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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 Investigations on etio-pathology of vomiting in dogs(Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2001) Muraly, P; KAU; Baby, P GThe study "INVESTIGATIONS ON ETIO-PATHOLOGY OF VOMITING IN DOGS" was conducted in 20 dogs to evaluate ultrasonography and radiography as diagnostic tools in vomiting dogs; to assess hydration status, electrolyte and acid-base balance in vomiting dogs and to correlate clinico-pathologic findings with radiographic and ultrasonographic changes. Various parameters such as history, physical examination, hydration status, ultrasonography, radiography-plain and contrast, haematology, serum biochemistry, and wherever possible histopathology were studied. Most of the dogs under study had bile stained watery vomitus but dogs with pyloric stenosis had frothy or watery white vomitus. The frequency of vomiting in dogs with gastritis and gastrointestinal (GI) obstruction was two to seven times per day, it was variable in dogs with hepatic and renal disorders, but was associated with food intake in dogs with pyloric stenosis. Physical examination was found useful in dogs with GI obstruction, while it was non-specific in dogs with gastritis and renal disorders. Capillary refill time (CRT) and degree of sunken eye balls were helpful to assess dehydration. Estimation of volume of packed red cells (VPRC) was found beneficial to assess dehydration unless the dogs are anemic. Ultrasonography could not identify any lesions in dogs with gastritis, but was useful to detect GI obstructions due to pyloric stenosis, intussusception and foreign body and to characterise lesions in the parenchymal organs like liver and kidney. While plain radiographs could give indication to possible non-radiopaque GI obstructions, contrast radiography was required to confirm. Radiography could not identify any lesions in dogs with gastritis, hepatic and chronic intestitial nephritis. Hypokalemia with metabolic alkalosis was the significant electrolyte and acid-base derangement in dogs with vomiting due to gastritis and GI obstructions.ThesisItem Open Access Ultrasonographic evaluation of canine hepatic disorders(Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2003) Renjith, R; KAU; Alex, P CStudy on 'Ultrasonographic evaluation of canine hepatic disorders' was conducted on forty eight dogs to evaluate the utility of ultrasonography as a tool for early and better diagnosis of liver diseases and classify liver diseases based on ultrasonographic findings. Parameters studied were history and clinical signs, physical examination, ultrasonography of liver, ultrasound guided biopsy, haematology and serum biochemistry, post-mortem examination and histopathology. Specific clinical signs noticed were ascites and icterus. Physical examination revealed abdominal distension, yellowish discolouration of skin and hepatomegaly. Primary liver disorders identified by ultrasound scans were haematoma, lymphosarcoma, hepatitis due to leptospirosis, cirrhosis, fibrosis, fatty infiltration, chronic active hepatitis, portal hypertension and portosystemic shunt. Secondary changes noticed in liver were due to pyometra, proctitis and cholecystitis, hepatic calcification in chronic renal failure and passive venous congestion in right sided heart failure. Ultrasound guided biopsy confirmed lymphosarcoma, fatty infiltration and , chronic active hepatitis. Histological changes in leptospirosis were chronic venous . and sinusoidal congestion whereas ~n cirrhosis, fibrosis and pseudo lobulation were the prominent histological change. Alkaline phosphatase and Alanine aminotransferase levels were above normal values in all the cases studied. From the present study it was inferred that ultrasonography was a valuable tool for diagnosing hepatopathies along with clinico-pathological and ultrasound guided biopsy.ThesisItem Open Access Clinical and ultrasonographic investigations of ascites in dogs(Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 2005) Jegaveera Pandian, S; KAU; Usha Narayana, Usha NarayanaStudy entitled “Clinical and Ultrasonographic Investigation of Ascites in Dogs” was conducted in ten dogs. The study aimed at understanding the etiopathogenesis of ascites in dogs. The parameters observed were signalment, history and detailed clinical examination, electrocardiography, ultrasonography of