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
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
Characterisation and evaluation of indegenous ducks of Kerala
(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1997) Mahanta, J D; KAU; Ramakrishnan, A
A basic study was conducted to characterise the two distinct indigenous types of ducks, namely Chara and Chemballi of Kerala and to evaluate their production potential. Five hundred sexed day-old female and 100 male ducklings each from Chara and Chemballi type were brought from M/s Susan Roy Hatchery of Chennithala. The ducklings were reared on deep litter system of management under identical conditions till 8 weeks of age. Thereafter they were switched over to semi- intensive system. The ducklings were wing banded and weighed individually at day-old, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 30, 40 and 52 weeks of age. After 18 weeks of age, 300.females and 30 males from each type were selected for further studies. The females from each type were divided into three groups of 100 birds each. At 18 weeks of age, ducklings were wing badged and provided with individual laying nests to facilitate recording of individual performance. Drakes of each type were maintained separately to study the external morphology and growth traits. At 20 weeks of age, individual body measurements and plumage colour patterns of different body parts of both Chara and Chemballi were recorded. The age at first egg (AFE) of all individual ducks, the weight of first egg, egg weight at 30, 40 and 50 weeks of age, shape index and shell colour of eggs, age at 5, 10 and 50 per cent egg production, total egg production upto 52 weeks of age, per cent duck-day and duck-housed egg production at eight 28-day laying periods and at weekly mean basis of the flocks were calculated and recorded. Morphologically, Chara and Chemballi drakes were squat in posture and gait and they differed in the colour of plumage of the head region. It was lustrous greenish black in Chara and dull greenish black in Chemballi. The Chara females were usually blackish brown in the back, tail and wing. The Chemballi females in general were brownish black and brownish grey in the back, tail and wings. The average body weights and growth pattern of Chara and Chemballi males were almost similar upto 52 weeks of age, whereas the Chara females tended to be heavier in body weights at all ages except 4 and 12 weeks. Significantly higher body weights at day-old and 20 weeks of age was recorded in Chara females over the Chemballi. The average age at first egg (AFE) in Chara and Chemballi was 148.59 and 147.50 days respectively. The ages at 5, 10 and 50 per cent egg production were 144, 153 and 187 days in Chara, while those in Chemballi were 141, 148 and 184 day respectively. The average egg number per duck upto 50 weeks of age was 116.09 in Chara and 124.95 in Chemballi. The corresponding mean per cent duck-day production in Chara and Chemballi was 44.49 and 48.68 respectively. The mean per cent duck-housed egg production to 50 weeks of age in Chara and Chemballi was 41.78 and 42.91 respectively. The mean weekly per cent egg production of Chara and Chemballi upto 52 weeks of age widely fluctuated from week to week. It was also found that during the production period upto 52 weeks of age there were two peaks in per cent egg production in both Chara and Chemballi type. The overall mean egg weight of Chara (69.69 g) was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that of Chemballi (68.08 g) . In the laying periods of Chara and Chemballi there were no discernible clutch size/pause. Broodiness as a trait was almost absent in both the types.
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
Influence of pullet body weight on production traits in white leghorns
(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Mannuthy, 1995) Sudheesh Kumar, A S; KAU; Leo Joseph
A study was carried out at All India Co-ordinated Research Project on poultry for eggs, Mannuthy, to evaluate the influence of pullet body weight on egg production performance in IWN and IWP strains of White Leghorn. The experimental birds consisted of six body weight classes starting from 1000 g with a class interval of 100 g. Body weight at 20 weeks of age was considered as pullet body weight. The observations recorded were body weight at 20 and 40 weeks of age, age at first egg, hen housed number and per cent, egg weight at 32 and 40 weeks of age, livability and egg quality traits. The mean pullet body weight was 1304.7+4 g in IWN strain and 1335.2+3.5 g in IWP strain. Age at sexual maturity lowered as pullet body weight increased. A higher egg number was observed in heavier body weight classes. The peak production was delayed in lower body weight classes. Though egg weight at 32 weeks of age did not vary significantly among classes, higher egg weight at 40 weeks was recorded in heavier classes. Birds which were heavier at 20 weeks of age were also heavier at 40 weeks of age. But the gain in weight was lesser for higher body weight classes. The classes were similar for livability and egg quality parameters. The results revealed that an optimum pullet body weights an important requirement for IWN and IWP strains. Birds with pullet body weight below 1200 g were poor in most of the production traits in both IWN and IWP strains and therefore may be culled. Optimum managemental conditions may be provided during growing period to enable the pullets to attain good pullet body weight.
