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
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.
Open Access
Infestation of isopode parasites on prawns of the genus Macrobrachium Bate (Palaemonidae) of Cochin region
(Department of Fishery Biology, College of Fisheries, Panangad, 2004) Regina Jasmine, M; KAU; Jayachandran, K V
The major objective of the research work is to study the taxonomy, species diversity, host specificity, intensity of infestation, length - weight relationship and reproductive biology of bopyrid parasite infesting the genus Macrobrachium Bate, 1868 of the Cochin region. Collections were taken from 3 stations Perumbavoor (Periyar River) and Panangad (Vembanad lake) for a period of 13 months (July 2002 to July 2003) and Champakkara (Vembanad lake) for a period of one year (October 2003 to September 2004). The study revealed that of the five species of Macrobrachium inhabiting water bodies of Cochin region, only two species were found infested with bopyrids. Macrobrachium idella was infested with Palaegyge alcocki whereas M. scabriculum with a new variety, P. alcocki var. novo cochinensis. This shows that bopyrid infestation is species specific. Diagnostic characters of both the parasite species are given in the text. Regarding the intensity of infestation, prawns from the Perumbavoor region of Periyar River had maximum infestation in comparison with other regions (Panangad and Champakkara). The infestation during different months also revealed the same trend. It indicates that infestation is more at the freshwater region than at the estuarine region. Relationships between length and weight of infested M. idella, P. alcocki separated from the host, total length of host and parasite, total length of male and female parasite, carapace length of the host and total length of male as well as female parasite are all statistically significant. . The study has brought out the ways of association of male and female parasites as well as attachment of female parasite to the host. Mature female parasite has been distinguished from the immature. Fecundity studies revealed that the number of eggs produced by the parasite ranges from 8148 (1 cm total length, 0.9 cm total width, 0.12 g total weight) to 29,683 (1.2 cm total length, 1.0 cm total width, 0.168 g total weight). Number of ova per milligram body weight ranged from 67.9 to 185.518 (126.709 average). Relationships between fecundity and total length, total weight, total width and total weight of brood of the parasite are all significant. The chapter on reproductive biology reveals important observations on marsupial brooding, ovulation, embryonic development and incubation, hatching and epicaridea stage of P. alcocki. The last chapter is on the effect of parasitism on the host. Here the aggressive behaviour of infested host, parasitic castration, degeneration of gills and secondary infections are dealt with in some detail.
Open Access
Temporal changes in the weather elements at Panangad region and their influence on the hydrography of a pond
(Department of Fishery Hydrography, College of Fisheries, Panangad, 2004) Pronob Das; KAU; Raman, N N
The present study was undertaken with a view to finding out the seasonal and diurnal changes of weather elements at Panangad region, seasonal and diurnal changes in the hydrographic parameters of a freshwater pond and finally to understand the possible influence of weather elements on hydrographic conditions of a pond during the four seasons viz. southwest monsoon season (June-September), post monsoon season (October-November), northeast monsoon season (December-February) and pre monsoon season (March-April) at the College of fisheries, Panangad, Cochin. Meteorological data were collected at 03 UTC (0830 IST) and 12 UTC (1730 IST) daily during the period from June 2003 to April 2004. Water samples were collected from a pond every fortnightly to analyse hydrographical parameters. To study the diurnal variation, 24-hour observation were taken at an interval of 3 hrs, once for each season. Meteorological observation includes air temperature, maximum temperature, minimum temperature, total rainfall, relative humidity, cloudiness, wind speed and direction. Hydrographic parameters like water temperature, pH, transparency, water level, total alkalinity, primary productivity, dissolved oxygen, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate and silicate were estimated. There was a considerable seasonal variation in water qualities. The surface temperature closely followed the air temperature and exhibits a clear double oscillation. Low pH values confined to the southwest monsoon period were due to heavy rainfall. pH showed a positive relation with air temperature. At higher temperature evaporation was more and water level decreased, which leads to the higher concentration of plankton bloom and low level of transparency. Presence of nutrient elements in optimum concentration and there by production of phytoplankton and algal bloom may be the possible reason for the high productivity during the northeast and pre monsoon periods. The low values of primary production during southwest monsoon period (June to September) and in October might be due to cloudy conditions before and during the sampling, which reduced light intensity, and along with incessant rains cut down production. The high concentration of alkalinity during pre monsoon may be due to decrease in water level due to evaporation. The effect of rainfall in decreasing bicarbonates is well known. Dissolved oxygen was at the highest level in ponds during colder months and was due to low temperature and intense photosynthetic activities. Subsequent fall of dissolved oxygen in pre monsoon period is attributed to the death and decay of plankton and presence of other organic matter. The plankton population in the pond was highest during the month of December/January to April, coinciding with the higher concentration of alkalinity and nutrients. Diurnal variations in water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, alkalinity and primary productivity were well marked. Among nutrients phosphate, nitrate and nitrite did not show any specific pattern, where as silicate concentration showed well-marked short-term variation in all seasons. Weather elements showed significant relationship with many hydrographical parameters and the variations might be due to the combined effects of all those factors. The influence may be direct or indirect. Among the weather elements the influence of air temperature and rainfall was most prominent. The seasonal and diurnal changes in weather elements were equally important for the changes in hydrographical parameters. Shallow water bodies quickly react to the changes in weather elements.
