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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 Detection of serum relaxin as a diagnostic tool for early pregnancy diagnosis in bitches(Department of Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2007) Deepthi, L; KAU; Sreekumaran, TWith the object of fioding a suitable and reliable method of early pregnancy diagnosis in bitches, the study was undertaken to investigate the efficacy of trans abdominal palpation, ultrasound scanning and relaxin detection was conducted. The study consisted of 45 apparently healthy bitches whieh were brought to the clinics for finding the optimal breeding time. Out of this, ten animals were selected at random for pregnancy diagnosis and were subjected to different methods of pregnancy diagnosis at different gestational age-16 to 20 days, 21 to 24 days and 25 to 30 days post breeding. Blood samples were collected for the estimation of haemoglobin, packed eell volume and erythrocyte sedimentation rate at the day of breeding and also at the above gestation periods. Body weights were reeorded at the day of breeding and also at different gestation periods. In the present study, it was found that abdominal palpation was difficult m diagnosing pregnancy between 16 to 20 days of gestation. When palpation was done in between 21 to 24 and 25 to 30 days post breeding, the accuracy obtained was 50% and 70% respeetively. This study suggests that trans abdominal palpation was not useful in diagnosing early pregnancy. By ultrasound scanning, the percentage accuracy at 16 to 20 days was 50%, which improved to 80 percent and 100 percent at 21-24 and 25-30 days post breeding respeetively. Foetal heartbeat could be observed in all the positive cases from 24 days of gestation. Pseudo-pregnancy, pyometra and abortion could be easily identified by this method. The earliest positive result obtained for serum relaxin detection was obtained at 20" day post breeding and the percentage accuracy was 50% at this period, as against 100% at 21-30 days of gestation. In the present study, it was found that serum relaxin test was not influenced by pseudo-pregnancy and uterine pathological conditions like pyometra. There was significant variation in haemogram (P <0.01) at the day of breeding and at different gestational age. Haemoglobin concentration at 16-20, 21-24 and 25-30 days of gestation were 10.88+0.31, 10.24+0.22, 8.77+0.28g/dl, which was lower than the value 11.56+0.27 obtained prior to breeding. The packed cell volume values were 34.66+0.9, 30.77+0.94, 28.22+1.02 and 26±0.94 percent at day 0, 16-20, 21-24, 25-30 days post breeding. There was significant variation in the values before and after conception. There was significant variation in erythrocyte sedimentation rate between day zero and at different gestational age. The values obtained varied significantly and recorded as 4.6±0.33, 14.3±1.09, 17.8±1.28 and 21.76±1.47mm/hr at day 0, 16-20, 21-24 and 25-30 days of gestation respectively. The body weight of all the ten animals varied significantly (P<0.01). It was observed that the body weight had shown a steady and progressive increase as the pregnancy advanced. The study revealed that abdominal palpation was not very useful in diagnosing early pregnancy. By ultrasound scanning, uterus as well as foetus could be visualized after 23 days of gestation. Serum relaxin detection could be used as an early tool for pregnancy diagnosis in bitches from 20 days post breeding. Results of the present study suggest that the relaxin test was accurate in diagnosing early pregnancy and its advantage being that it could be conducted and interpreted easily by a dog breeder or a dog owner. It could be concluded that detection of serum relaxin is a quick, simple and accurate tool for diagnosing early pregnancy under field conditionsThesisItem Open Access Comparison of different methods of pregnancy diagnosis in bitches(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2005) Asha Merina, Kuriakose; KAU; Joseph MathewWith the object of comparing different methods of pregnancy diagnosis and to determine the early reliable method, a study was undertaken to investigate the efficacy of transabdominal palpation, ultrasound scanning and haematological profile during pregnancy at various stages of gestation in bitches. Sixty six apparently normal healthy bitches were included in the study. The bitches subjected to pregnancy diagnosis were grouped based on gestational period as 20 to 30, 31 to 40 and 41 to 65 days post breeding. The data obtained were compiled and tabulated.