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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 Lactobacillus acidophilus as a dietary adjunct in Dahi and Yogurt(Department of Dairy Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1995) Appalo Eleven, S; KAU; Prasad, VAn experiment was conducted to study the beneficial effect of incorporating L. acidophilus in dahi and yogurt as a dietary adjunct. An attempt was also made to find out the bile tolerance of L. acidophilus and other lactic acid bacteria. An exhaustive review of literature has been presented on the issues of lactose intolerance and hypercholesteremia and the beneficial effects of lactic acid bacteria in alleviating these drawbacks, with a special emphasis on bile tolerance and intestinal colonisation. The methods of analysis of some important components of dahi and yogurt have been detailed. Treatment dahi was prepared by inoculation with L. acidophilus in addition to normal dahi cultures. This was compared with control dahi prepared with normal cultures alone. Treatment yogurt was prepared with inoculating L. acidophilus alongw ith normal yogurt cultures. This wascompared with control yogurt prepared using normal yogurt cultures. The samples were then analysed for various parameters. There was an increase in the p-galactosidase specific activity of treatment dahi when compared to the control dahi. But m the case of yogurt, the treatment yogurt was having a low 3-galactosidase specific activity when compared to the control yogurt. Control dahi showed inhibition against E. aerogenous, M. falvous, E. coli and S. aureus. It did not showed any inhibition against B. cereus. Treatment dahi exerted a significantly high inhibition zone against all the test organisms m comparison to control dahi. Control yogurt inhibited only E. aeroqenous and E. coli. Treatment yogurt exerted a significantly high antibacterial activity against all the organisms tested. Of, all the lactic acid bacteria tested for their ability to grow in the presence of 0.3 per cent of Oxgall, only L. acidophilus grew satisfactorily. L. delbruecii ssp bulgancus showed a poor growth, whereas S. salivanus ssp thermophilus Lac. lactis and Lac, lactis ssp diacetylactis failed to grow in the presence of Oxgall. Both the dahi and yogurt treatments showed higher hypocholesteremia when compared to their respective controls. The total serum cholesterol level, serum triglyceride, LDL- Cholesterol and cardiac risk factor of the treatment groups were significantly lower than the respective controls. The HDL-Cholesterol was high m both the treatments when compared to the respective controls. The growth rate of treatment dahi group was low when compared to the control dahi group. But the treatment yogurt group showed a higher growth rate as compared to the rats fed on control yogurt.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of feeding additives on total solids of cow's milk(Department of Dairy Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1992) Sathian, C T; KAU; Francis, U TA study was undertaken to evaluate effect of feeding acetic acid (200 ml/day), sodium bicarbonate (1.5% of the concentrate), potassium carbonate (1.2% of the concentrate) and magnesium oxide (0.8% of the concentrate) on solids content of cow's milk. An exhaustive review of literature has been presented about the use of these additives in cow ration for modifying milk composition. Six cross-bred.cows within the stage of 60 to 160 days of lactation with milk fat content of three to four per cent were alloted for feeding each additive. The feeding was done for 25 days of which first 20 days served as adaptation period. Milk samples were collected during pre-treatment period/ adaptation period, treatment (experimental) period and post-feeding period. Pre treatment period samples served as the control. Milk samples were analysed for fat per cent, protein per cent and total solids per cent. The methods of analysis have been detailed. Solids-not-fat per cent was found out by difference. Daily milk yield (kg/d) of each cow was noted. Fat yield (kg/d) and protein yield (kg/d) were calculated. The feed consumption by animals was recorded. The effect of additives were compared. Sodium bicarbonate and potassium carbonate significantly increased fat per cent of milk by 0.4 and 0.35 from pre-treatment values respectively. Acetic acid and magnesium oxide produced only non-significant increases in fat per cent which continued during post-feeding period also. Potassium carbonate feeding increased milk protein per cent significantly by 0-42 from pre-treatment value. Comparison between additives showed that effects produced by potassium carbonate on protein per cent significantly differed from effects produced by acetic acid. Total solids content was significantly increased by 0.42 per cent on feeding potassium carbonate from pre treatment value. None of the additives produced significant changes in solids-not-fat percentage. Sodium bicarbonate and potassium carbonate significantly reduced milk yiled by 1.28 kg/d and 0.71 kg/d from the pre-treatment values respectively. This reduction continued during post-feeding period. Non-significant changes in fat yield and protein yield were produced by all the additives except potassium carbonate. Feed consumption by the animals was not affected by feeding any of the additives Sodium bicarbonate and potassium carbonate significantly increased milk fat per cent. But their use in the ration is not recommended due to significant reduction in milk yield.