liver, kidney and heart, course of illness, estimation of haemoglobin concentration packed cell volume(PCV), total plasma protein, albumin, A: G ratio, liver enzymes like alanine amino transferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), protein content in ascitic fluid , ascitic fluid to plasma protein ratio, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, sodium and potassium. Inappetance and lethargy were observed in dogs with liver diseases. Cardiac palpitation, loud heart sounds and strong femoral pulse were noticed in dogs with CHF. Non- specific and vague signs were noticed in dogs with nephrotic syndrome. Deep ‘Q’ waves in leads I, II and aVF, prolonged ‘QRS’ duration, S-T slurring, tall ‘R’ waves, mild sinus arrhythmia and S1, S2 and S3 pattern were the abnormal ECG findings in dogs with CHF. No marked changes could be observed in the ECG of dogs with ascites of hepatic and renal origin. Ultrasonography of liver revealed hyperechogenicity of parenchyma, specks of hyperechogenicity and mildly echogenic gall bladder contents in three out of five dogs with ascites of hepatic origin. Two dogs had uneven and eroded borders along with hyperechoic liver parenchyma in dogs with ascites of hepatic origin. Nephrosonogram was unremarkable in all the ten dogs. Ultrasonographic findings and serum biochemical findings were coinciding with each other. Ultrasonography was an efficient tool in studying the changes of liver parenchyma and portal vasculature. ECG in cardiac diseases was complementary to echocardiography. Echocardiography was efficient in diagnosing DCM (two dogs) and HCM (one dog). All the dogs with liver diseases had mild to marked elevation in serum levels of ALT and/ or ALP. Hypoproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia were observed in dogs with liver and kidney diseases. Liver and kidney function tests were unremarkable in dogs with nephrotic syndrome and heart diseases. Treatment regimen involved administration of furosemide and/ or furosemide + spironolactone, silymarin, Liv- 52 Vet, enalapril, digoxin and prednisolone as the case may be. Six out of 10 dogs survived beyond 30 days following the therapy instituted. Nephrotic syndrome in dogs could be concluded by progressing hypoproteinemia especially hypoalbuminemia, low- protein ascites, negative ECG and echocardiographic findings and non- responsiveness to therapy. Nephrotic syndrome can be confirmed by biopsy and / or urine protein: creatinine ratio. Liver diseases can be confirmed and characterized only with biopsy.ThesisItem Open Access Clinico-therapeutic study of ruminal lactic acidosis in goats(Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 2000) Anil Thachil, J; KAU; Baby, P Gwelve goats with history and symptoms suggestive of ruminal acidosis were divided into two groups (I and 11). Six healthy goats were also served as controls. Detailed clinical examination, recording of clinical data, sampling and analysis of rumen liquor and blood were done at zero hour, one hour, 12 h, 24 h, 48 hand 72 h of the study. Therapeutic management of group I was done by giving five per cent sodium bicarbonate solution intravenously at a dose rate of 5 ml / kg ; whereas in group 11 it was replaced with a mixture of sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate (carbicarb) intravenously at a dose rate of 4 ml / kg. Animals of group I and 11 were given dexamethasone 20 mg intravenously, evacuated rumen contents and given .. magnesium hydroxide and oxytetracycline orally. Supportive treatments were done with fluids, vitamin B complex inj ection daily and transfer of fresh rumen liquor on second or third day in both groups. The clinical signs noticed were anorexia, dullness, low carriage of head, dry muzzle, sunken eyes, tending of skin, oliguria, distended abdomen, cold extremities and retracted eye balls. There was improvement in the pulse quality and also considerable reduction in respiratory rate noticed in animals of group 11 than in group I at 24 h of .treatment. In both groups, the rumen liquor colour, odour, consistency and protozoal motility became normal, SAT and MBRT showed improvement and elevated rumen liquor lactic acid became normal by 72 h. Elevated haemoglobin, PCV, TEC, TLC and neutrophilia also became normal. Improvement in serum bicarbonate level was marked in group 11 than in group I at 24 hand 48 h of treatment. Serum lactic acid showed significant