Open Access
Quality and shelf life of fillets and cubes of a marine perch (Lethrinus lentjan (Lacepede,1802)) smoked by a mechanical smoker
(Department of Processing Technology, College of Fisheries, Panangad, 2004) Sindhu, S; KAU; Krishnakumar, S
A study was undertaken for the preparation of cubes and fillets from a marine perch King emperor or Pig face bream (Lethrinus lentjan, (Lacepede), 1802)). A method was standardised for preparation of smoked cubes and fillets. The parameters standardised were brining conditions, draining conditions, pre-drying conditions, smoking temperature and smoking time. The various brining conditions studied were brine concentrations of 10 %, 15 % and 20 % for brining times 15 min, 30 min and 45 min each. The various draining conditions studied were draining at room temperature and refrigerated conditions for periods of 15 min, 30 nun and 45 min. The pre drying conditions studied were pre-drying in tray drier and smoking kiln at 500e for 15 min, 30 min and 60 min. The smoking conditions studied were smoking at temperatures of so'c, 90oe, 1 oo'r: for 1 hr, 2 hrs and 3 hrs each. Salt content, moisture content and phenol content of the samples were analysed based on parameters studied in addition to sensory evaluation. Based on the test results the following treatments were selected viz., brine concentration of 10 % and brining time 15 min, draining under refrigerated condition for 30 min, pre-drying in tray drier for 30 min at 500e and smoking temperature of 800e for a period of 3 hrs. Smoked cubes and fillets were prepared using the standardised procedure and subjected to storage studies for a period of four months under different packing conditions viz., (i) smoked cubes and fillets packed in PE bags (ii) smoked cubes and fillets dried at 500e for 1 hr and then packed in PE bags and (iii) smoked tubes and fillets dried at 500e for I hr and then packed in paper bags. Quality changes during the storage period were monitored 15 days time intervals for parameters viz., moisture content, per cent free fatty acids, thio barbituric acid value, total plate count, total fungal count and sensory evaluation. Samples packed in paper bags remained acceptable only up to 60 days of storage and samples packed in PE bags were acceptable upto 90 days of storage.
