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
Performance of desi x exotic cross-bred layers
(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary Science, Mannuthy, 1992) Jayanthy, M V; KAU; Leo, Joseph
Data were collected on egg production performance of two cross-breds viz. desi X Austra White (DAW) and desi X New Rock (DNR) from 20 to 40 weeks of age. The birds in each cross consisted of naked neck and normal neck varieties. DNR cross birds were significantly heavier at 20 and 40 weeks of age than DAW cross birds. The body weight in Naked neck and normal neck varieties comparable in both crosses. Age at sexual maturity was 184 and 189 days in DNR and DAW crosses respectively. Hen housed and hen day egg numbers were similar in both crosses (37.61 and 47.61 vs 34.40 and 47.81), while the naked neck birds in both crosses showed higher hen housed and hen day egg number between the varieties in DAW cross was significant (53.82 Vs 34.86). The eggs were significantly heavier in DNR cross than in DAW cross (46.74 Vs 44.88) whereas the varieties with in both crosses laid eggs of similar size. The mean daily feed consumption and feed efficiency were also similar in both crosses (106.61 g and 4.09 Vs 104.95 g and 4.93). In DAW cross, the naked neck birds registered a better feed efficiency. While DNR birds were multicolored and laid brown eggs, DAW crosses consisted of only black, grayish white with black patches and grey birds which laid tinted eggs. Broodiness was observed in both the crosses. Egg quality was excellent in both the crosses and varieties with in crosses, at 32 weeks of age. Livability was also similar in both crosses though it was poor. Considering the overall performance, the DNR cross was adjudged as a better cross for the backyard.
Open Access
Efficacy of certain litter materials on broiler performance
(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1999) Sini Thomas; KAU; Amritha Viswanath
An experiment was designed and conducted at the Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy to evaluate the efficacy of different litter materials on the performance of broilers under hot-humid conditions of Kerala. Two hundred and ten, one-day old straight-run commerical broiler chicks were reared for a period of eight weeks. The birds were allotted into five different litter treatment groups, viz., wood shavings (T,) which formed the control group, saw dust (T2), rice husk (T,), coir pith (TJ and paddy chaff (T5), each comprising of three replicates with fourteen birds each. Standard broiler starter and finisher rations were formulated as per BIS (1992) specifications for the broilers. The chicks were reared under standard managemental conditions upto eight weeks of age. Results of the study revealed that body weight and body weight gain were not influenced by different litter treatments throughout the experimental period. Eventhough feed consumption and feed efficiency were influenced by litter materials during the initial periods, there obsno impact for the rest of the experimental period. Processing yields and losses were not affected by different litter treatments. Litter quality parameters like weight of the litter at the beginning and end of the experiment, weekly moisture content, fortnightly ammonia-nitrogen content, nitrogen-phosphorus- potassium content, litter pH and proximate composition of the litter at the beginning, at sixth week and eighth week were significantly different (P<0.01) between different treatment groups. It was observed that eventhough there was significant difference (P<0.05) between treatment groups for mortality by fourth week of age, no significant difference was obtained for all other periods. Cost-benefit analysis revealed that net profit per bird by sixth week and eighth week of age was more for litter materials, viz., saw dust, rice husk, coir pith and paddy chaff than wood shavings. Based on the above findings, it can be concluded that different litter materials, viz., saw dust, rice husk, coir pith and paddy chaff are equally good for broiler raising as wood shavings during the month of January through March in Kerala.