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 Reproductive performance of cross bred heifers under special livestock breeding programme of Kerala(Department of Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2007) Sathyaraj N; KAU; Aravinda Ghosh, K NThe study was conducted to assess the influence of better feeding and management of calves selected under Special Livestock Breeding Programme (SLBP) implemented by the Department of Animal Husbandry of Kerala. Twenty two calves which were covered under SLBP and 11 calves which were not covered under SLBP were selected at random to form group I and II respectively. All the animals in both groups belonged to the farmers below poverty line (BPL) of Anthikad, Villadom and Ollukkara Villages of Thrissur District. Group I animals were fed with good quality compounded cattle feed supplied to farmers at 50 per cent subsidized rate from Department of Animal Husbandry and provide extension support, adequate health and insurance cover. These animals were closely monitored at monthly intervals and were dewormed at regular intervals. Group II animals were maintained by poor farmers under field condition and their feeding and management were fully dependent on the interest and capability of the farmers. The body weight of all animals in group I and II were recorded at 6th, 12th and 18th month of age and at puberty and sexual maturity. The mean body weight in animals belonging to group I at 6th, 12th and at 18th month of age and at puberty and maturity were 68.32 ± 0.88, 116.59 ± 0.94 and 178.36 ± 1.36 , 165.5 ± 0.08 and 174.55 ± 1.7 kg and in group II were 69.36 ± 1.0, 83.26 ± 0.84 and 102.16 ± 0.29, 155.26 ± 0.29 and 165.24 ± 0.2 kg respectively. The daily weight gain of animals belonging to group I and II from 6th to 12th month of age were 268.22 g per day and 77.2 g per day respectively and that from 12th to 18th month of age were 343.16 and 105 g per day respectively. Statistical analysis revealed that group I animals had higher level of significance (P<0.01) compared group II animals. It was found that all the animals in group I exhibited puberty before 21 months of age while only 2 (18.2 per cent) exhibited puberty in control group by 24th month of age. The overall age at puberty in group I experimental animals were 448.68 ± 16.20 days whereas in group II animals were 645 days. Similarly, all the experimental animals in group I reached maturity by 24th month of age while only 2 (18.2%) reached maturity in control group. The overall age at maturity in group I experimented animals was 515.09 ± 15.06 days whereas in group II animals it was 686 days. There is higher level of significance in age at puberty and maturity between these two groups. A total of 14 (63.6%) in group I whereas only 2 (18.2%) in group II conceived by 24th month of age. The overall age at conception in group I experimental animals was 619 ± 22.66 days whereas in group II control animals it was 716 days. The number of AI per conception in group I animals was 1.86 whereas in group II was 2.5. The heifers covered under SLBP had reached puberty and maturity at an early age and obtained a higher conception rate when compared to control group. Haematological parameters such as haemoglobin, packed cell volume, total leukocyte counts, and total erythrocyte counts were estimated in all the animals at 6th, 12th and 18th month of age and at puberty and maturity. It was found that all the haematological parameters except leukocytes counts were significantly higher in group I animals from 12th month of age to maturity compared to group II animals. The blood biochemical constituents like calcium, copper, iron, cobalt, zinc and manganese were estimated by Perkin Elmer Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry and phosphorus by colourimetry. The serum phosphorus, iron, cobalt and copper were found to be significantly higher in group I whereas there was no significant difference in serum calcium, zinc and manganese levels between the two groups. It is concluded that calves enrolled under SLBP implemented by AH Department of the State attained puberty and maturity at an early age and yielded a satisfactory conception rate under field conditions.ThesisItem Open Access Cryopreservability of caprine oocytes and embryos by conventional straw and open pulled straw vitrification(Department of Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2006) Ratheesh Babu, M; KAU; Vijayakumaran, VObjective of the study was to compare the cryopreservability of caprine oocytes and embryos by Conventional Straw (CS) and Open Pulled Straw (OPS) vitrification. Oocytes retrieved by slicing the abattoir origin ovaries of Malabari goats/ its cross bred, having at least one complete layer of cumulus cells were randomly assigned for CS and OPS vitrification procedure. After thawing and cryoprotectant removal oocytes were examined again for morphological viability and membrane integrity by FDA staining. The total recovery of good quality oocytes from 73 ovaries and its average yield per ovary were 206 and 2.82 respectively. Out of this 85 and 54 oocytes respectively were subjected to CS and OPS vitrification. The percentage recovery of morphologically viable oocytes after thawing was higher for OPS than CS vitrification (70.59 vs. 42.11). The higher recovery rate of oocytes for OPS over CS vitrification indicated the superiority of the technique in maintaining the morphological viability of oocytes. Only 3.92 per cent of the OPS vitrified thawed oocytes showed ZP damage, which was lower than that after CS vitrification (5.25). Higher cumulus damage observed after CS than OPS vitrification (36.8 vs. 11.7 %) indicated the higher efficiency of OPS in reducing the osmotic damage of cumulus cells. A higher percentage of oocytes (52.9) were recorded as FDA viable after OPS than CS vitrification (31.58). The vitrification efficiency of caprine