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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Studies on mastitis in goats
(Department of Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1978) Venugopal, K; KAU; Paily, E P
In the present investigation, milk samples from 56 clinical and 379 apparently normal goats were examined. Staphaurous was isolated from 52 percent of clinical cases. The other organisms isolated were, starph. Epidermidis, str, agalactiae, C.pyogenes, K.pneumoniae, Esch. Coli, Ent.aerogenes and P.aeruginosa. The samples examined from apparently normal goats revealed an incidence of 47 percent subclinical mastitis. Mastaid Test conducted on milk samples from apparently normal goats revealed that this test was 96.5 percent efficient in detecting subclinical mastitis. From the somatic cell counts performed on milk samples, it was observed that normal milk (CMT Zero) had a mean cell count of 0.9 lakhs per ml. The cell counts of 5 to 10 lakhs (CMT + ) represented subclinical mastitis. When a comparative study was conducted study was conducted with mastrid test, whiteside test and tcepol mastitic test it was observed that mastaid reagent could only be relied upon in detecting subclinical mastitis. Chloramphenicol was found to be the drug of choice in goat mastitis, as evidenced by the in vitro sensitivity tests. Erythromycin, Ampicillin, Terramycin and Pencillin were moderately efficient. Results of the treatment with sensitive drugs on 40 selected clinical cases have been discussed.
Open Access
Effect of ascaridia galli infection on newcastle disease (Ranikhet Disease) vaccination
(Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1981) Vikraman, V; KAU; Paily, E P
Under controlled conditions, the effect of Ascaridiasis on Newcastle disease vaccination was investigated. Haematological studies revealed reduction in erythrocytes, haemoglobin, serum protein, heterophils and basophils and an increase in leukocytes and eosinophils in A. galli infected birds. Post – vaccinal reactions, mostly of a paralytic nature, were observed in 25 – 30 per cent of the infected birds. The immune response of birds to Newcastle disease as revealed by the HI titres, is reduced by A. galli infection, the magnitude of reduction being related to the severity of worm burden. Although, all the birds resisted challenge, A. galli infected birds developed a mild form of disease. The need for routine deworming of birds before vaccination is stressed.
Open Access
Incidence of leukaemia and leukaemoid reactions in cattle in Kerala
(Department of Therapeutics, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1980) Vijayan, R; KAU; Krishnan, Nair M
The present study was taken up to investigate the incidence of leukaemia and leukaemoid reactions in cattle in Kerala, utilizing 550 animals from selected private and Government farms and Veterinary institutions of the state. For the haematological diagnosis Benedixen’s key was followed. The haematological values of all the animals examined fell within the category of normal animals and it could be said that bovine leukaemia was not encountered in the bovine population screened in the present investigation. None of the samples showed any evidence of leukaemoid reactions. A few animals with enlarged lymphnodes showed lymphocyte per cent above 80 but their absolute lymphocyte values were within the normal range. The lymphocytes in the blood smears did not show any cytological abnormalities to indicate noeplastic property.
Open Access
Study on the incidence of brucellosis in buffaloes in Trichur
(Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1978) Baby, K; KAU; Paily, E P
The result of an investigation, carried out on 1026 buffaloes in and around Trichur, to assess the incidence of brucellosis in buffaloes was recorded. Standard serum tube agglutination test was carried out on the blood samples collected from 590 animals in and around Trichur, 146 animals maintained in the three organised farms in the State and 290 animals slaughtered at the abattoir, Kuriachira, Trichur. Milk ring test was conducted on 115 individual samples of milk. The overall incidence of brucellosis in the buffalo population tested was 2.24 per cent. All the animals maintained in the organised farms gave a negative result to brucellosis. The possible methods of control and eradication of brucellosis in Kerala State were discussed.
