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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Open Access
Utilization of prawn waste as pig feed
(Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1991) Syam, Mohan K M; KAU; Sivaraman, E
An investigation was carried out to assess the feeding value of prawn waste as a partial or complete replacement of unsalted dried fish in the rations for growing – finishing pigs. Thirty – two Large White Yorkshire weanling pigs with an average body weight of 9.1 kg were distributed randomly and uniformly as far as possible to four groups (Groups 1, 11, 111 and IV) of eight animals each, with regard to age, sex and body weight and housed in pairs of the same sex. The four dietary treatments A, B, C and D were allotted to the pigs in the groups 1, 11, 111 and IV respectively. Of the total protein, 25 per cent in the diets A, B and C and 12.5 per cent in the diet D were provided as animal protein. Unsalted dried fish was used as animal protein source in the diets C and D. Diet C formed the control diet. In the diets A and B, 50 per cent and 100 per cent replacements respectively of animal protein from unsalted dried fish were made using dried prawn waste. All the animals were maintained on the respective diets with 18 per cent total protein upto an average live weight of 50 kg and with 14 per cent protein till they attained a body weight of 70 kg or 8 months of age, whichever was earlier, when they were slaughtered to study carcass characteristics.
Open Access
Impact of training programme on hygienic measures followed in pelling sheds
(Department of Management Studies, College of Fisheries, Panangad, 1989) Daisy, C Kappen; KAU; Pushkaran, P S
The study was conducted in Quilon district of Kerala with a view to measure the impact of training programme on hygienic measures followed in peeling sheds. The major objectives were: 1. To study the level of knowledge about hygienic measuroe of trained peeling shed workers in comparison with those who have not attended the training programme. 2. To study the perception of the trained peeling shed workers about the quality of the product. • 3. To compare the association, if any, existing between the socio-psychological and economic factors of trained and untrained peeling shed workers with the level of knowledge and extent of perception. 4. To study the motivational factors responsible for attending the training programme by the peeling shed workers. The sample consisted of randomly selected 60 trained and 60 untrained peeling shed workers. Data were collected using interview schedule and suitable statistical techniques were employed for the analysis of data. The study revealed that the trained peeling shed workers had significantly higher knowledge than untrained peeling shed workers. They also had significantly higher perception about the quality of the product than untrained peeling shed workers. The peeling shed workers perceived the factor ‘Quality of the raw material’ as the most important one in determining the final quality of the product. The perception on the factors contributing to the final quality of the product were same for both trained and untrained peeling shed workers. The selected independent variables together contributed significantly in the variation in knowledge and perception about the quality of the product of both trained and untrained peeling shed workers. The correlation analysis revealed that education was positively and significantly related with level of knowledge of trained peeling shed workers; while age, occupation and family indicated negative and significant association. In the case of untrained peeling shed workers extension orienta¬tion is the only variable Which Indicated positive and signi¬ficant relationship with level of knowledge. Education showed positive and significant relationship with perception about the quality of the product of trained peeling shed workers. Age and occupation revealed negative and significant association. In the case of untrained peeling shed workers only age Indicated negative and significant relationship with perception about the quality of the product. Innovativeness was the major motive which induced the peeling shed workers to attend the training programme.