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of nisin on the keeping quality of dahi(Department of Dairy Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1992) Sreeja Ramachandran; KAU; Prasad, VAn experiment was conducted to find out the effect of preservatives such as nism and potassium sorbate on the keeping quality of dahi. An attempt was also made to study the quality of dahi produced under household conditions with a special emphasis on the maintenance of starter. An exhaustive review of literature has been presented on the use of various preservatives m dahi, keeping quality and other related aspects. The methods of analysis of s8rae important components of dahi has been detailed. Dahi was prepared under laboratory conditions (Method I) and under household conditions (Method II). Both were divided into four parts and applied four treatments namely (1) Treatment A - with 1000 IU n i s m / i W g curd (2) Treatment B - with 10 ml of nisin producing organism capable of producing 1000 IU of nism/100 g curd (3) Treatment C with 0.2 per cent potassium sorbate^4) Treatment D - Dahi stored as such without any treatments. All treatments were compared with dahi at 0 hour (control). The dahi after treatments A, B, C and D from methods and were mixed well and transferred to 100 ml cups and stored at room temperature. Samples from each treatment were subjected to chemical, microbiological and organoleptic evaluation on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 7th , 10th and 21st day of storage for acidity, pH, lipolysis, proteolysis, diacetyl, total lactic count, coliform count and yeast and mould count.ThesisItem Open Access Utilisation of skim milk filled with coconut milk for preparation of indigenous dairy products(Department of Dairy Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1992) Mini Jose; KAU; Mukundan, MA detailed study was carried out to determine the quality of coconut fat filled milk for the preparation of indigenous milk products such as paneer, rasogolla and whey drinks. A modified version of Precision Penetrometer to measure the springiness of rasegolla was designed, fabricated and used in the present study. An exhaustive review of literature has been presented on the use of vegetable fat for substitution of milk fat for preparation of various dairy products apart from preparation and other related aspects of paneer, rasogolla and whey drinks. The methods of chemical analysis and sensory evaluation of these products have been detailed. The control samples of paneer, rasogolla and whey drinks were prepared using cows' milk while experimental samples were prepared using skim milk filled with coconut fat. The milks were standardized to four per cent fat. The moisture, fat and acidity were found to be similar in control paneer and experimental paneer. The control paneer was found to have higher yield but low protein content when compared to experimental paneer. On sensory evaluation, control pander was graded as of 'excellent quality* while experimental paneer was graded as of 'good quality'. The control and experimental samples of rasogolla were found to have same springiness. Control samples of rasogolla obtained 'excellent' grade on sensory evaluation but the experimental rasogolla was graded as of 'good' quality. The difference in the quality of paneer and rasogolla was due to the natural flavour of coconut milk Icarried over to the products. Both control and experimental samples of rasogolla were found to have good shelf life of three days, at room temperature. Pineapple and lemon flavoured control and experimental whe.y drinks were found to be equally acceptable with no difference in appearance, odour, flavour and body characteristics. The chemical and sensory evaluation of paneer, rasogolla and whey drinks prepared from cows' milk and coconut fat filled milk revealed no significant difference between them.ThesisItem Open Access Studies on hormonal induction of lactation in cows(Department of Animal Sciences, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1977) Joseph, P M; KAU; Pavithran, KA trial to induce lactation in cows and heifers using the hormones oestradiol dipropionate or stilboestrol dipropionate in combination with progesterone was conducted. The experimental animals comprised of six each of heifers and cows divided into three groups of two each of cows and heifers. Natural oestrogen and progesterone were given to animals in the first group at the rate of 0.05 mg and 0.125 mg per kg body weight respectively at 12 hour intervals consecutively for seven days. The animals in the second group received synthetic oestrogen and progesterone at the same dose and for the same duration. The Animals in the third group were given synthetic oestrogen and progesterone at the rate of 0.10 mg and 0.25 mg per kg body weight