embryos were studied using embryos obtained from fresh and repeatedly superovulated adult Malabari goats. Superovulation was achieved with 133 mg pFSH after synchronization using 1.5 mg norgestomet and 10 mg of prostaglandin. Thirty four transferable quality embryos were equally divided and subjected to vitrification by CS and OPS methods. After a storage period of minimum 10 days the vitrified embryos were examined for morphological characteristics and membrane integrity by FDA staining. The response to synchronization was hundred per cent in fresh and repeatedly superovulated groups. The average number of anovulatory follicles observed in fresh and repeatedly superovulated goat was 7.17 ± 2.0 and 5.17 ± 1.08 respectively. Average number of ovulation in fresh goat (18.5 ± 2.19) was higher than that of repeatedly superovulated goat (11 ± 2.74). Significantly higher (P<0.05) average recovery of embryos was noted in fresh animal (9.33 ± 3.4) than in repeatedly superovulated animal (0.67 ± 0.49). Adhesion of reproductive tract due to earlier surgical handling led to lower recovery of embryos from repeatedly superovulated goats. Embryo recovery rate after OPS was higher than CS vitrification (100 % vs. 82.35 %). Similarly the recovery rate of morphologically viable embryos was also higher for OPS (88.24 %) than CS vitrification (50 %). After CS vitrification, 14.28 per cent of the vitrified embryos showed ZP damage while none of the embryos subjected to OPS vitrification showed similar damage. After FDA staining a higher percentage (76.47) of OPS vitrified embryos retained membrane integrity of blastomeres than CS vitrified embryos (28.57). Present study indicated that OPS is a far superior technique than CS vitrification for cryopreservation of caprine oocytes and embryos. Presence of morphologically viable non-fluorescein oocytes and embryos with FDA staining inferred that viability assessment of oocyte and embryo based on morphological characteristics alone is not enough, but it should be coupled with other non-invasive technique such as FDA staining. The study further revealed that the embryo yielding efficiency of fresh animal was significantly higher than repeatedly superovulated animals.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of ovum retrieval methods and cumulus-oocyte complex morphology on in vitro maturation of bovine oocytes(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2005) Magnus Paul, K; KAU; Sreekumaran, TThis study was designed to evaluate the effect of different retrieval methods like aspiration, slicing and puncture on yield of different grades of oocytes and their in vitro maturation potential. The effect of cumulus oocyte complex morphology on in vitro maturation of bovine oocyte was also studied. Slaughterhouse derived bovine ovaries from South Indian breeds like Kangayam, Khillari, Hallikar and crossbred cattle of Kerala were subjected to three retrieval methods to yield different quality grades of oocytes. In this study, a total of one hundred and fifty ovaries were processed. Fifty ovaries were processed under each method of retrieval. Each quality grade of oocyte obtained through three retrieval method were subjected to maturation for 24 h in TCM-199 medium supplemented with LH, FSH, Estrogen, Pyruvate and Foetal calf serum. Culture environment was set as 38.5°C temperature, 5% carbondioxide tension and maximum humidity in standard CO2 incubator. Maturation changes were assessed by cumulus expansion, formation of M II plates and polar body extrusion. Total yield of COCs in slicing was 5.42 ± 0.56, which was significantly higher than aspiration and puncture which yielded 3.7 ± 0.43 and 3.66 ± 0.43 COCs respectively. This could be due to recovery of oocytes from a heterogeneous population of follicles in slicing method. Aspiration, slicing and puncture yielded A class oocytes at the rate of 44.86%, 37.2% and 43.17% respectively, wherein mean yield per ovary in same methods were 1.66 ± 0.25, 2.02 ± 0.25 and 1.58 ± 0.25 respectively. Yield of B class oocytes by aspiration, slicing and puncture were 32.97%, 29.89% and 31.69% respectively. Mean yield of B class oocytes per ovary was 1.22 ± 0.12, 1.62 ± 0.20 and 1.16 ± 0.16 respectively. Proportionate yield of D class oocytes by aspiration, slicing and puncture was 3.7%, 12.10% and 6.01% respectively. Aspiration, slicing and puncture did not differ significantly in yield of A, B and C class oocytes. But D class oocytes were proportionately more in slicing method. This finding could be attributed to the fact that the slicing recovered oocytes from a heterogeneous population of follicles, which included all kinds of growing follicles. When percentage yield of different classes of oocytes in same retrieval method was compared aspiration yielded A and B class oocytes in significantly higher proportion than C and D class oocytes. The same trend was observed in slicing and puncturing. In all the methods, the yield of D class oocytes was least. Cumulus expansion rate of A class oocytes were 83.08 per cent, 69.70 per cent and 70.37 per cent in aspiration, slicing and puncture method respectively. B class oocytes exhibited cumulus expansion rate of 68.29 per cent, 53.0 per cent and 62.07 per cent in