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
Studies on Capon Production
(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary Science, Mannuthy, 1986) Jyotirmoy, Chakraborty; KAU; Sabarinathan Nair, R
The thesis incorporates the results of a feasibility study on economic utilization of Austra-White and White Leghorn surplus cockerels for capon production in the existing Indian conditions. Production performances of surgically caponized Austra-White and White Leghorn males were compared with their respective intacts at three stages, namely, 20th 24th and 28th week of age. A total number of 192 cockerels were involved in the study. Each treatment group comprised 12 birds and replicated four times. Caponization was carried out at 8 weeks of age. The production straits evaluated were body weight gain, feed efficiency, processing losses and yield, percentage ‘slips’, taste panel evaluation, proximate composition of meat and economics of production. Recordings of thermal data, weekly body weight and weekly feed consumption were made. At the 20th 24th and 28th weeks 16 birds randomly selected from each group were subjected to slaughter studies. The results indicated significantly (p<0.05) higher body weight gain for the capons over intact controls at 20 weeks. Austra-White capons were significantly (p<0.05) higher gain at the 24th week but White Leghorn capons did not differ significantly from their intacts at this stage. Capons and intacts did not differ significantly at 28 weeks of age. Feed efficiency was significantly (p<0.05) better for capons during all the periods under tests. The capon registered significantly (p<0.05) higher dressing loss than intacts whereas intacts registered significantly (p<0.05) higher loss due to head and shanks. Ready to cook yield did not differ significantly between treatments. Capons registered increased percentages of moisture, protein and other extract. Five per cent of capons were registered as ‘slips’. Austra-White capon meat top scored in tenderness, juiciness, and personal preference. Economic evaluation registered profitable returns for capons at 20th week, based on culled/spent hen meat value at university farm rates. Significantly higher returns were indicated when economic evaluations were made on market rates. From the results of the study it was concluded that Austra-White surplus cockerels can be effectively utilized for capon production and White Leghorn cockerels form small sized capons. Capons production can be an economic practical feasibility in Indian conditions and also capon meat is preferred over roaster meat. Surgical caponization can be effectively employed as a routine managemental procedure for economic utilization of surplus cockerels. It was also indicated that the optimum economic stage for marketing capons is 20 weeks of age.
Open Access
Status of broiler production In Kerala with special reference to Trichur
(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary, Mannuthy, 1988) Aboobacker, M; KAU; Regunathan Nair, G
A survey was undertaken to assess the present status of broiler farming in Thrissur, a major broiler producing district in Kerala. Thirtytwo farms were selected for the survey based on holding strength and frequency of intake. Following are some of the salient points that emerged from the survey. All the farmers were literate and had taken up broiler farming for generating additional income to sustain the family. Majority of the farmers were raising 300 birds per crop with fortnightly intake and were adopting scientific management practices. Organized marketing channel was absent and the birds were disposed off at the farm site itself in retail or wholesale. Dressing of birds in large scale was not being practiced. Results indicated that the mortality rate, body weight at marketing and feed conversion ratio were 6.69 per cent, 1.48 kg and 2.49 respectively. The major portion of production cost was attributed to feed (56.26%) followed by chick (28.56%) and labour (4.31%). Seasons of the year had no appreciable effect on broiler productivity except slight higher mortality due to heat stress during hot seasons. Study also revealed that increasing the stock intake reduces the cost of production with increase in net return. The productivity both in terms of market body weight and livability were adversely affected in farms where hired labour was used resulting in much lower net income. Low profit farms (less than Rs.2.00 per bird sold) showed higher mortality (13.56%) and low body weight at disposal. The survey revealed that better productivity could be achieved by improving efficiency of production particularly reduction in feed cost, increasing livability and adoption of a tangible marketing system so as to obtain remunerative price even during lean seasons.
Open Access
Keeping Quality of Shell Eggs During Summer
(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary Science,Mannuthy, 1981) Radhakrishnan Nair, R; KAU; Venugopalan, C K
A study was conducted to asses the keeping quality of shell eggs during summer months of March, April and May. Quality deterioration on 3rd, 5th, 7th, 10th and 15th days of storage of eggs held at room temperature was measured. Simulteniuosly lime treated eggs at room temperature and eggs held in cooler at 10 to 130 C were also evaluated similarly. A total of 432 tables eggs were used for the study, 144 eggs under each treatment. The traits measured for quality assessment were weight loss, albumen index, yolk index, haugh unit score, per cent thick albumen and albumen pH. Following observations were made from the study: 1. The average temperature and humidity during the three months of study did not vary greatly and were 310 C and 61.3 per cent relative humidity respectively. 2. Irrespective of the mode of storage deterioration in quality with respect to all the traits increased with the increase in the period of storage. 3. Based on Haugh unit score it was observed that eggs stored at room temperature without any treatment maintained reasonable quality only upto 10 days while those stored under both the treatments were reasonably good even on the 15th day of storage. 4. At all stages of storage upto 15 days eggs held at room temperature without any treatment were decidedly inferior to those stored in cooler or after lime treatment with regard to all quality factors. 5. Both lime treatment and holding in cooler were found equally effective in maintaining egg quality upto 15 days of storage. The following conclusions are drawn based on the results of the study. I. It is not advisable to keep shell eggs at room temperature in summer for more than ten days before consumption. II. Eggs can be stored safely for 15 days without loosing market quality greatly if preserved after lime treatment or in cooler at 10 to 130 C. III. Even though both the methods of preservation employed in the study was found to be more or less equally effective, lime sealing appeared a simple economic and suitable technique of preservation for small scale producers.