respectively, on alternate days, during a period of 14 days. There was considerable udder development in all the animals. The development was more in the animals of group I and III in comparison to those of group II. The heifers exhibited pronounced udder development than the cows. Lactation commenced within a period of 13-21 days after the first injection in all the animals. The milk yield reached the peak with in period of four to ten weeks. The peak yield varied from 140 ml to 4300 ml. The average milk yield per day in the three groups during the period of the first 60 days was 1766,942 and 1638 ml for group I, II and III respectively. The yield obtained for group I and III was significantly higher than that of group II. The heifers gave better yield than the cows. The composition and properties of the milk obtained from the induced lactation was compared with those of the milk from normal cows. It was found that on the eighth day onwards there was no significant difference in the composition and properties of milk obtained from the experimental animals as compared to those milk from postpartum cows. In general the milk from the animals of induced lactation had similar qualities to that of the milk from postpartum cows. The erythrocyte count, haemoglobin concentration and packed cell volume decreased and the plasma protein increased during the treatment as well as the post-treatment periods in comparison to the pre-treatment period. During the treatment period the animals exhibited symptoms of heat. Normal oestrus was observed in six animals with in 42-57 days from the commencement of lactation. Four of them were inseminated and all of them conceived. The body weight remained unchanged in the cows but the heifers showed a slight decline in body weight. Both natural and synthetic oestrogen along with progesterone were effective in inducing lactation. Natural oestrogen in combination with progesterone was more effective in short duration treatment. When the synthetic oestrogen along with progesterone was given for a longer period better results were obtained than short duration. The induction was more successful in heifers than in cows. Regaining of the reproductive efficiency in some fo the problem breeders was an added advantages of the technique adopted.ThesisItem Open Access Immobilization of Beta Galactosidase for production of fermented milk products with low lactose(Department of Dairy Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1996) Geetha, R; KAU; Prasad, VAn immobilized β – galactosidase enzyme system was developed using permeabilized cells of K. fragilis as an enzyme source and food grade agar as the immobilizing agent. This was utilised for hydrolysing lactose content present in milk, which in turn was used for preparing selected fermented products with low lactose content. An attempt was also made to assess the possibility of utilisation of whey as a medium for culture maintenance with a view to utilise the by – product. A detailed review of literature has been presented about β – galactosidase specific activity of different organisms, various immobilization techniques,influence of lactose hydrolysis on physico chemical properties of the product and also about the utilisation of whey as a media for culture maintenance. The experiment comprised of determination of β – galactosidase specific activity of permeabilized cells of three selected organisms and assessing the suitability of agar and sodium alginate as immobilizing agents. Since β – galactosidase specific activity was found to be the highest for K. fragilis, it was selected as the best enzyme source. Agar was selected as the suitable immobilizing agent because it was found to be safe, economical and comparatively more efficient. Using these two raw materials an efficient immobilized enzyme system was developed and its efficiency was assessed by estimating the rate of lactose hydrolysis at fixed time intervals. Selected strains of starter bacteria were screened for their performance in four different media viz. Skim milk, 50 per cent lactose hydrolysed skim milk, condensed whey, and 50 per cent lactose hydrolysed condensed whey. Two media were selected from among the four, which stimulated the starter activity and used for further studies. Three different products viz., yogurt, bifidus yogurt and acidophilus milk were prepared using 50 per cent lactose hydrolysed milk obtained by passing through the immobilized enzyme system and cultures maintained separately in lactose hydrolysed milk and lactose hydrolysed whey. Two control products were prepared with ordinary milk and above described cultures. All the three products under different treatments were analysed for acidity, pH, tyrosine value, total lactic count and sensory evaluation. The results obtained in the study were compared with similar reported findings and the following conclusions were made. 1. Permeabilized cells of K. fraglis possessed better B – galactosidase specific activity than the cells of S. thermophiles and L. delbrueckii sub sp. bulgaricus. 2. Food grade agar was found to be an efficient immobilizing agent than sodium alginate. 