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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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  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Reproductive biology of macrobrachium canarae ( tiwari, 1958 ) (decapoda, palaemonidae)
    (Department of Fishery Biology, College of Fisheries, Panangad, 2008) Sreedevi, K H; KAU; Jayachandran, K V
    The aim of this project is to introduce the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium canarae (Tiwari, 1958) as a candidate species in a community aquarium. The orange red shining spot on the second cheliped where the movable finger joins with palm makes it appealing in the aesthetic sense. This species is found to breed in captivity also. For the effective management of the prawn in the aquarium, a thorough knowledge on the various aspects of its reproductive biology is a prerequisite. The various aspects of reproductive biology dealt with are 1. Taxonomy 2. Sexual dimorphism 3. Breeding dress 4. Maturity stages and ovarian development 5. Fecundity 6. Moulting Since the species do not exhibit sexual dimorphism in size, it is difficult to identify male and female. The difference in colour of antennular flagellum between sexes becomes useful especially when they are bred in captivity. The data on maturity stages and also the time of ovarian development finds its use especially in the aquarium rearing. The fecundity studies gives an idea of the number of offsprings which could be produced from a single brood .
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Ovararian maturation, breeding and early embryonic development of an indigenous ornamental cyprinid of the western ghats - chela fasciata silas
    (Department of Fishery Biology, College of Fisheries, Panangad, 2008) Indira, Divipala; KAU; Anna Mercy, T V
    Chela fasciata is an indigenous ornamental cyprinid endemic to the Western Ghats of Kerala. It inhabits the riffle zones of River Bharathapuzha at Thootha. A total of 144 fishes (94 females and 50 males) ranging in size from 26.0 to 82.0 mm were collected from the wild and used for the study of reproductive biology. The gonads were quantified into six maturity stages based on external morphology as immature virgin, maturing virgin, early ripening, late ripening, ripe and partially spent. Studies on oocyte distribution of the six stages of maturity were done to understand the maturation of ova in the ovary. The ovaries of Chela fasciata showed asynchronous oocyte development. The oocyte development was classified into nine different oogenic stages namely, chromatin nucleolus stage, early perinucleolus stage, late perinucleolus stage, yolk vesicle stage, primary yolk stage, secondary yolk stage, tertiary yolk stage, migratory nucleus stage and mature oocyte). The first mature females appeared in the length group of 40 – 45 mm and males in the group of 25 – 30 mm. The size at first maturity for female was found to be at 45.75 mm TL (45 – 50 mm) and for males at 36.25 mm TL (35 – 40 mm). All the females were mature by 60.00 mm TL and the males by 45.00 mm TL. Based on the ova diameter frequency study of the ripe ovary, Chela fasciata was found to be a multiple spawner, with a protracted spawning season, the individuals spawning intermittently. Absolute fecundity of the fishes ranged from 2669 to 4437 in fishes of size range 49.5 mm to 82 mm TL. The number and size of eggs were found to be directly proportional to the size and age of the fish. Fecundity showed a positive linear relationship (5% level of significance) with the length and weight of both the fish and ovary. The embryonic development studies showed that the cleavage stage of the egg lasted for about 2 hrs 10 min., post fertilization. The inside egg embryo stage had lasted for 21 hrs, post fertilization. The eggs hatched at the end of 21 hrs, and the embryos emerged tail first. Pigmented eye was seen in one-day-old free embryo. Free embryo stage lasted for three days post fertilization. By the end of third day, the mouth developed, the yolk sac was empty and the exogenous feeding started, the free embryo entering the larval period. A complete understanding of basic reproductive biology of this fish will definitely help in the commercial production under captivity for the domestic and export market of this indigenous ornamental fish.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Temporal variation in the hydrography and biodiversity of the Cochin backwaters of Puduveypu region.
    (Department of Fishery Hydrography, College of Fisheries, Panangad, 2011) Trinayan Deb, Sarmah; KAU; Raman, N N
    The study was carried out to find out the temporal variation in the hydrography of the Cochin backwaterS of Puduveypu region and to find out the richness of the biodiversity of the area. The study was conducted from April, 2010 to Apil, 2011. The present study was carried out to find out the temporal variation in the hydrography of the Cochin backwater of Puduveypu region and to find out the richness of the biodiversity of the area. The value of salinity in the backwaters of Puduveypu showed a wide fluctuation. The maximum value was recorded in the second half of January. The salinity showed considerable reduction during the period of March-April, 2011 due to Premonsoon showers. . Water temperature showed peak values during pre-monsoon period and with the onset of monsoon the value decreased. High pH was observed during the monsoon season while low values were observed during N.E. monsoon and pre-monsoon period. Alkalinity showed an increasing trend during the pre-monsoon, post monsoon and N.E. monsoon seasons but a decreasing trend was observed during monsoon season. Total hardness ranged between 22.22 mg CaCO3/l and 710.01 mg CaCO3/l. Dissolved oxygen showed high values during monsoon and post monsoon period. During the N.E. monsoon period the dissolved oxygen showed a decreasing pattern and reached a minimum of 2.1mg/l in the second half of February. The higher values of nitrate-N were observed during post monsoon and monsoon season. Seasonal variation of nitrite 133 was not that much pronounced. The phosphate value ranged between 2.2 μg at/l and 5.8 μg at/l during the study period. The maximum value of silicate-Si was recorded during the last phase of the monsoon. Turbidity ranged between 11.11 NTU and 40.4 NTU. It showed a negative correlation with transparency. Transparency value of the study region falls within a range of 30 cm. to 47 cm. Primary productions showed a wide range from 32 mgC/m3/day to 3707 mgC/m3/day. The highest value of chlorophyll was observed during the second half of July and the minimum value was observed during the second half of October. The sediment pH value ranged between 7.02 and 8.3 with an average of 7.78. The analysis revealed that sediment of the Puduveypu region contains maximum sand followed by silt and clay. Mangrove species like Rhizophora mucronata, Rhizophora apiculata, Rhizophora conjugate, Brugiuera cylindrical, Brugiuera gymnorhiza, Sonerasia caseolaris, Sonerasia alba, Avicennia officianalis, Exocearia agallocha, Acanthus ilicifolius, Clerodenterum innerme, Premma latifolia, and Acrostichum aureum were found in the study area. , Avicennia officianalis contribute 70% of the total population of mangrove. Penaeus monodon, P. indicus, Metapenaeus dobsonii, M. monoceros, Feneropenaeus indicus, Penaeus semisulcatus, Macrobrachium equidens, M. idella have been identified from the study area. Crabs in the study area include Scylla serrata, Scylla tranquebarica, Thalamita creneta, Charybdis annulata, Sesarma quadratum, Uca vocans. Bivalves includes Lamellidens 134 sp., Villorita Sp. and Cirriped in the study region include Balanus. 36 species of finfishes were collected during the study period. The fishes can be categorized into 10 order and 26 families.