Open Access
Studies on depuration of edible oyster Crassostrea madrasensis (Preston)
(Department of processing technology, College of fisheries, Panangad, 1993) Usha, P T; KAU; Damodaran, Namboodiri
Oysters crassostrea madrasensis harvested from cochin back waters are commonly contaminated with low levels of food poisoning organisms such as E.coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Vibrio cholera, V-parahaemolyticus etc, heavy metals like cadmium, lead, copper, zinc, mercury etc and sand content. Depuration studies were conducted to find out any changes in the biochemical constituents such as total Nitrogen, salt soluble Nitrogen, Non protein Nitrogen, Ash and sand content. The studies revealed that there were no significant changes in the biochemical constituents during the 48th depuration period. Oysters were laboratory contaminated to levels in excess of 10000 cells /g with E.coli and it was cleansed from such oysters during purification in a laboratory depuration unit that used ultraviolet light and chlorination for sterilizing the depuration water. Depuration in sterilized water using ultra violet light treatment was found to be more efficient in cleansing the oyster of pathogen, E.Coli than using chlorination. Of the two salinity tested depuration of oyster in seawater at 35 ppt salinity gave better results compared t that in 30ppt salinity sea water both sterilised with uv light. Depuration of oyster in unsterile seawater and in seawater sterilised 10 ppm chlorination was found to be least effective in cleansing the oyster to the acceptable international standard of less than 2.3 E.Coli/g oyster meat within 48h depuration. There was no appreciated change in the sensory characteristics of oysters such as aroma, taste, and flavor. However there was significant change in the grittiness characteristics of oyster after 48h depuration. Depuration was not effective in removing heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, zinc, Tin and Mercury from the oyster within the depuration period of 48h.
Open Access
Breeding biology of Villorita cyprinoides (Gray) in relation to salinity gradients
(Department of Fishery Biology, College of Fisheries, Panangad, 1991) Sudha, B Nair; KAU; Jose, T M
The present study was undertaken to investigate the influence of salinity variations on the breeding biology of populations of black clam Villorita cyprinoides (Gray), inhibiting two different cological zones of the Vembanad Lake. Two stations with perennial clam beds, but differing greatly in salinity conditions were selected for the study. Station I, in the northern side of Thanneermukkam barrier, has more influx of sea water and Station II, in the southern side has low saline influx. Monthly collections of black clams and bottom and surface waters were made from May 1989 to June 1990. Major environmental parameters such as salinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen and pH of bottom and surface waters were estimated with a view to understand the circannual variations within and between the stations. Among these, salinity was found to be the most important parameter showing prominent variations. At Station I, the bottom salinity values ranged from 0.0 to 18.12%0 and in Station II from 0.0 to 2.12%0. Histological studies of the clams collected from the two stations revealed that animals inhabiting Station I, a predominantly brackish water zone, have a protracted, almost year round breeding season extending from September to June with peak spawning during March to June and coinciding with the peak salinity levels and temperature. At Station II, a predominantly freshwater zone, the clams have a short duration spawning season extending from March to June with peak spawning during Apirl and May, again coinciding with the peak salinity levels and temperature. It is also observed that there exists a positive correlation between the bottom salinity and gondal maturation and spawning. Size – frequency studies of the calms collected from the two stations revealed that at Station I, the clam fishery was dominated by small sized animals, when compared to Station II. This may be related to the differences observed in the extend of spawning activity between the population of the two stations, resulting in the divergent apportionment of energy resource for somatic growth versus reproduction.
Open Access
Investigations on head drooping In head-on processed prawns
(Department of Processing Technology, College of Fisheries, Panangad, 1994) Jose, V T; KAU; Sherief, P M
Head drooping is the major quality problem associated with processing of headon prawns. The head drooping in head on prawns refers to the condition of oozing out of hepatopancreatic juice resulting from the breakage of the arthrodial membrane, which connects cephalothoraz of prawn to abdomen dorsally. The susceptibility of prawns to head drooping depends on the stability of the arthrodial membrane which in turn is determined by its biochemical composition. In this connection various biochemical constituents of the arthrodial membrane such as protein, phospholipid, moisture, calcium and cholesterol were analysed for two specied of prawn, Penaeus indicus and Penaeus monodon under three size groups (30/40, 50/60, and 70/80 pieces /kg). The activities of various hydrolytic enzymes of the hepatopancreas were also studied. The various biochemical constituets showed significant difference between species. Within the same species a size wise variation in the constituents of the arthrodial membrane and enzyme activity of hepatopancreas was observed. The various unit process such as hauling time, ice storage durations, freezing methods, cold storage durations and thawing methods were studied individually for their influence on head drooping. The study shows that the major determinants of head drooping in prawns are the biochemical composition of the arthrodial membrane and the easiness with which the hydrolytic enzymes of the hepatopancreas are released on postmortem handling and processing.