Open Access
Survey on the status of duck farming in Kerala state
(Department of Poultry Science,College of Veterinary Science, Mannuthy, 1983) Ravindran, T K; KAU; Venugopalan, C K
The results of a survey to assess the status of duck farming in Kerala is reported in this thesis. The economic background of duck farmers in the state was not generally found enough to support their families. Educationally, majority of them had only primary education. Unlike chicken, flocks of ducks consisting of 350-400 are taken from place to place in search of post-harvested paddy fields for browsing . Three members are necessary to mange one flock. Duck rearing is mainly concentrated in Kuttanad area of Alleppy and Kottayam district were the conditions are congenial for brooding and rearing of ducklings. Specialization in the production of day-old duckling is a feature of Kuttanad duck industry. Large number of broody hens are the only natural incubators for the duck eggs and the percentage of hatchability obtained by farmers is 80-85. Artificial incubation and day-old sexing are not at all practiced. Cooked rice mixed with fresh coconut gratings formed the opening meal for the ducklings. Mortality during the rearing period is only five per cent. Ducklings are allowed to swim from seventh day onwards and they are taken to the open paddy fields for foraging after one month. The average egg production reported by the farmers for the desi ducks is 130-140 eggs per duck per year and flock of ducks is used for laying upto the age of three years. Mortality among adult ducks is very rare. The marketing of duck eggs is now fully under the control of private commission agents, who act as financiers to the duck farmers as well.
Open Access
Genetic effects influencing egger traits from diallel mating system
(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1983) Rashbehari, Singh K; KAU; Unni, A K K (Guide)
A 3 x 3 diallel cross was made using IWP, IWN and F strains of White Leghorn at the All India Co-ordinated Research Project on Poultry for Eggs, Thrissur centre. Age at first egg in days, body weight at 20 and 40 weeks of age in grammes, egg number up to 280 days of age and egg weight (g) at 38 weeks of age were recorded for all the nine genetic groups. Strain F was found to be superior in performance among the purebreads in terms of the traits considered in the study. The over all merit of F strain, as sire line, was found to be good, yielding birds in cross combinations with low age at maturity, moderate body weight and egg weight satisfactory egg yield. IWP strain appeared to perform well as a dam line and crosses produced using IWP strain as a dam line were heavy in body weight and egg weight matured early and also produced quality good number of eggs. F strain when used as a female line might be more economical as they produced lighter hybrids capable of producing good number of eggs and maturing early. However, the impact on egg weight had to be critically assessed. Beneficial heterosis of significance was not generated up on crossing. However a positive heterosis was obtained when F and IWP strains were crossed but it did not reach a level of significance. IWN x IWP was also found to be a cross with good potential and as such both F x IWP and IWN x IWP crosses may exposed for extensive field testing while efforts to improve the production potential in these strains may be continued by appropriate intra-population selection method.
Open Access
Evaluation of purebred and crossbred chicken under backyard condition
(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary Science, Mannuthy, 1981) Radhakrishnan, P M; KAU; Ramakrishnan, A
Data were collected from 45 farmers’ homesteads at Kanjikode, Palghat District using WLH, ALP, RIR and their possible two breed reciprocal crosses. Nine genetics group each having five replications of five birds each formed the experimental material. The birds were offered 50 per cent of daily mash requirement through balanced feed and the rest being through house hold waste. The livability among all genetic group was excellent. ALP x WLH cross was superior in age at sexual maturity and per cent egg production. WLH and RIR ranked next and RIR the last. The birds were able to maintain the production and body weight with 50 per cent of the ration, in backyard system. All the genetic groups except RIR showed profit. ALP x WLH appears as a promising bird for backyard system.