Open Access
Effect of floor density on production performance in Japanese quails reared in cages and deep litter
(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1993) Padmakumar, B; KAU; Reghunathan Nair, G
To suggest a suitable system of rearing and optimum floor space allowance for Japanese quail rearing, so as to reduce housing cost and to achieve batter efficiency, a study was carried out to evaluate the production performance of quails reared in cages and deep litter with different floor densities. In cage system of rearing the floor densities evaluated were 100, 150, 200 and 250 sq. cm and in deep litter system, 150, 200 and 250 sq. era per bird. The experiment was carried out from the fifth week of age to 50th week of age each group with four replications. Except for the difference in floor densities, ail the managemental practices followed were the same and the data war. recorded for nine, 35-day periods. The system of housing had no effect on the body weight, but an increase in floor space resulted in a hike in the body weight. Age at first egg, IQ per cent production and 50 per _cent production were not influenced by the type of housing. in deep litter system, they were signifieantly affected by the different floor densities?, but not. in cage system of rearing, System of housing did not affect the egg production. But in cages, different flour densities significantly affected the egg production. This was not seen in deep litter system of rearing. The mean daily feed consumption was not affected by the system of housing. But the different floor densities in cages and deep litter had significant effect on feed consumption. System of housing and floor density variation had no effect on feed -efficiency. The percent Livability also has shown a similar trend. System of housing significantly affected the weight of eggs. The treatment groups in cages significantly affected the egg weight, but not in deep litter. Egg quality traits were neither affected by system of housing nor the floor density variations. Based on correlation of part year and full year productions, 35 weeks of age was found advantageous for selection of breeders. In cage system, it was found to be 15 weeks and in deep litter 35 weeks . The returns over feed cost was found to be better in cage system of rearing compared to deep litter. Between the different floor density allowances, 200 sq.cm floor space per bird surpassed all the other treatments. So it is concluded that the floor space allowance of 200 sq. cm per bird in cages is ideal for Japanese quail rearing.
Open Access
Effect of floor density on production performance of commercial hybrid layers
(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1992) Geo, A G; KAU; Amritha Viswanath
In order to prescribe optimum floor space allownace for the commercial hybrid layer ClLM-90) released from Mannuthy Centre of the 'AICRP on Poultry for Eggs' with the ultimate objective of reducing housing cost and achieving better labour efficiency, a study was carried out to evaluate its production performance on three different floor densities under "deep litter system of rearing. The floor densities evaluated were 1350/ 1575 and 1800 sq. cm. per bird. Each group was assigned to five replicates I and mean body weight at 20 weeks of age were kept uniform for all the replicates. Except for the difference in floor densities, all the managemental practices followed were uniform for the different treatment groups. Feed and water were given ad lib. The data were recorded for five, 28 day periods. Body . weight at 44th week of age and Age at fifty per cent production were not significantly influenced by the difference in floor densities- There was an increase in egg production as the floor space allowance per bird was increased and this increase was significant (P < 0-05) for the group provided with 1800 sq. cm. per bird than that of group provided with 1350 sq.cm. per bird. Feed consumption progressively increased as the floor space allowance increased and this increase was highly significant (P < 0.01). But/ the differences in feed efficiency among different groups were not statistically significant- Egg weight and other egg quality parameters such as shape Index, shell thickness. Albumen Index, Haugh Unit and Yolk Index were not affected by difference in floor space allowances. Mortality was also not found to be influenced by the difference in floor densities. Though the birds reared with a floor space of 1800 sq.cm. per bird showed higher egg production, the lower feed consumption, numerically higher efficiency of feed conversion and positive returns in terms of economics of production indicated that a floor density of 1350 sq.cm. per bird is more economical for the hybrid layer ILM-90 under Kerala condition.