aspiration, slicing and puncture method respectively. Retrieval method was found to have no significant effect on cumulus expansion potential of bovine COCs. Oocytes with more than three layers of cumulus cells exhibited better cumulus expansion rate than oocytes with less cumulus cell layers. Nuclear maturation rate of A class oocytes in aspiration, slicing and puncture was 81.08, 78.84 and 80.0% respectively, whereas in B class oocytes under same methods the percentage of nuclear maturation was 57.10, 41.67 and 52.63% respectively. D class oocytes failed to mature in all methods of retrieval except one oocytes in aspiration method. Aspiration, slicing and puncture did not differ significantly in the maturation percentage of oocytes. Polar body extrusion rate of A class oocytes in aspiration, slicing and puncture method was 45.5 per cent, 42.1 per cent and 44.0 per cent respectively. B class oocytes exhibited polar body extrusion rates of 28.6 per cent, 25.0 per cent and 26.3 per cent respectively in aspiration, slicing and puncture method respectively. Oocytes with more than three layers of cumulus cells exhibited better polar body extrusion rate irrespective of their retrieval method. Staining of 18 oocytes with fluorescent dye Hoechst 33342 as a method of cross checking, revealed 66.67 per cent Metaphase II rate. Ten oocytes tested for viability with FDA stain revealed 80 per cent viability after maturation. TCM-199 medium with 5 µg FSH/ml, 0.5 µg LH/ml, 1 µl Estradiol/ml, 0.2 mM pyruvate and 10 per cent serum was found to be ideal medium for maturation of bovine oocytes in vitro.. Oocytes with more than three layers of cumulus cells matured better than oocytes with less number of cumulus cell layers or denuded oocytes. These experiments proved that cumulus oocytes complex morphology have a very significant role in maturation of oocytes rather than retrieval methods.ThesisItem Open Access Fertility trials on induced oestrum in repeat breeding cattle with prolonged oestrum(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2005) Jeba Sujana, Dhas; KAU; Aravinda Ghosh, K NThe objective of the present study is to evaluate the fertility in repeat breeding cattle with prolonged oestrum after oestrus induction and subsequent treatment with GnRH and hCG. Detailed data of cross bred cows and heifers belonging to University Livestock Farm, Mannuthy and those presented at Artificial Insemination Centre, attached to the Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy were collected. Repeat breeding animals with a history of prolonged oestrum were randomly selected and allotted into four groups of ten animals in each. Group I repeat breeding animals were subjected to induction of oestrus using 25 mg dinoprost, a PGF2 alpha analogue (Lutalyse) and insemination was done twice at an interval of 24 h on detection of proper signs of oestrum. In group II, oestrus induction was done using 25 mg Dinoprost on tenth day of cycle and 10 μg Buserelin a GnRH analogue (Receptal) was administered 48 h after PGF2 alpha administration. In group III, oestrus was induced using 25 mg Dinoprost on tenth day of cycle and 1500 IU hCG (Chorulon) was administered 48 h after PGF2 alpha administration. Both group II and III repeat breeding animals were inseminated twice at an interval of 24 h on detection of proper signs of oestrum. Group IV repeat breeding animals were subjected to insemination during natural oestrum. A total of 817 animals were screened of which 21.91 per cent animals were repeat breeders, out of which 26.26 per cent animals showed prolongation of oestrual signs. Among the 193 farm animals investigated, 19.17 per cent were repeaters out of which 21.62 per cent of animals showed prolonged oestrum. The duration of prolonged oestrum ranged from 32 to 96 h with a mean of 65.65 2.57 h. Out of 40 repeat breeding animals showing prolonged oestrum selected for the study, 35 per cent animals exhibited oestrus length between 30-48 h, 45 per cent between 48-72 h, and 20 per cent between 72 and 96 h. The intensity of oestrum was found to be higher in 77.5 per cent, medium in 20 per cent and low in 2.5 per cent animals. All the 30 repeat breeding animals in group I, II, III subjected to PGF2 alpha administration responded to the treatment by exhibiting oestrus signs, and hence the efficacy was 100 per cent. The time taken for induction of oestrus in group I, II and III were 52.7 2.99 h, 51.7 2.68 h and 52.0 2.68 h respectively. The duration of oestrus in groups I, II and III were 68.6 3.75 h, 38.6 3.75 h and 37.4 3.75 h respectively. Physical changes in the reproductive tract of repeat breeding animals showing prolonged oestrum were more pronounced during natural oestrum than during induced oestrum. The conception rate during induced oestrum in group I, II, III and control group were 50, 40, 40 and 30 per cent respectively. Overall conception rate for three consecutive oestrus in group I, II, III and control group were 60, 60, 50 and 40 percentage respectively. It can be recommended that induction of oestrus using prostaglandin could be employed for enhancing the conception rate in repeat breeding animals with the history of prolonged oestrum.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.