increase at zero hour in group I and 11, but came to normal in group 11 at 72 h, but not in group I. Elevated serum protein level at zero hour also came to normal. Clinical assessment throughout the study revealed that all animals of group 11 appeared more alert and active and recovered earlier than in group I.ThesisItem Open Access Electrocardiogram abnormalities in cardiac disorders of dogs(Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2001) Ravindran, P; KAU; Ajithkumar, SIn the present study, standard electrocardiogram patterns were worked out from sixty normal dogs. These dogs were grouped according to age groups like dogs below one year and above one year and different breeds like German Shepherd, Dobermann pinscher, Dachshund, Spitz and Mongrel. Based on the clinical signs and electrocardiogram abnormalities, thirteen dogs were grouped into ( 1) dogs with congestive heart failure, (2) dogs with ventricular enlargement secondary to anaemia and (3) dogs with electolyte imbalance due to renal disease. Congestive heart failure was found to be more in geriatric small breeds like Dachshund and Spitz. The clinical signs observed in dogs with CHF were anorexia, cough, exertional dyspnoea, exercise intolerance, orthopnoea, crackles, murmurs, syncope, cachexia and ascites. Clinical signs exhibited by the dogs with ventricular enlargement secondary to anaemia were anorexia, pale visible mucous membranes, weakness and respiratory distress. Dogs with electrolyte imbalance due to renal disease exhibited anorexia, vomiting, diarrhoea, malena, polydipsia, oliguria and anuria. The electrocardiographic signs exhibited by dogs with congestive heart failure were consistent with left atria! enlargement, left and right ventricular enlargement, ventricular tachycardia and right bundle branch block. Dogs in group II had right and left ventricular enlargement as major electrocardiogram abnormality. Dogs in group III with renal disease exhibited tall and peaked ‘T ’ wave and prolonged ‘Q-T- interval in electrocardiogram specifically on the chest leads. The prominent radiographic signs observed in dogs with CHF in the present study were left atrial enlargement, left and right ventricular enlargement and tracheal elevation. Dogs in group II showed left ventricular enlargement, pericardial effusion and tracheal elevation. Group III animals had no radiographic signs of cardiac enlargement. Ultrasonographic evidence of cardiac involvement were present in three dogs, two with CHF and one with ventricular enlargement secondary to anaemia. The findings of postmortem examination of the heart in one dog with CHF were suggestive of mitral valvular insufficiency. Haematology showed no variations in dogs with CHF. Group II and III animals exhibited anaemia evidenced by haematological changes like low TEC, Hb and PCV. Group III animals had neutrophilia with lymphopenia. Group III also had microcytic anaemia.ThesisItem Open Access Thyroid function evaluation in canine dermatoses(Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2005) Renju, Alias; KAU; Jayakumar, K MPrevalence of hypothyroidism was studied among the dogs presented with dermatological problems at the University Veterinary Hospitals, Mannuthy and Kokkalai, during the period from June 2004 to May 2005. Among 1,233 dermatological cases presented, hypothyroidism accounted for 1.23 per cent (16 cases) Dogs between the age group of seven to ten years were more frequently affected and no significant differences in the incidence rate between male and female dogs were observed. Hypothyroidism was recorded more in German Shepherd breed followed by Dachshunds. Low serum thyroxine (T4) and high thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level with normal or low normal T3 levels were observed in the hypothyroid dogs. The most common dermatological changes exhibited by hypothyroid dogs included seborrhea, alopecia of tail and around the neck, bilaterally symmetrical pattern of hair loss and coat changes such as dryness, dullness, dandruff, scaliness, coarseness and sparseness. A significant increase in serum cholesterol concentration was observed in the affected dogs. Serum enzymes such as alkaline phosphatase and gamma glutamyl transferase were showed elevation in few cases. Replacement therapy using Eltroxin was found to be effective in treating hypothyroidism. A minimum of one month was needed to evaluate the therapeutic