Open Access
Evaluation of production performance in F strain of white Leghorn
(Department of Poultry Science,College of Veterinary Science, Mannuthy, 1995) Beena, C Joseph; KAU; Peethambaran, P A (Guide)
A study was carried out with ‘F’ strain of White Leghorn maintained at University Poultry Farm, Mannuthy in order to evaluate the production potential of the particular strain based on the part year performance. At the age of 18 weeks, 400 pullets belonging to four consecutive hatches were taken and housed in 100 multiple-bird cages of identical size at the rate of four hens per cage at random. Feed and water were given ad lib and the managemental practices were uniform for all cages. The production performance as well as meteorological observations were studied for five, 28-day periods from 21 to 40 weeks of age during the period from February through August 1994. Body weight at 20 and 40 weeks of age were recorded individually and the respective mean values were found out to be 944.05+ 8.86 g and 1346.67+ 12.19 g. The first egg in each cage was recorded and the mean age at first egg was 174.67+ 0.95 days. The mean ages at 10 and 50 per cent production in the flock were 178 and 196.5 days respectively. These values indicated very late maturity in the strain. The egg production was recorded as 56.73 eggs with 40.52 per cent on hen-housed basis and 57.09 eggs with 40.79 per cent on hen-day basis. The peak production was obtained at 32 weeks of age. The mean daily feed consumption was worked out as 93.83 g per bird. Feed efficiency worked out in terms of dozen eggs and kilogram egg mass were 2081 and 5.01 respectively. Egg weight at last three days in each period were indivitualy recorded and the overall mean egg weight for 21 to 40 weeks of age was 46.21 g. The total egg mass out put in the flock up to 40 weeks of age was 1044.07 kg with an average output of 2.61 kg per hen housed. Livability was found to be excellent (95.5 per cent ) in the strain. The mean of the maximum and minimum temperature recorded in the experimental house were 32.50 C and 26.120 C respectively. The mean per cent relative humidity was 76.67 in the F.N. and 69.18 in the A.N. On analysis of results, it was found that the body weight, egg production, feed consumption and egg weight are considerably low in this strain. There was poor uniformity in pullet body weight and also in age at sexual maturity. These traits can be improved if independent culling levels are fixed for body weight as well as for minimum rate of pay per bird. This strain can be improved further by applying selection for body weight at 20 weeks of age.
Open Access
Production performance of Austra-white and Rhode-white layers on litter floor
(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1998) Sridharan, E; KAU; Peethambaran, P A
An experiment was conducted at Kerala Agricultural University Poultry Farm, Mannuthy in order to evaluate the production performance of Austra -white and Rhode -white hens on litter floor. The Australorp and Rhode Island Red formed the male lines and the 'F' strain of White Leghom formed the female line for the production of A W and RW progenies. One hundred and twenty (120) pullets each of Austra -white (A W) and Rhode -white (RW) at the age of 18 weeks were housed in identical pens in eight replicates each at the rate of 15 birds per replicate at random. Layer mash with BIS specifications was fed throughout the experimental period. Standard routine managemental practices were followed in the study. The production performance on deep litter for six periods of 28 days each were recorded during the period from December' 97 to June' 98. The objective of the study was to evaluate and compare the production performance of Austra-white and Rhode - white hens from 21 to 44 weeks of age under deep litter system of rearing. Body weight at 20 and 44 weeks of age in Austra-white and Rhode-white were recorded individually and the respective mean values were found to be 1181.50 and 1178.75 g at 20 weeks and 1477.45 and 1539.79 g at 44 weeks of age. The average age at first egg was 161.63 days in Austra-white and 159.75 days in Rhode-white hens. The mean ages at 10 and 50 per cent production were 166.25 and 179.13 days in Austra-white and 163 and 176.75 days in Rhode-white respectively. The mean egg production recorded was 82.98 with 49.39 per cent in Austra-white and 98.80 eggs with 58.81 per cent in Rhode-white on hen-housed basis and on hen-day basis 85.72 eggs with 51.02 per cent in Austra-white and 101.21 eggs with 60.24 per cent in Rhode-white. The highest production was obtained at 32 weeks in Austra-white and 31 weeks of age in Rhode-white birds on hen-housed and hen-day basis. The mean daily feed consumption was worked out to 113.22 g in AW and 113.66 gin RW. Feed efficiency on the basis of dozen eggs for Austra-white was 2.60 and 2.05 in Rhode-white hens. Egg weight at last three days in each period were individually recorded and the overall mean egg weight for 21 to 44 weeks of age was 48.02 g in Austra-white and 46.50 g in Rhode-white. The overall mean egg mass per day was 3.32 kg in A W and 3.56 kg in RW. The mean percentages of shell, albumen and yolk were 10.86,60.11 and 28.75 in Austra-white and 11.10, 59.39 and 29.47 in Rhode-white eggs respectively. The mean shell thickness were 0.42 mm in AW and 0.41 mm in RW eggs. The livability per cent from 21 to 44 weeks of age was 89.17 in Austra- white and 95.83 per cent in Rhode-white. The feed cost per egg was 15291 paise in AW and 130.95 paise in RW. Based on the above findings, it is evident that the body weight at 44 weeks of age, overall HHN, HDN and its percentages, per cent livability and per cent yolk in eggs were Significantly higher (P < 0.05) in Rhode -white birds. Whereas the overall mean egg weight and per cent albumen were significantly higher in Austra - white eggs. The differences in body weight at 20 weeks, age at sexual maturity, overall feed consumption, per cent shell, shell thickness and egg mass per day were non- significant between Austra - white and Rhode - white. Therefore it was concluded that Austra-white birds have an edge over Rhode-white birds in the overall mean egg weight and per cent albumen. Rhode-white birds are superior to Austra-White birds in body weight at 44 weeks, egg production, feed efficiency, livability and per cent yolk in eggs under deep litter system of rearing. Further studies using A W and RW birds are warranted under backyard conditions for exploiting the above traits advantageously.