3. The immobilized enzyme prepared with 10 g of K. fragilis could hydrolyse 50 per cent of lactose content present in 250 ml of milk, after holding in the column for four hours at room temperature (300 C). 4. The rate of lactose hydrolysis was found to be the maximum within first half an hour, thereafter a decline in the rate of hydrolysis was observed. 5. This system was repeatedly used in five batches without any change in its efficiency or mechanical stability of the beads but after which a reduction in activity was noticed. 6. A slight brownish discolouration was observed on the beads when the column was stored for a long period. 7. Repalcement of skim milk with whey was a starter media slightly enhanced the activity of cultures, especially, S. thermophilus, L. lactis and B. bifidum whereas L. acidophilus and L. delbrueckii sub sp. bulgaricus performed better in skim milk, especially when the media was subjected to lactose hydrolysis. 8. The utilisation of lactose hydrolysed milk for preparation of products slightly enhanced the acidity, proteolytic activity and viable cell count of yogurt, bifidus yogurt and acidophilus milk. 9. In the case of treatment yogurts (Y1 and Y2) prepared with lactose hydrolysed milk, a significantly higher protolytic activity was observed. 10. Organoleptic evaluation indicated that the utilisation of lactose hydrolysed milk and cultures maintained in lactose hydrolysed skim milk and whey did not affect the flavour and textural characteristics of yogurt. On the contrary the flavour as well as body and texture scores of bifidus yogurt and acidophilus milk were slightly improved by this technique.ThesisItem Open Access Use of coconut cream in flavoured filled yoghurt(Department of Dairy Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1998) Pandiyan, C; KAU; Geevarghese, P IA trial was conducted to assess the suitability of incorporating coconut fat as coconut cream in flavoured yoghurt at various levels and the properties of the product were studied. A detailed review of literature on the various physico-chernical properties of yoghurt has been presented. The treatments were divided in to TC ( control without stabiliser) T2, T3, T4,T5 (25, 50, 75 and 100 per cent replacement level of milk fat respectively using coconut cream, without stabiliser), T6, T7, T8, T9 (25, 50, 75 and 100 per cent replacement level of milk fat respectively using coconut cream, with stabiliser 0.2 per cent) and the physico - chemical, micro-biological and organoleptic properties of the treatments were studied. Experimental yoghurt mixes prepared were analysed for titratable acidity, pH and total solids. Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference between control and treatments of the above characters. No significant difference was noticed in pH and fat between the control and treatment yoghurt samples whereas a significant difference (p< 0.01) in titratable acidity, protein, NPN, curd tension and viscosity was observed between control and treatments. Protein, NPN, curd tension and viscosity showed an increasing trend with increasing level of replacement. In treatments T6, T7, T8 and T9 sodium alginate produced slight improvement in curd tension and viscosity but it was not statistically significant. Tyrosine value increased at replacement level of 50 per cent onwards as compared to control. Coliform and yeast/ mould count showed no significant difference between control and treatments. Organoleptic quality of the products revealed no significant difference between control and treatments except for body and texture scores which showed a significant (p< 0.05) difference. Stabiliser sodium alginate produced little improvement in the body and texture score but was statistically not significant as compared to their corresponding pair. The results of the experiment revealed that coconut fat can be replaced upto 100 per cent level in the yoghurt preparation with an advantage of cost saving, increased protein, NPN, curd tension and tyrosine value. Even upto 100 per cent replacement level overall total organoleptic scores were comparable with control.ThesisItem Open Access Utilization of goat milk for preparation of mozzarella cheese(Department of Dairy Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1995) Phola Konyak, W; KAU; Mukundan, MA study was carried out to assess the suitability of goat milk for the manufacture of Mozzarella cheese and to compare with that of cow milk. Cow and goat milks were subjected to chemical analysis prior to manufacture of cheese. The milks used were standardized to 4 per cent fat. Cow milk, goat milk and combination of cow and goat milk 1:1 ratio were pasteurised at 720C for 16 seconds and control, experimental I and II Mozzarella cheese samples were prepared respectively. A total of 6 replications were carried out. The prepared cheese samples were subjected to chemical analysis. The yield, moisture content, fat, protein and total solids content were statistically analysed. Analysis of variance showed significant difference (P < 0.01) between the samples. The stretchability and organoleptic quality of experimental I Mozzarella cheese prepared from goat milk was lower, but experimental II Mozzarella cheese prepared from the mixture