response. Four out of six (66.66 per cent) confirmed cases of hypothyroidism showed an excellent response to replacement therapy.ThesisItem Open Access Echocardiographic evaluation of cardiac disorders in dogs(Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2010) Anju Eliz, Ben; KAU; Usha Narayana, PillaiDogs presented with the signs suggestive of cardiac disorders were included in the present study. Based on the tests conduted, which included clinical examination, electrocardiography, radiography, echocardiography and haemato - biochemical assays, cardiac disorders were confirmed in twelve cases. According to the present study, 41.67 percent cases had mitral valve insufficiency. The mean age of diseased dogs was 6.2 years and 60 percent were male dogs. Breed wise, Spitz were more affected (40 percent) followed by Labradors, Dachshunds and Rottweilers. The main clinical signs included weakness, lethargy, cough, tachypnoea, cold extremities, cachexia and syncope. Upon echocardiographic evaluation, the common finding in all the patients of this group was the deformed or thickened mitral valve, left atrial and left ventricular dilatation and hyperdynamic systolic function. The mean values of the haematological parameters (Hb, VPRC and TEC) were within the normal range, where as the serum biochemical values revealed elevated levels of LDH and CPK – MB. Pericardial effusion was noted in 16.67 percent of the cases and the affected animals were seven year old Spitz and four year old Labrador. The main clinical signs were lethargy and syncope. Echocardiography revealed anechoic areas surrounding the ventricles in both dogs. Haematology was insignificant, but the enzyme values were above the normal range. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was seen in a six year old male Spitz with the presenting complaints of mild dyspnoea, lethargy and difficulty to climb stairs. M – mode echocardiogram revealed increased thickness of the left ventricular posterior wall (LVPW = 5.9 mm). Hematology was unrewarding in the diagnosis of the disease. The enzyme values were above the normal. Dilated cardiomyopathy was noted in 33.33 percent of the total dogs with cardiac disorders and all of them were males. The mean age of the affected animals was 4.5 years and the major breed in which DCM occurred in the present study was Boxer. Salient clinical signs included abdominal distension, ascites and oedema of various body parts, syncope and weight loss. Atrial tachycardia was an important ECG finding in the affected dogs. Two dimensional four – chamber view revealed left ventricular enlargement as well as marked dilation of all the chambers in a few cases. The mean values of EF and FS were 42 percent and 21 percent respectively. The hematological parameters were towards the lower limit and the enzyme values were elevated.ThesisItem Open Access Diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in anaemia of dogs(Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2010) Ashwin Jayarajan; KAU; Ajithkumar, SThe study ‘Diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in anaemia of dogs’ was conducted in 22 dogs with clinical signs suggestive of anaemia. Haemolytic anaemia recorded the highest incidence rate of 54.54 per cent followed by anaemia associated with chronic disease (22.72 per cent), chronic blood loss anaemia (13.63 per cent) and acute blood loss anaemia and anaemia secondary to renal disease (4.5 per cent). All the animals were subjected to detailed clinical examination and all parameters under study such as signalment, history, physical examination, haematology, serum biochemistry, adoption of suitable therapy including blood transfusion and treatment response were carried out. The data obtained were analyzed statistically. Clinical manifestations of anaemia included pallor of visible mucous membranes, tachycardia, rapid, strong and bounding pulses and exaggerated respiration with tachypnoea. Anorexia, lethargy, exercise intolerance and weakness were also reported. Clinical pathology revealed significant reduction of volume of packed red cells, haemoglobin and total erythrocyte counts. The erythrocyte indices varied depending on the type of anaemia. A high MCV was recorded which correlated with increased reticulocytosis. Leucocyte counts were significantly increased in case of haemolytic anaemia and in anaemia associated with chronic diseases. Thrombocyte counts