Open Access
Studies on non-specific anorexa in cattle
(Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1989) Baby, P G; KAU; Alikutty, K M
Non – specific anorexia as a peculiar clinical syndrome in cattle was observed for the last one and a half decades in Kerala. Sample survey on the incidence of this syndrome was conducted through the selected veterinary hospitals in the field and of the Kerala Agricultural University. During the period of 1978 – 1982, anorexia syndrome in cattle constituted 10.95 per cent of the total and 32.30 per cent of their digestive disorders. The incidence of the syndrome was also noted high during the months of November to April every year. Ten apparently healthy cattle maintained under identical conditions of feeding and management at the University Livestock Farm, Mannuthy were selected at random and used as the control animals (Group I) for this study. Twenty selected clinical cases of non – specific anorexia presented at the University Hospital, Mannuthy were divided into groups of ten each (Group II and GroupIII) and utilized for these investigations. Course of the disease was followed and samples of rumen liquor and blood were collected and analysed on the first, third and fifth days of their admission in the clinic. Inappetance, mucopurulent nasal discharge, dryness of the muzzle, followed by peeling of its epithelium, constipation or diarrhea, weakness, emaciation and also marked reduction in milk yield in the lactating animals were the clinical manifestations noted in the affected animals. Their rectal temperature was normal, pulse weak and rapid, respiration normal but sometimes labored and visible mucous membranes were pale or became icteric in the later stages of the disease. Rate of rumen motility was reduced and feeble in strength with rumination remaining suspended. Animals of group II were given conventional therapy comprising oral administration of alksline stomachics. Animals of group III were given 25 per cent dextrose solution and vitamin B – complex with liver extract parenterally and stomachics orally on the first, third and fifth days of their admission in the clinic. Rumen liquor of animals of groups II and III was light yellow, olive green or greenish in colour, aromatic / offensive in odour and thick/thin in consistency on the first day of observation. Protozoal motility was poor (+) to vigorous (+++) and sedimentation activity time was prolonged significantly on the first day. The mean pH of the rumen Liquor of these animals was not significantly different from that of the healthy group. Increase in the ammonia nitrogen level and decrease in total volatile fatty acids concentration in the rumen liquor observed on the first day were significant. Blood glucose, total bilirubin, total protein, albumin and albumin/globulin ratio in the serum were changed significantly in animals with non – specific anorexia. Significant changes observed in the above parameters in group II animals were further enhanced on third and fifth days of observation. In group III animals, a decrease in the ammonia nitrogen level and increase in the total volatile fatty acids concentration in the rumen liquor observed on the third and fifth day of admission in the clinic was statistically significant. Blood glucose, albumin – globulin ratio in the serum were also increased significantly in group III animals on fifth day. Following modified line of therapy the animals of group III became normal within three to five days. Clinical improvement was indicated by increased appetite, revival of rumen motility and rumination and also increased milk yield in the lactating animals. Decrease in the ammonia nitrogen level and increase in the total volatile fatty acids concentration in the rumen liquor of group III animals were significant on fifth day of therapy. Increase in blood glucose, albumin, albumin ratio in the serum were also found to be statistically significant on the fifth day. The changes in the blood glucose, total bilirubin, total protein, albumin and albumin – globulin ratio in the serum indicated hepatic insufficiency possibly responsible for the anorexia developed in the diseased animals. The modified line of therapy was found to be superior to conventional therapy for the clinical management of non – specific anorexia in cattle.
Open Access
Evaluation of liver function in ruminal acidosis in goats
(Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1988) Usha Narayana Pillai; KAU; Alikutty, K M
The results and conclusions drawn from a study on ruminal acidosis carried out to determine the incidence of disease in the field and clinical signs, changes in rumen liquor, blood and urine during the course of induced disease are presented, Based on the results effect of ruminal acidosis on the functional status of the liver was assessed to strengthen the diagnostic – therapeutic approaches hither – to adopted. The available data on the incidence of disease collected from field Veterinary hospitals were utilized for analysis of digestive disorders in goats. Twenty apparently healthy cross – bred goats of either sex weighing 15.0 to 25.0 kg and of 1 – 3 years in age maintained under identical conditions of feeding and management at the University Livestock Farm (AICRP on Goats for Milk Production), Mannuthy were selected at random and utilized for the present study. They were divided into two groups of eight (Group – 1) and twelve (Group – 11) and fistulated by suitable surgical techniques. Animals of Group – 1 were used as healthy control for this study. Ruminal acidosis was induced in Group – 11 animals by intraruminal administration of crushed raw rice at @ 80 g/kg body weight. Course of the disease was followed and clinical observations were made daily. Rumen liquor, blood and urine samples were collected at 0, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours of the experiment and analysed. Similarly samples were collected at 24 hourly intervals from animals of group – 1 and analysed to obtain the normal values. Digestive disorders constituted 57.69 per cent of all diseases in goats. The incidence of primary digestive disorders was 29.37 per cent with acid indigestion forming 18.07 per cent. Seasonal variations in the incidence of ruminal acidosis were significant , the highest incidence was recorded during summer followed by rainy and winter seasons. General depression, dullness, mild tympany, absence of reticulo – ruminal contractions, firm and doughy rumen on palpation, foul smelling diarrhoea, purulent nasal discharge, increased rates of pulse and respiration and signs of dehydration were the important clinical signs noticed in the study. Rumen liquor samples collected from Group – 11 animals at 24 hours after induction of the disease were creamy, faintly sour to distinctly sour odour and watery in consistency. These physical characters of rumen liquor persisted during the rest of the period of observations. Complete absence of protozoal motility and SAT could be observed by 24 hours after induction of the disease. Significant decrease in the pH and NH3 – N with associated increase in lactic acid level were observed in all the samples of rumen liquor while decrease in the TVFA level was significant from the 48th hour of experiment. Significant increase in the blood glucose, lactic acid, GOT, LDH, GDH and T ½ of BSP with associated decrease in A:G ratio, cholesterol and fractional clearance of BSP from plasma were observed in animals in which ruminal acidosis was induced. However, total protein, albumin, GPT and NH3 – N levels in blood did not show any significant variations. Changes in the A:G ratio, GOT, LDH, GDH levels in the blood and fractional clearance of dye from the plasma indicated hepatic insufficiency. Urine samples did not reveal presence of any pathological constituents but a linear relationship was maintained between the pH of urine and rumen liquor. Postmortem findings included peeling of rumen mucosae, congestion all along the gastro – intestinal tract, cardiac dilatation, petechial haemorrhage on myocardium, degeneration and necrosis of liver, distension of gallbladder with greenish – yellow tinged fluid and degeneration of kidney.