Open Access
Effect of Sodium Sulphate supplementation in layer diet
(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1998) Vidhyadharan, P; KAU; Amritha, Viswanath
An investigation was carried out to evaluate the effect of supplementation of sodium sulphate in White Leghorn layer diets devoid of animal protein sources. White Leghorn 'Ft strain pullets of 20 weeks of age were wing banded and randomly distributed to five different dietary treatment groups, each with eight replicates of four birds each. The dietary treatment consisted of control ration (T1) prepared using unsalted dried fish as animal protein source, all vegetable protein diet with the addition of 300 g DL-methionine (T2), all vegetable protein diet with the addition of anhydrous sodium sulphate at the levels of 200 g (T3), 300 g (T4) and 400 g (Ts) in every 100 kg of diet. All the rations were formulated as per BIS (1992) specification of nutrients for layer chicken. Soyabean cake, groundnut cake and gingelly oil cake were used as protein sources in vegetable protein diet. Body weight at 20 and 48 weeks of age, age at sexual maturity, egg production, feed intake, feed efficiency, egg weight, livability and cost-benefit analysis were the major criteria considered for the evaluation. The data were recorded for seven, 28 day periods. There was significant difference in body weight at 48 weeks of age (Player ration (T1) and birds fed with 0.4 per cent sodium sulphate were significantly (P<0.05) higher than those birds fed with 0.3 per cent sodium supplemented diet. But body weight of birds fed with standard layer ration (T1) was comparable with body weight of birds fed with vegetable protein diet having 0.4 per cent sodium sulphate (Ts). Similar trend was followed in egg weight also, with significantly higher egg weight in treatment group fed with 0.4 per cent sodium sulphate (Ts). Egg weight of birds fed with standard layer ration (T1) was comparable with T, (Pand hen-housed egg production and feed efficiency were not affected by the supplementation of Sodium Sulphate. Feed intake showed significant (Ptreatments. The group fed with 0.3 per cent methionine (T2) had significantly lower feed intake in comparison with 0.2 per cent (T3) and 0.3 per cent sodium sulphate (T4) supplemented group. Feed intake of birds fed with control diet (T1) was statistically comparable with all treatment groups except those birds fed with vegetable protein diet with 0.4 per cent sodium sulphate (Ts). Mortality pattern showed no difference among the five dietary treatments tested. All vegetable protein ration prepared with the addition of either methionine or sodium sulphate had higher price when compared with standard layer ration. Based on this study it was surmised that sodium sulphate supplementation did not have any deleterious effect on production performance of White Leghorn layers. So methionine or sodium sulphate can be effectively utilized in formulation of all vegetable layer ration when scarcity of fish occurs.