Open Access
Secondary production in brackish water culture ponds
(Department of Aquaculture, College of Fisheries, Panangad, 1988) Aneykutty Joseph; KAU; Jayasree Vadhyar K
Secondary production of zooplankton and zoobenthos (macrobenthos and meiobenthos) of two brackishwater ponds, A and B, each having 0.042 hectare area and connected to the Cochin backwaters, in the instructional fish farm of College of Fisheries, Panangad, Cochin have been studied for three culture periods. Viz, culture I.C. chenos (120 days, during August to December, 1986), culture II. P.indicus (60 days, during January to March, 1987) and culture III.P. monodon (45 days, during mid May to June, 1987). Fortnightly fluctuations in the biomass of zooplankton, meiobenthos and macrobenthos both group wise and total, their percentage dominance and frequency of occurrence have been studied during each culture period. Attempts have been made to correlate the fortnightly biomass of zooplankton, meiobenthos and macrobenthos with the fortnightly growth increment of C.chanos, P. indicus and P.monodon separately. Since zooplankton production is mainly dependent on primary production, fortnightly estimations of net and gross primary production have been carried out. The physic-chemical parameters of the pond water and soil have been studied fortnightly since both primary and secondary productivity of a culture pond depends mainly on these variables. The zooplankton groups are constituted by rotifers copepods and crustacean nauplii. The total biomass of zooplankton ranges from 22.388 mg/m3 to 5476.950 mg/m3 and 5.085mg/m3 to 1316.832 mg/m3 in ponds A and B respectively. The zooplankton biomass shows three peaks i.e., 1) in November 2) in March and 3) in June in pond A during culture I,II and III respectively while in pond B, it does not show such pronounced peaks. Neverthless, small zooplankton peaks are apparent in pond B in the former half of September, February and May during culture I ,II and III respectively. The relationship between the fortnightly biomass of zooplankton and that of growth increment of C. chanos is mostly an inverse one which could be because of the grazing effect of the latter on the former. An inverse relation is also observed between the biomass of zooplankton and growth increment values of P.indicus and P.monodon. Since the prawns are benthic feeders such an inverse relation cannot be attributed to direct consumption of zooplankton by them. However, zooplankton on dying sink to the bottom and form part of the detritus, constituting direct food for the prawns. The meiobenthos in both the ponds is constituted by nematodes and copepods. The total biomass of meiofauna ranges from 36.018 µg/10cm2 to 2539.322 µg/10cm2 in pond A and from 57.882 µg/10cm2 to 1556.616 µg/10cm2 in Pond B. A direct correlation is observed between the biomass of meiofauna with growth increment values of C.chanos whereas an inverse relation is noted between the former and the growth increment value of P.indicus and P.monodon. This suggests that meiofauna may not from direct food to C.chanos while it may be the contrary to the prawns. The macrobenthos is composed of amphipods, tanaids, polychaetes and mollusks. The total biomass of macrofauna groups ranges from 0.035 g/m2 TO 43.074 G/M2 in pond A and from 0.144 g/m2 5.712 to g/m2 (excluding villorita cyprinoides var.cochinensis) in pond B. One peculiarity observed in pond B is the presence of thick bed of black clam V. cyprinoides var. cochinensis during all the culture periods. A direct correlation between the fortnightly biomass of macrofauna with growth increment of C.chanos during the former half of culture period and inverse relation during the latter half of culture period are observed . this may be attributed to the utilization of macrofauna by c.chanos during the later stages of their growth. This supports the previous views put forward by several authors. An inverse relation is observed between the fortnightly biomass of macrofauna and growth increment values of P.indicus as well as P.monodon. This is in agreement with the views of several authors which highlight the utilization of macrofauna by the prawns. Fortnightly observations on primary productivity of phytoplankton as well as physic – chemical parameters of pond water and soil have also been discussed in general.