Open Access
Effect of phytase supplementation on phosphorus utilization and performance in layer chicken
(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1999) Sukumar, D; KAU; Jalaludeen, A
The effect of three levels of phytase enzyme viz., 200, 300 and 400 units per kg in the low available phosphorus layer ration on phosphorus utilization and performance in egg type chicken was evaluated using one hundred and fifty White Leghorn strain cross pullets (ATHUL YA) of 21 weeks of age for a period of 20 weeks. The birds were divided into five dietary treatment groups viz., standard layer ration (T1), low available phosphorus layer ration (T2), low available phosphorus layer ration with 200, 300 and 400 units of phytase per kg feed (T3, T 4 and T5), respectively. Standard layer ration was formulated as per BIS specification for layer chicken. Initially, the ration with 0.3 per cent available phosphorus was formulated. By the addition of appropriate levels of dicalcium phosphate to this ration, diets with 0.5 per cent available phosphorus was formulated. A numerical improvement in per cent hen-day egg production was noticed among enzyme supplemented groups. However, the increase was not statistically significant. Daily feed intake per bird was significantly higher among birds fed with different levels of enzyme in low available phosphorus layer ration. Phytase supplementation did not have significant influence upon feed per dozen eggs. Body weight gain was not influenced by enzyme supplementation. Significantly higher egg weight was obtained for the groups fed low available phosphorus diets supplemented with varying levels of phytase. Phytase addition to low available phosphorus diets significantly improved egg specific gravity. Supplementation of phytase resulted in significant increase in egg shell weight. Mean shell thickness was significantly more among enzyme supplemented groups. Serum calcium levels of the enzyme supplemented groups registered significantly (p < 0.01) higher values whereas only numerical improvement could be noticed in serum inorganic phosphorus levels. Per cent tibial ash and phosphorus content were not influenced by phytase supplementation. Enzyme supplementation resulted In a numerical improvement In the bio-availability of calcium. Bio-availability of phosphorus was significantly more among enzyme supplemented groups as well as standard layer mash fed birds. Phosphorus excretion in the droppings (g/kg DM intake) was significantly (p < 0.01) reduced in the enzyme supplemented groups. The per cent survivability of laying hens was not affected by phytase inclusion. Cost of the feed per kg was lower in all the enzyme supplemented groups than the standard layer ration of this study. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that by the inclusion of 200 units per kg of phytase enzyme in layer diet, the available phosphorus level in the feed can be reduced to 0.3 per cent without affecting the over all performance. This also facilitates to reduce phosphorus excretion which is an eco-friendly factor in commercial layer operations.
Open Access
Effect of supplementation of dried bovine spleen in the diet of broiler chicken
(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1999) Shibu, K V; KAU; Anitha, P
An experiment was conducted to study the effects of dried bovine spleen at different level supplementation viz., 0.1, 0.15 and 0.2 per cent in standard starter and finisher rations on production performance and the economics of broiler chicken, using one hundred and ninety two commercial day-old broiler chicks for a period of eight weeks. The birds were divided into four dietary treatment groups viz., standard broiler ration (T 1), standard broiler ration with 0.1 per cent dried bovine spleen (T 2), standard broiler ration with 0.15 per cent dried bovine spleen (T}) and standard broiler ration with 0.2 per cent dried bovine spleen (T4)' Standard broiler ration was formulated as per BIS (1992) specification for broiler chicken feed. The observations monitored throughout the experimental period were body weight gain, feed intake, feed efficiency, protein efficiency and livability. At the end of the experiment the blood parameters, dressed yield, ready-to-cook yield and organ weights of gizzard, heart, liver and spleen were also determined. The results showed that 0.1 per cent dried bovine spleen supplemented groups attained a higher body weight and 0.15 and 0.2 per cent dried bovine spleen supplemented groups attained a lower body weight than control but not significantly so. The feed intake was significantly higher for the standard diet fed group from fifth week onwards. A positive response was observed in feed efficiency by bovine spleen supplementation which was statistically significant. Upto six weeks the feed efficiency was best for the group fed diet supplemented with 0.1 per cent dried 11 bovine spleen, for the eight weeks period 0.2 per cent supplemented group had best feed efficiency. A significant improvement was noticed in protein efficiency due to bovine spleen supplementation. The blood values viz., Hb, PCV and ESR did not show any significant difference among treatments. The dressed yield, ready-to- cook yield and percentage organ weights were also not influenced by dietary treatments, but a numerical increase was noticed in ready-to-cook yield. Cost of. production of broilers in the bovine spleen supplemented groups was lower than control group and the lowest cost was in the group supplemented with 0.1 per cent bovine spleen. Based on the above findings, it can be concluded that bovine spleen supplementation in low level of 0.1 per cent in standard diet is beneficial in broiler reanng.
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.

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

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