  • ThesisItemOpen 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.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Development of Malaysian Type Fish Crackers From Nemipterus Japonicus (BLOCH)
    (Department of Processing Technology,College of Fisheries, Panangad, 2001) Venugopal, Dubakula; KAU; Sajan, George
    A study was undertaken for the preparation of fish crackers using a low cost fish, threadfm bream (Nemipterus japonicus, Bloch). A method was standardised for making crackers based on that generally followed in Malaysia. Fish meat was mixed with various food additives such as starch, salt, sugar, monosodium glutamate, colour and water, and stuffed into high-density polyethylene casings as rolls, cooked, cooled, sliced and dried.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Studies on the electrophoretic pattern of Fish/ Shellfish proteins subjected to frozen storage
    (Department of Processing Technology,College of Fisheries, Panangad, 2000) Bomy, Chummar; KAU; Nambudiri, D D
    Freezing considered as an excellent process for preserving the quality of fish for longer periods. But freezing may affect various flesh components, especially the proteins. Sarcoplasmic proteins play a major role in species identification of fish and fishery products. While myofibrillar proteins play a major role in the jellying properties of surimi and surimi based products. The changes to these groups of proteins due to freezing and frozen storage have received much attention. Four species Megalaspis cordyla, Labeo rohita, Penaeus indicus and Parapenaeopsis styli/era were used for the frozen storage study. Samples were stored for 90 days at -18°C and samples were collected at 15 day. intervals and Salt Soluble Nitrogen (SSN), Water Soluble Nitrogen (WSN) and Non-Protein Nitrogen (NPN) content were determined. Electrophoretic pattern of both Salt Soluble Proteins (SSP) and Water Soluble Proteins (WSP) of frozen stored sample were compared with that of the fresh sample.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    High density rearing of Labeo Rohita (Hamilton) spown indoors using different feeds
    (Department of Aquaculture, College of Fisheries, Panangad, 1998) Dinesh, K; KAU; Mohankumaran, Nair C
    Three day old rohu spawn was reared in indoor tanks with eight different feeds The diets tried were newly hatched Artemia nauplii, size graded Moina micrura, formulated feed, Artemia nauplii + formulated feed, Moina micura+ formulated feed, first 3 days Artemia nauplii and formulated feed later on, first 3 days Moina micrura and formulated feed later on and mixed zooplankton + ricebran and GOC in I: I ratio (conventional method).
  • ThesisItemOpen 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.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Studies on drying of fish using a BARC - TYPE solar dryer.
    (Department of Processing Technology,College of Fisheries, Panangad, 2011) Vimaladevi, S; KAU; Sajan, George
    A study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the drying efficiency of a newly designed solar dryer (modified BARC type) in comparison with conventional sun drying. The materials used for drying were beheaded prawn (Metapenaeus dobsoni) and salted fish (Cynoglossus macrostomus). Rate of drying was found to be influenced by the atmospheric temperature and humidity, either using dryer (test or by sun drying (control). In the case of prawn, the drying period was 7h by dryer compared to control which took about 10h whereas in the case of fish it was only 7h compared to control which took about 9h. Various parameters such as moisture content, water activity, TPC, TFC, TVBN content and PV, during drying were monitored. The quality variations in prawn or fish were significantly lower when dried using the solar dryer compared to direct sun drying. Sensory evaluation based on colour, odour, texture and taste, also proved that the solar dried samples were of superior quality compared to control. Sorption isotherm for test and control did not vary much in shape for both prawn and fish. This indicates that the effect of the type of drying on the bound water of the products. For conducting storage studies the dried prawn and dry salted fish, both test and control, were packed in low permeable polypropylene- polyamide bags and stored at room temperature for about 80 days. Quality parameters, viz., moisture content and water activity, TPC, TFC, TVBN content, PV and sensory evaluation based on colour, odour, taste and texture were evaluated during storage. Both test and control samples remained acceptable throughout the storage period. However, the quality of prawn or fish dried in solar dryer was found to be superior compared to their respective sun dried control samples. The additional cost was only Rs 2.40/ kg for dried prawn and Rs 2.00/ kg for dry salted fish. The equipment is recommended for small scale production of dried products.