterization of follicular oocytes of crossbred cattle(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2001) Lydia Priscilla, K; KAU; Balakrishnan, P PThe objective of the present study was to analyse the ovarian factors that would influence the type of oocyte recovered for further use in terms of in vitro embryo production. The normal ovaries of crossbred cows collected randomly from the slaughter house were classified into four stages Stage I (SI), Stage Il (S2), Stage III (S3) and Stage IV (S4) of the oestrous cycle according to the visual appearance of CL and ovarian morphology. The length, width, thickness and weight of the ovary were significantly influenced by the stage of the oestrous cycle and the maximum value was recorded during the S3 stage (late luteal phase) of the cycle. The average values recorded irrespective of the stage for length, width, thickness and weight of the ovary was 2.47±O.03cm, 1.81±O.03cm, 1.42±O.03cm and 4.05±O.14g respectively. The mean number of vesicular follicles belonging to the 4 to 8mm category was significantly influenced by the stage of the oestrous cycle (p8mm diameter follicles were not influenced by the stage of the oestrous cycle. The late luteal phase (S3) had more number of follicles in less than 4mm category whereas S3 and S4 stage had more number of follicles in 4 to 8mm and >8mm category. The size of the follicle had an interactive effect along with the quality of oocyte obtained in each category of the follicle. The number of oocytes obtained from <4mm sized follicle was significantly high (pcategories. The good quality oocytes were also found to be significantly higher in number when recovered from <4mm sized follicles. The recovery rate of oocytes as per the stage was found to have a statistical significance (phigher output from ovaries belonging to the S3 phase than the. number obtained from SI, S2 and S4 stage. Moreover, the quality of the oocyte recovered from S3 stage was significantly influenced (pstatistically similar in their effect on oocyte quality. Slicing method yielded the maximum number of oocytes per ovary than when compared to the other techniques employed. There was significant difference in the recovery rate among the methods (pboth in number and quality (6.27 and 61.53 per cent of grade I). The mean number of oocytes recovered by aspiration, puncturing and post aspiration slicing was 4.16, 3.67 and 3.13 respectively. The method of recovery and the quality of oocyte recovered had an interactive and significant effect on the oocyte recovery rate (pThe level of sodium, potassium, iron and copper in the follicles of various diameters present during the different stages of the cycle in the ovaries was found to vary significantly between stages. The level of zinc was not influenced by the stages of the cycle. The variation in the concentration of the minerals was found to be related with the normal physiological changes that occurred during the different stages of the cycle.ThesisItem Open Access Vaginal cytology and progesterone profile in bitches during induced oestrous cycle(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2000) Bibin Becha, B; KAU; Aravinda Ghosh, K NThe detailed vaginal cytology and serum progesterone levels were studied in bitches during normal and induced oestrous cycles. Twelve anoestrus bitches aged 2 to 5 years were randomly allotted to two equal groups (Group A and Group B). Animals in Group A were initially treated with a sustained release preparation of leuprolide acetate at a dose rate of 100 ug/kg body weight followed by gonadorelin (synthetic GnRH analogue) at a dose rate of 3 ug/kg body weight on the first day of induced oestrus. The Group B animals were administered with diethylstilbestrol at a dose rate of 0.2 mg/kg body weight orally for nine consecutive days. Six bitches in natural proestrus acted as controls (Group C). All animals in Group A, 66.7 per cent animals in Group B exhibited oestrus at a mean of 12.67 and 15.25 days respectively from the first day of treatment. There was significant difference in time taken for onset of oestrus between treatment groups. The duration of proestral bleeding was 6.67, 8.50 and 8.67 days and duration of oestrus was 8.0, 7.75 and 8.0 days in Group A, Group B and Group C respecti vel y. A conception rate of 83.3, 50 and 83.3 per cent with a mean litter size of 5.6, 6.0 and 5.6 was obtained in Group A, Group B and Group C respectively. There was significant difference in conception rate between treatment groups, however, no significant difference in litter size was observed. The detailed vaginal cytology during normal and induced oestrous cycle was studied usmg Wright's, Wright-Giemsa's, modified Shorrs and Papanicolaou's staining and cellular indices like Superficial cell index (SCl), Eosinophilic index (El) and Kariopyknotic index (KPl) were derived. The SCl and El values were found to vary between pregnant and non-pregnant animals in ) all the groups, but no significant variation was observed in KPl values. Serum progesterone level was estimated during different stages of normal and induced oestrous cycles. Significantly higher progesterone levels were observed on the day of second mating in treatment groups (12.63 ng/ml in Group A and 12.25 ng/ml in Group B) as compared to control group (6.87 ng/ml). Serum progesterone levels were lower during oestrus and on the tenth day of second mating in all the non-pregnant animals as compared to pregnant animals. It is concluded that bitches in anoestrus could be induced to fertile oestrus using sustained release preparation of leuprolide acetate followed by gonadorelin with a higher induction and conception rate with normal litter size. Oral treatment with diethylstilbestrol is less effective for inducing oestrus.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of different freezing rates on canine spermatozoa(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2000) Geetha, R; KAU; Sreekumaran, TThe objective of the study was to find out the effect of different freezing rates on post thaw motility, livability and acrosomal damage of dog spermatozoa. A total of 36 ejaculates of good quality collected from SIX Dachshund dogs by digital manipulation were processed for freezing in Tris citric acid fructose egg yolk diluent containing four per cent glycerol. The processed semen samples were subjected to three different freezing protocols such as 4cm height above the liquid nitrogen level for 10 minutes (Fast freezing), Scm for 15 minutes (Moderate freezing) and 12cm for 20 minutes (Slow freezing). The mean volume of sperm rich fractions was 0.6S±0.03ml. The colour and consistency of sperm rich fractions were thin milky. The mean density of sperm rich fraction was DD(D) and mean pH was 6.63±O.02. The mean concentration of sperm rich fraction was 221±7.36 millions per ml and the average initial motility was found to be 75±O.93 per cent. The mean percentage of live sperm count, sperm abnormalities and acrosomal damage of spermatozoa was Sl.17±O.73, 5.23±O.29 and 2.32±O.25 respectively. Significant (Pabnormalities and acrosomal damage of spermatozoa was found between dogs. The average percentage of motility, live sperm count, sperm abnormalities and acrosomal damage of spermatozoa was 70.41± 1.22, 75.63±O.65, 7.28±0.43 and 5.34±O.31 after dilution, 58.75±1.34, 63.60±O.89, 10.04±O.32 and 10.13±0.41 after chilling and 47.78±1.59, 50.65±1.31, 11.79±O.36 and 16.20±O.57 after equilibration period respectively. There was significant (Preduction in sperm motility and livability and increase in sperm abnormalities and acrosomal damage of spermatozoa after dilution, chilling and equilibration period. Significant (Pwas found between dogs for the above parameters. The percentage of post thaw motility of spermatozoa was significantly (Pwhen compared to moderate (25.83±1.66) and slow (24.44±1.27) freezing rates. There was significantly (Pof live sperms and lower percentage of sperm abnormalities in fast freezing rate than in moderate and slow freezing rates. Eventhough the percentage of acrosomal damage was not statistically ( significant among fast, moderate and slow freezing rates, lower percentage of acrosomal damage was recorded in fast freezing rate. From this study it could be inferred that fast freezing in which the straws were frozen at to 4cm height above the liquid nitrogen level for 10 minutes was superior to moderate (8cm for 15 minutes) and slow (12 cm for 20 minutes) freezing rates.