Open Access
Assessment of the quality of tenderized chicken meat pickle
(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1998) Murugan, M; KAU; Narayanankutty, K
A study was carried out to examine the feasibility of preparing chicken pickle using untenderized and tenderized (papain treated) boned spent hen meat, and to evaluate its shelf-life. The ready-to-cook yield and total loss averaged 70. 5±0. 34 per cent and 29. 5±0. 07 per cent respectively for broiler breeder spent hens (72 weeks of age) used for the study. The cooking yields of control (untenderized) and treatment (tenderized) groups were 76.70 and 71.70 per cent respectively. The chicken meat pickle prepared were kept at ambient temperature upto 60 days. Analysis for qualitative assessment on the representative samples was conducted qualitatively and evaluated organoleptically by a taste panel at zero, eight, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, 56 and 64 days of storage. It was observed that during different periods of storage, the proximate components viz., moisture, protein, fat and total ash of the product significantly altered. As the storage period increased the 2-thiobarbituric acid number (TBA) was also increased significantly (P<0.0l). The total bacterial count increased significantly (P<0.0l) with the increase in the duration of storage. In case of organoleptic evaluation scores no significant difference was found between control and treatment groups. However, tenderized meat group had numerically higher tenderness values than untenderized meat group during all the periods of storage. Based on the cost structure it was observed that the cost of production of one kilogram of chicken meat pickle using untenderized and tenderized spent hen meat were Rs.60.27 and 60.45 respectively. From the above findings it was concluded that, a highly acceptable, nutritious, ready-to-cook chicken meat pickle could be prepared using untenderized and tenderized spent hen meat. The product could be stored upto 64 days at ambient temperature without any quality deterioration.
Open Access
Influence of phytase on phosphorus utilization in broilers
(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1998) Kanagaraju, P; KAU; Jalaludheen, A
An investigation was carried out utilizing 216 commercial day-old broiler chicks to evaluate the influence of supplementation of phytase enzyme on phosphorus utilization and subsequent performance. The birds were divided into six dietary treatment groups viz., standard broiler ration (T1) I broiler ration with 0.3 per cent available phosphorus (AP) (T2) I broiler ration with 0.4 per cent AP (T3) I standard broiler ration with 750 units of phytase per kg of feed (T4) I broiler ration with 0.3 per cent AP supplemented with 750 units of phytase per kg of feed (T5) and broiler ration ,with 0.4 per cent AP supplemented with 750 units of phytase per kg of feed (T6). Standard broiler ration was formulated as per BIS (1992) ) specifications. Initially, the ration with 0.3 per cent AP was formulated. By the addition of appropriate levels of dicalcium phosphate to this ration, diets with 0.4 and 0.5 per cent AP were formulated. The groups fed standard broiler starter and finisher rations with and without phytase and those fed rations containing an AP of 0.4 per cent supplemented with phytase had significantly (P<0. 01) higher body weights and body weight gain than other treatments. All enzyme supplemented treatments consumed significantly (P<0.0l) more feed (g/bird/day) than their respective unsupplemented groups except in the group offered 0.4 per cent AP. Significantly (P<0.01) superior feed efficiency was recorded in groups fed a diet having 0.4 per cent AP supplemented with 750 units of phytase per kg of feed. Phytase supplementation had a positive effect on tibial ash. Serum calcium and inorganic phosphorus (mg per cent) were significantly (P<0.0l) higher in enzYme supplemented groups than their respective counterparts at sixth week of age but were not influenced at eighth week of age. Bioavailability of calcium and phosphorus was significantly (P<0. 01) more in enzyme supplemented groups than their corresponding unsupplemented groups. Phosphorus excretion in the droppings I' (g/kg DM intake) was significantly (P<0. 01) reduced in enzyme supplemented groups. The per cent dressed yield and ready-to-cook yield were significantly (P<0. 01) higher in groups fed a diet having 0.4 per cent AP supplemented with phytase than other groups. The per cent giblet yield was significantly (P<0. 01) more in group fed a standard diet supplemented with phytase than other groups. The per cent livability was better with enzyme supplemented groups. The cost of production per kg live weight (when feed cost alone was considered) was cheaper in groups fed with 0.4 per cent AP supplemented with phytase. The net profit per kg live weight was 13 paise higher in groups maintained on 0.4 per cent AP supplemented with phytase compared to standard broiler ration. Based on the above findings it can be concluded that by the addition of 750 units of phytase per kg of diet I the available phosphorus level in broiler rations can be reduced by 0,1 per cent without affecting the overall performance.

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

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