Open Access
Individual and combined lethal toxicity of pesticide combination on the juveniles of Rohu Labeo Rohita (HAM)
(Department of Fishery Biology, College of Fisheries, Panangad, 2003) Vinita P, Nair; KAU; Rajasekharan Nair, J
In the natural aquatic ecosystems, fishes are exposed to more than one biocide or contaminant at a given time. In the present study an attempt is made to understand the individual and combined toxicity of the common biocides- malathion, methyl parathion, endosulfan and 2,4- D on the juveniles of rohu (Labeo rohita) under laboratory conditions. The 48-h LCso values were computed based on the probit analysis method of Finney (1971). The 48-h LCso value of malathion was 7.89 mg.l" (7.28 to 8.61); methyl parathion was 7.34 mg.l" (7.25 to 7.43); endosulfan was 0.0036 mg.l" (0.0025 to 0.0047) and 2,4-D was 962.43 rng.l" (954.02 to 970.81). The 'additive index' values and 'magnification factors' for the combined toxicity were calculated for the different pesticide pairs based on the method of Marking (1977). For 2,4-D-malathion it was -0.018 (-0.09 to 0.50) and xO.98 (0.91 to 1.05) respectively; for 2,4-D-methyl parathion it was 0.218 (-0.02 to 0.40) and x1.22 (0.98 to 1.40) respectively; for 2,4-D-endosulfan it was -0.073 (- 0.40 to 0.16) and xO.93 (0.60 to 1.16) respectively; for malathion-methyl parathion it was 0.24 (0.021 to 0.53) and x1.24 (1.0214 to 1.53) respectively and [or malathion-endosulfan it was 1.648 (0.74 to 2.93) and x2.65 (1.74 to 3.98) respectively. Individually it is found that 2,4-D (chlorophenoxy herbicide) is 'moderately toxic', malathion and methyl parathion (organophosphate insecticides) are 'toxic' and endosulfan (organochlorine insecticide) is 'very toxic' to juveniles of rohu under t ' stc£c with renewal 48-h LCso test. But the 'strictly additive' nature of the insecticide-weedicide combinations and the 'more than additive' nature of the insecticide pairs coupled with the sequential or even simultaneous application of these chemicals in the paddy fields and plantations increase the potential [or pollution of these pesticides in the freshwater and coastal ecosystem of the State. Chronic combined sublethal toxicity 81 studies under tropical condition would throw more light on these aspects.
Open Access
Role of putative male pheromoneiIn the ovarin maturation of the fresh water prawn Macrobrachium Idella (Hilgendorf)
(Department of Fishery Biology, College of Fisheries, Panangad, 2001) Patil Chandrakant, Sitaram; KAU; Jose, T M
Sex pheromones are reported to be present in many crustaceans which mostly have releaser effect on sexual behaviour. The discovery of a male (primer) pheromone with stimulatory effect on ovarian maturation and ovulation has added an important external factor to the basic mechanisms regulating reproduction in fresh water prawns. But studies in these lines are very few in the economically important species of Macrobrachium. Knowledge about this male pheromone will be useful to help or potentiate reproduction and/or extend the breeding period of freshwater prawns, which are of great aquacuItural importance. The present study was carried out in the slender nver prawn, Macrobrachium idella. Seven ovarian maturity stages have been distinguished here. Histological studies of the maturing oocytes helped to understand the changes taking place during oocyte growth and maturation through the progressive maturity stages. Yolk vesicles start appearing in the cytoplasm of oocyte in maturity stage II which is the beginning of vitellogeneis (vitellogenesis I). In stage IV, yolk platelet synthesis starts and 'a peripheral layer of yolk platelets appear in this stage. Later these yolk platelets completely fill the ooplasm through stages V and VI when the ova increase in size enormously. Gonado- somatic index (ovarian index) of different maturity stages was determined and was found useful to differentiate especially the late maturity stages. Ova diameter studies along with the other observations showed a clear picture of protracted multiple spawning in this species with batches of ova undergoing maturation and ovulation in successive maturation cycles. When the females were reared in isolated condition, their ovarian growth was found to be arrested at early stage IV. This restriction of ovarian maturation was found mostly in the second maturation (gonadal) cycle after isolation. But those isolated females which had a common water circulation with males showed normal ovarian maturation and ovulation. Therefore, it can be concluded that a male pheromone exists in this species which is essential for normal ovarian growth and maturation. Another experiment was conducted to find out the tissue source of this putative male pheromone. When these isolated females were exposed to extracts of testis, vas deferens or muscle, both testis and vas deferens extracts were found to stimulate the ovarian maturation and ovulation in isolated females, while the muscle extract (control) was ineffective. This shows that in M idella, the male pheromone is produced by testis and vas deferens or it is produced by testis and transported to vas deferens. Further experiment showed that charcoal extraction destroys the pheromonal activity in testis and vas deferens extract while boiling has no such effect which indicates that the ovary stimulating pehromone in M idella may be a steroidal molecule as reported in some fishes.