were decreased in all groups with severe decrease in case of haemolytic anaemia due to haemoparasites. Serum total protein and serum albumin were decreased in cases of haemoabdomen and chronic renal failure. The cases of haemoparasitic infection were associated with hyperglobulinemia. A complementary decrease in AG ratio was also observed in affected groups. Serum bilirubin increased in cases of haemolytic anaemia and liver dysfunction. Oxytetracycline parenterally followed by oral dosing of doxycycline was used in cases of ehrlichiosis, mycoplasmosis and some cases of microfilariosis. Diminazene aceturate was used in case of babesiosis. Cases of trypanosomosis were treated with isometamidium chloride and ivermectin was used to treat microfilariosis as well as ectoparasitism. Flea infestation was additionally treated with fipronil. Fenbendazole was used to treat ancylostomiasis. Apart from the specific therapy, supportive therapy was adopted in appropriate cases, which included intravenous fluids, oral and parenteral haematinics and vitamin supplements. Intra muscular injections of iron dextran were found to be effective and good clinical response was obtained. Animals which were given blood transfusion showed remarkable clinical improvement. There were significant increases in the volume of packed red cells, haemoglobin and total erythrocyte counts as well as serum albumin as compared to the animals which did not undergo blood transfusion. However few deaths were recorded which was considered to be due to the severity of infection as evident from the drastically decreased haematological parameters.ThesisItem Open Access Clinico-biochemical and ultrasonographic evaluation of diseases of prostate in dogs(Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2010) Sindhu K, Rajan; KAU; Usha Narayana, PillaiThe study on “Clinico - biochemical and ultrasonographic evaluation of diseases of prostate in dogs” was conducted in fifteen dogs. The parameters studied were signalment, history, clinical signs, clinical observations, perectal digital palpation of prostate, ultrasonography of prostate gland, prostatic fluid cytology, hematology, serum biochemistry, urinalysis, and response to treatment, autopsy and hisopathology. The prostatic disorders studied were classified into benign prostatic hyperplasia with prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia and associated hernia, acute prostatitis, suppurative prostatitis, prostatitis associated with herpes viral infection, prostatic abscess, fibroadenoma with paraprostatic pseudocyst and papillary adenoma. The major clinical signs noted in the study were constipation, inappetance, purulent urethral discharge, dysuria, vomiting, pyuria, hematuria, pyrexia and caudal abdominal pain. Perectal palpation revealed enlarged, smooth and isothermic prostate in BPH and prostatic neoplasia where as, warmness could be felt in prostatitis. Ultrasonographically, prostatomegaly was the most common feature. Intraparenchymal cyst formation in BPH, diffused increase in echogenisity in prostatitis, focal hyperechoic areas in prostatic neoplasia, multiple hypoechoic cavitary lesions with irregular borders in prostatic abscess were also noted. Prostatic fluid cytology revealed large number of neutrophils including bacteria- laden neutrophils in prostatitis, degenerated neutrophils and bacteria in prostatic abscess, hyperplastic round to oval prostatic epithelial cells with reticulated chromatin and unaltered nucleus cytoplasmic ratio in BPH. Hematological changes such as neutrophilia was observed in prostatitis and left shift in acute prostatitis. The serum creatinine and BUN was elevated in dogs with secondary renal failure. The level of acid phosphatase was elevated but there was no significant difference between different prostatic diseases. Serum testosterone was within normal range except in BPH where it was slightly elevated. The common abnormalities observed on urinalysis were pyuria, low specific gravity, proteinuria and presence of blood pigments. It was concluded from this study that prostatic disease was a major problem in old aged male dogs and was one of the major etiology for renal failure in them. Specific therapy with accurate dosage will cure prostatitis and BPH provided there is no advanced renal failure. This study also revealed the fact that ultrasonography is an excellent diagnostic tool for diagnosing prostatic disorders