Open Access
Replacement value of liver meal in layer ration
(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary Science, Mannuthy, 1981) Gangadharam, P; KAU; Ramakrishnan, A
An experiment to evaluate the nutritional and economic impact of replacing unsalted dried fish with liver meal in layer ration was conducted using single comb White Leghorn pullet. Five diets with 0,25,50,75 and 100 per cent replacement of usalted dried fish with liver meal were tried over four 28-day periods. The per cent hen-housed egg production recorded for the five dietary treatments were 51.25, 48.25, 49.41, 48.51 and 43.93 respectively for diets in which 0, 25,50,75 and 100 per cent unsalted dried fish was replaced by liver meal. The per cent egg production both in terms of hen-housed and hen-day as well as feed efficiency, livability and egg quality traits such as egg weight, Haugh unit score and egg shell thickness were not statistically different among dietary treatments. However, the cost of rations showed an increasing trend depending upon the level of substitution with liver meal, least being for the ration in which unsalted dried fish was not substituted (Rs.1.65/Kg) and highest being in the ration were 100 per cent unsalted dried fish was replaced with liver meal (Rs. 1.96/Kg.). It was concluded that liver meal can be used to replace the entire quantity of unsalted dried fish in layer ration without any detrimental effects on major egg production parameters. However, the higher cost of liver meal puts limitation on its use in poultry rations.
Open Access
Effect of bird density on broiler performance
(Department of Poultry Science,College of Veterinary Science, Mannuthy, 1985) Linu, T; KAU; Sabarinathan Nair, R
Two experiments were conducted during summer (April-May) and monsoon (June-July) seasons, to study the effects of bird density on broiler performance. Three density levels of 1114,928 and 743 sq cm/bird were tried. The experiments were identical in all respects except for season. The climatic variables during the first experiment was not favourable when compared to the second experiment. Data on weight gain revealed no significant difference between the three treatments. However, broilers reared with a floor space allowance of 1114 sq cm/bird had higher final body weight. The feed consumption, ready to cook yields and per cent mortality did not exhibit statistically significant differences between the density treatments. The per cent litter moisture did differ significantly (p<0.05) between the three density treatments. The high density group had the highest followed by medium and then low density treatment. The climatic variables during the second experiment reflected of more comfortable conditions for the birds. Data on body weight gains between treatments exhibited statistically significant (p<0.05) differences. The low density group had the highest weight gains followed by medium density group. The high density group had the lowest weight gain. There was no significant difference in feed consumption between treatments. Per cent ready-to-cook yield did not differ significantly. Per cent litter moisture content exhibited statistically significant (p<0.05) difference between treatments. Data on weight gain and feed consumption between the two experiments revealed statistically significant difference. The monsoon reared birds gained higher body weight and consumed more feed in all treatments. Mortality percentages did not reveal any seasonal effect. Approximately there was an increase of 10% litter moisture in monsoon season for all the treatment groups. Per cent ready-to-cook yield revealed statistically significant difference between the two seasons.
Open Access
Comparative performance of khaki kampbell and desi ducks
(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary Science, Mannuthy, 1983) Eswaran, K R; KAU; Ramakrishnan, A
A trial was conducted to evaluate the comparative performance of Khaki Campbell ducks and desi (local) ducks. Khaki Campbell ducklings required for the experiment were bought from the Government Duck Farm, Niranam, at day-old and reared in to four groups on deep litter up to 18 weeks of age. Initial body weight and body weight at weekly intervals of all the ducklings were recorded. The average daily feed consumption from first to 18 weeks of age were also noted. After 18 weeks of age,96 numbers of good ducks were selected and divided at random and housed in eight different pens in semi-intensive system. Body weights and feed consumption were recorded at 28 day period intervals. Trap nests were provided for all individual birds. All the ducks were put in to the trap nest box in the evening of the day at about 4.30 pm and releasing them the next day morning after verifying for eggs inside the trap nest. The age at first egg of all individual ducks, the weight of first egg, age at 10 per cent production, age at 50 per cent production, total egg production upto 280 days of age, feed efficiency and livability per cent of the flock were calculated and recorded. The same procedure was repeated using desi ducklings hatched out at the University Duck Farm. The desi ducklings were reared as straight-run as they were not sexed at day-old into four groups of litter upto 18 weeks of age and at 18th week 96 females were selected and distributed at random in to five pens in semi-intensive system at the rate of 19 ducks in four pens and 20 ducks in the fifth one. All the ducks of the two genetic groups were managed under identical conditions. At the end of the trial the egg quality studies were also carried out using one hundred eggs from each group. The overall performance of both Khaki Campbell and desi ducks in respect of the different parameters studied is presented in table. The first egg among the flock of Khaki Campbell was obtained at 163 days of age and that of desi ducks laid at 134 days of age. The average age of the above two flock at first egg was 188 and 158 days. The age at 10 per cent and 50 per cent production recorded was 174 and 187 days in Khaki Campbell and 146 and 155 days respectively in desi ducks. The average egg production upto 280 days of age was 60.16 and 51.06 for two groups in the same order. The egg weight averaged 62.41g 71.4g for Khaki Campbell and desi ducks. The feed efficiency for the above two genetic groups in terms of the number of eggs produced was 5.21 and 10.40. Though the size of Khaki Campbell duck eggs was smaller than desi duck eggs, the other quality factors were almost similar. The study has thrown some light on the fact that the locally available germplasm can be improved by through continued research and better feeding and management practices. This will help to attain better production from desi stock in terms of egg number and better size of eggs.

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

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