Open Access
Effect of cryoprotectants during frozen storage jon quality of leached minced meat from tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters)
(Department of Processing Technology, College of Fisheries, Panangad, 2003) Ritu, Agrawal; KAU; Nambudiri, D D
A study was conducted to develop the combination of cryoprotectants for preventing quality changes in minced meat of tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus Peters), during frozen storage. A Japanese paste product called Kamaboko was also prepared to study the effect of cryoprotectants on quality of minced meat based product. The cryoprotectants used for study were sucrose (8% w/w), sorbitol (8%w/w), sucrose: sorbitol (8%w/w, 1:1 mixture) and sorbitol: sucrose: polyphosphate (8%w/w, 3:4:1). A reference sample as control (without cryoprotectants) was also maintained. Minced meat treated with different cryoprotectants was wrapped in 150 gauge polythene sheets and then was packed in waxed cartons. These waxed cartons were then frozen in deep freezer at -40° C followed by storage in cold storage at _200 C for 4 months. Quality changes during storage were' monitored at fortnightly interval based on various tests viz., cooking yield, free drip, centrifugal drip, myofibrillar protein content, Sarcoplasmic protein content, folding test and sensory evaluation based on whiteness, muddy taste, sweet taste and texture of cooked meat. Minced meat treated with sorbitol: sucrose: polyphosphate and sucrose: sorbitol remained acceptable with no significant difference in sensory quality, for all four months of study: However minced meat treated with sucrose and sorbitol separately and control (without cryoprotectant) showed significant lowering in quality parameters during storage and were acceptable only for 45 days.
Open Access
Evaluation of protein requirement of angel fish [Pterophyllum scalare (Lichtenstein)] larvae using defatted clam meat as the chief protein source
(Department of Aquaculture, College of Fisheries, Panangad, 2001) Deepa Viswanath, K; KAU; Mohan, M V
The effect of artificial diets with varying protein levels on the growth and survival of Angel fish, Pterophyllum scalare (Lichtenstein) larvae using defatted clam meat powder as the chief protein source was studied. One-day-old free-swimming hatchlings were used in the investigations done for a period of 21 days. The different diets used were with 24.91 %, 29.83%, 34.72%, 39.86%, 44.79%,49.85% and 54.63% protein levels with 3 replicates for each treatment. The results showed that the growth of larvae in terms of gain in length, gain in weight and specific growth rate was maximum for the diet with 44.79% protein level. From the relationship established between protein level and SGR, the optimum level of protein attaining maximum SGR (21.163) was found to be 53.099%. No significant difference was found in the survival rate of larvae fed with different diets. Thus artificial diet with 44.79% protein level can be used efficiently for rearing Angel fish larvae.
Open Access
Cause of yellow discolouration in iced and frozen cuttlefish fillets and its control
(Department of Processing Technology, College of Fisheries, Panangad, 2001) Sophia Margaret Joseph; KAU; Sherief, P M
The cause of yellow discolouration in ice stored and subsequently frozen cuttlefish fillets of Sepia aculeata was investigated in this study. The fillets were subjected to the following treatments (l) control (2) dip in 2% salt + 0.2% citric acid solution for 10 min. and (3) dip in 0.01% BHA solution for 10 min., prior to ice storage for a duration of six days. The iced fillets were frozen on the zero day, second day and fourth day of iced storage. Both the iced and frozen samples were periodically subjected to various biochemical and sensory evaluations. The NPN and alpha amino nitrogen contents of the salt + citric acid samples, both in the iced and the frozen samples, were found to be higher than those of the other two. This suggests that salt + citric acid are capable of retaining moisture and preventing the leaching of NPN compounds. This is supported by the sensory evaluation results, which gave higher scores~lt + citric acid treatment. The increase A in TVBN and TMA contents were found to be less pronounced in the salt + citric acid treated samples suggesting the microbial and enzyme inhibitory action of the salt and citric acid. The increase in the PV and TBARS were also less in this treatment when compared to the control, showing antioxidant property of citric acid. The BHA treated samples showed the least rise in PV and TBARS both in iced and frozen material, indicating its effectiveness as an antioxidant. . Sensory evaluation of the iced samples showed no discolouration during the period of six days, but the fourth day frozen untreated samples showed yellow discolouration after the eight weeks of storage. Since the salt + citric treatment and BHA treatment are effective in retarding the yellow discolouration, a Maillard or an 149 aldehyde amine type reaction is postulated as the possible cause of yellow discolouration in frozen stored cuttlefish. As the proteolytic activity at the site of appearance of yellow discolouration was high, the amino compounds formed by the enzyme action may be taking part in the aldehyde - amine reaction, the aldehyde being produced by autoxidation of the unsaturated phospholipids of the meat.

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

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