of cow and goat milk was comparable to control prepared from cow milk. Mozzarella cheese whey was utilized for preparation of carbonated and non carbonated whey drinks using pineapple and lemon flavours. Carbonated whey drinks stored at room temperature (290 C) and non carbonated stored at 5 + 10 C for 3 days were of good quality. Total bacterial counts of whey drinks during storage at 24 hours intervals were recorded. The present study revealed that mozzararella cheese prepared from combination of cow and goat milk is 1:1 ratio was comparable to control Mozzarella cheese prepared from cow milk. Goat milk Mozzarella cheese eventhough comes within the acceptable level was of low quality as compared to control samples. However, goat milk can be utilized for manufacture of Mozzarella cheeseThesisItem Open Access Studies on the whey proteins of cows` milk in induced lactation(Department of Dairy Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1985) Sadananda, Talukdar; KAU; Pavithran, KA comparative study on the milk proteins in general and the whey proteins in particular was conducted between cows of first lactation and inferitile heifers brought into lactation by hormonal treatment. It was intended to study the differences, if any, between the two sets of cows in respect of the milk proteins and the possible secretory process involved therein . An exhaustive review of literature has been presented on the levels of various components of whey proteins and other related aspects. The methods of analysis of various components of milk have been detailed. The cows used in the study were crossbred ones, randomly selected from the University Livestock Farm, Mannuthy and maintained under similar farm conditions. The experimental group of animals, the heifers, were given estrogen (0.1 mg/kg body weight) and progesterone (0.25 mg/kg body weight) together in a single injection daily for 7 days consecutively. Gradual development of the udder during the course of treatment was noticed. Between the termination of the treatment and first milking, the development was more conspicuous. Regular milking, twice in a day, was started from the 21st day after the first injection. Secretion was initially colostral, and gradually within a period of 5 days, it resembled normal milk in appearance. The minimum yield from one animal in a day was 200 ml whereas the maximum reached was 4, 500 ml. From the 16th day of first milking, chemical analysis was started with in the case of experimental group. Animals in the control group began with the 3rd month of their lactation when the sample collection was started for analysis. Milk samples from both the groups were collected every 6th day and thus 6 samples from each animal were used for analysis. Both chemical analysis and electrophoresis were used to study the milk components. Estimation of nitrogen was done by the kjeldahl method. Average contents (in percentage) of albumin, globulin, total whey protein and other whey proteins were 0.383, 0.1786, 0.64 and 0.10 respectively in the milk of normal lactation; the values in the induced lactation being 0.603, 0.284, 1.045 and 0.158 respectively. Out of the total nitrogen in milk, the total whey nitrogen and the non protein nitrogen were 26.526 and 6.376 per cent respectively, in normal lactation, the values were 31.524 and 5.432 per cent respectively. Average total protein, casein and crude protein contents in normal milk were 2.97, 2.33 and 3.17 per cent respectively. But in induced milk, the values were 3.79, 2.773 and 4.007 per cent respectively. The ratio of whey protein :casein was 22:78 in normal lactation whereas in induced lactation it was 27;73. The contribution of whey protein to the higher total protein content of induced milk is more than that of casein. Differences between the whey components between the two groups were noticed. On statistical analysis, albumin, globulin, non – protein nitrogen and the other whey proteins together (whey proteins excluding albumin plus globulin) did not have significant difference between the two groups. So also was the casein. There was, however, significant difference between the two groups in respect of total whey nitrogen, total whey protein and total protein. Individual differences were highly significant in respect of albumin, globulin, total whey protein, total protein and crude protein. The last one had highly significant difference between the groups also. Globulin, non – protein nitrogen and other whey proteins, on the other hand, did not indicate any significant difference neither between groups or between individuals. The whey protein was subjected to electrophoretic separation in Acrylamide gel system with Borate buffer. In this attempt, it could be fractionated into six different bands in each case. But the mode of fractionation between groups in particular was found different from each other. A general trend for an increase in the protein content was thus seen in the milk of induced lactation that was mostly brought about by whey proteins. This may be a reflection of the secretory pattern involved with the normal and the induced lactation. Further investigations in detail may elucidate this in future.