Open Access
Effect of sedatives on penaeus monodon fabricus seed under oxygen packing for transportation
(Department of Aquaculture, College of Fisheries, Panangad, 1991) Joshi, K; KAU; Jayasree Vadhyar, K
The study was performed with the objective of selecting a sedative at a suitable dose and testing its effect along with other factors viz. packing density, salinity and temperature on the P.mondon seed under oxygen – packed transport conditions. The selection of a sedative at an appropriate dose, from those tried viz. chloral hydrate, MS-222 and tertiary butyl alcohol, was made by conducting statistically designed experiments on the survival of the treated and untreated prawn seed for 72 hours in open containers and on the metabolic activities of the treated and untreated prawn seed for 2 hours. The experiment to find out the effect of the selected sedative was carried out in specially designed hard plastic containers fitted with facilities fpr packing oxygen under uniform pressure. The experiment was conducted as an asymmetrical factorial experiment with 4 levels of packing density (200/1, 400/1, 600/1 and 800/1) and 2 levels of sedation (without and with sedation), salinity (25 ppt and 20ppt) and temperature (29+ 10C and 23 + 20C). Chloral hydrate was selected at a dose of 400 ppm for application on P.monodon post –larvae under oxygen – packed conditions. The application of chloral hydrate on the prawn seed under oxygen packing at the selected dose evidently showed a negative effect. A lower dose (300 ppm) than the selected dose, studied separately, also showed similar results under oxygen packing . An increase in packing density decreased the time of initial mortality and percentage survival. At packing densities of 200/1, 400/1, 600/1 and 800/1, the safe durations of transport (duration of 100% survival) were 7.5 h,5 h, 3.5h and 2.5 h respectively at ambient temperature of 29+ 10 C. In P.monodon seed transport the number of seed has been found as more important than their weight in deciding the survival. A high salinity of 25 ppt was found better than a lower salinity for P.monodon seed transport. Lowering of temperature of the packing medium, rather than applying sedatives or lowering of salinity, has been found as a suitable method for increasing the survival during oxygen – packed transport of P.mondon seed. At the lowered temperature of 23+ 20C significantly longer duration of 100% survival (15h at 200/1 and 5 h at 800/1) and better percentage survival at 24 hours (92.5% at 200/1 and 83.13% at 800/1) than at the ambient temperature could be observed.
Open Access
Studies on texture and collagen content of commercially important tropical fishes
(Department of Processing Technology, College of Fisheries, Panangad, 1991) Femeena Hassan; KAU; Sajan George
Stroma proteins refer to slightly soluble proteins which are obtained after removing water and salt, soluble proteins in the muscle. The main constituent of stroma protein is collagen. The role of collagen in contributing to the texture and gaping of fish fillets has been studied using six commercially important fish species of India VIZ. sardine (SardineIla lonqiceps) ,mackeral ( RastralIiger kanaqurta ) , tilapia ( Oreochromis mossambicus ) , common carp (Cyprinus carpio), tuna (Euthynnus affinis) and shark (Scoliodon sorrakowah). The texture of raw fish meat was found to be influenced by the content of collagen in fish muscle. A significant correlation (P > 0.05) was obtained between soluble, insoluble and total collagen contents, and toughness of raw meat, as determined by sensory evaluation and two types of texturometers. Significant correlation was also obtained between actomyosin content and toughness of raw meat, determined either by subjective or objective methods (P > 0.05), but not to the extent of soluble or total collagen. In the case of cooked meat , although a significant correlation (P> 0.05 ) was obtained between actomysin content and cooked meat toughness ,no such correlation could be established between collagen content and cooked meat toughness. Stroma proteins seem to be important in deciding the texture of raw meat, whereas, In the case, of cooked meat, myofibrillar proteins are probably involved. The gaping phenomenon was studied in frozen fillets stored for a period of three months. A slight increase in gaping was noticed during storage period. However, this was not found to be statistically significant. Further studies have to be carried out to get a clear cut idea about the influence of collagen on gaping phenomenon in frozen stored fish. The two types of texturometers fabricated, spring - operated and weight - operated, were found suitable for assessing the toughness of raw fish meat, but not. Cooked meat.

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

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