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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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Subject: Biochemistry × Author: Cynthia Jose × End date: 2010 ×
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Antioxident status and metabolic profile of goats during pregnancy and lactation
    (Department of Veterinary Biochemistry,College of Veterinary and Animal Science, 2010) Cynthia Jose; KAU; Jayavardhanan, K K
    The present study was undertaken with the objective to assess the changes in antioxidant status indicators and metabolic profile of goats during pregnancy and lactation and to evolve any possible relationship between antioxidant markers and other relevant blood parameters. The study was carried out in 33 adult healthy female Malabari and crossbred goats aged between 3 to 6 years maintained at University Goat and Sheep Farm, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy during the period of March to November 2009. Blood samples were collected during early (between 40-60 d), mid (between 90-110 d) and advanced (between 130-150 d) period of gestation and on 7th, 45th and 70th d post-partum. Antioxidant and metabolic parameters were analyzed and were compared with dry and nonpregnant goats. The research findings showed a significant increase in MDA level during mid-gestation period and 70th d of lactation as compared to control. The activity GSH-Px and GSH level increased significantly in the mid-gestation from initial stage and then decreased in the advanced stage of gestation. Significant reduction in the values of GSH-Px activity was observed during early and advanced gestation and 7th d of lactation and GSH level was significantly increased only during mid-gestation when compared with control group. During the entire study period a significant increase in ascorbic acid concentration was noted only during early gestation, when compared with control group. Significant increase in OSF was noticed during mid-gestation compared to control group as well with other stages of gestation and lactation. Glucose concentration was significantly decreased in mid and advanced gestation and 45th d of lactation period when compared with control group. A significant reduction was observed in serum cholesterol during early gestation and a significant increase during advanced gestation, 7th and 70th d of lactation when compared with control. No significant changes were observed in serum total protein during pregnancy and lactation period. But in the albumin level a slightly significant reduction during 45th d of lactation period was noticed. When compared to control group, significant increase was observed for creatinine during advanced gestation and 70th d of lactation and for blood urea, during advanced gestation and 45th d of lactation. There was a significant reduction in Na during advanced gestation and 70thd of lactation but a significant elevation in serum K during early gestation and 70th d of lactation compared to the control group. Haematological examinations revealed a significant increase in Hb during early gestation and reduction during 45th and 70th d of lactation and PCV was decreased during 70th d of lactation compared to the control group. In the present study, animals were in a low energy state mainly in mid-gestation period which is evident from the variations in the level of glucose, cholesterol and urea. During the same critical period of pregnancy, indicators of oxidative stress like MDA and OSF were maximum. In order to overcome the oxidative stress, antioxidants like GSH-Px and GSH were found to be increased at this stage, providing the protection of maternal organs and fetus against the negative influence of free radicals. When the animals reached peak lactation, the metabolic status was stabilized and that was reflected in the antioxidant status. The present study concludes with the finding that low energy metabolic status of animal is correlated with the oxidative stress.