Open Access
Clinico-therapeutic studies on mycotic dermatitis of dogs
(Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1998) Vinu David, P; KAU; Baby, P G
Incidence of mycotic dermatitis among the total canine cases presented at the University Veterinary ,Hospitals, Kokkalai and Mannuthy for a period from September 1996 to August 1998 was found to be 5.13 per cent. Among the total dermatological disorders 28.72 per cent had mycotic dermatitis. Age, breed and sex wise incidence were collected. This showed an increased incidence in adult dogs, mostly in German Shepherds and that too in females. Detailed clinical examination revealed scaliness, alopecia, pruritus and erythema in all cases. Lesions were r:' mainly localized, extremely variable in configuration and majority were distributed on head and limbs. Skin scrapings collected and examined under microscope showed the presence of ectothrix arrangement of fungal spores. Mean total and differential count of leukocytes were found to be within the normal range for all cases. A total of four dermatophytes and 17 non-dermatophytes were isolated by fungal culture. Dermatophytes isolated were three Microsporum gypseum and one Trichophyton mentagrophytes spp. Non-dermatophytes isolated were eight Penicillium, six Aspergillus and three Rhizopus spp. In vitro antifungal susceptibility tests on the fungal isolates obtained showed a high sensitivity to cinnamon oil at a dilution of 1 in 10, followed by ketoconazole at 20 ~g and Sphaeranthus indicus extract at 50 mg concentrations. Response to treatment trials conducted on dogs with mycotic dermatitis using ketoconazole o i.nt.ment; showed therapeutic response in five out of seven cases. No response was noticed in dogs even after the course of tr~atment with S. indicus extract. Complete recovery was noticed in all animals treated with cinnamon oil.
Open Access
Ecg and biochemical changes in induced rumen acidosis in goats
(Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1998) Shihabudheen, P K; KAU; Usha Narayana Pillai
An experiment was carried out with twelve adult goats of either sex to study the clinical manifestations of ruminal acidosis, changes in the rumen liquor, haematology, serum biochemistry, changes in the urine, electrocardiogram variations and postmortem lesions. The goats were maintained under identical management and feeding cond'itions at University Goat Farm, Mannuthy and were selected at random. One group of six animals served as healthy controls and the other group was subjected to rumen fistulation by standard surgical procedures. Acidosis was induced by intraruminal administration of crushed rice at the rate of 80 g/kg. Clinical signs were recorded, samples of rumen liquor, blood and urine were collected and electrocardiogram was recorded at 0, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h of experiment. Clinical signs noticed were anorexia, increased pulse and respiratory rate, depression, cessation of ruminal contractions, oliguria, diarrhoea, sunken eyes, thick nasal discharge and grinding of teeth. Rumen liquor was creamy coloured, watery with sour odour and the pH was 4.16 ± 0.05 and without any protozoa. There was no sedimentation activity and MBRT was prolonged. initially increased and then reduced. TVFA There was nonsignificant increase in haemoglobin, haemotocrit and cell:fluid ratio with significant increase in ESR, leukocytosis with significant neutrophilia and lymphopenia were also present. A significant increase in the serum glucose, phosphorus, magnesiu~, sodium, potassium lactate, pyruvate and lactate:pyruvate ratio were observed after induction. Significant r educ t i.on in calcium level also noted. Urine pH reduced and there was protein, RBC cast, leukocytes, renal epithelial cells and tripple phosphate crystals in the urine. ECG showed increase in heart rate, reduction in 'P' amplitude, P duration, QT interval and PR interval. 'T' amplitude increased nonsignificantly with a significant increase in 'T' duration. Sinus tachycardia, ST elevation and ST depression were also observed. Post mortem lesions included sloughing of rumen mucosa, abomasal ulcers, severe enteritis, focal necrosis of liver, cholestasis, congestion of lungs and kidney, dilatation of heart and oedema of brain.
Open Access
Seromonitoring and Diagnosis of Canine Distemper
(Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1998) Kanagaraj, C; KAU; Saseendranath, M R
The prevalence of canine distemper in three hundred and three dogs from different parts of Thrissur including 113 canine distemper suspected dogs and 190 healthy and vaccinated dogs was studied. Among 113 canine distemper suspected dogs, 11.5 per cent and 7.96 per cent had the CD viral antigen in lacrimal and nasal discharge, respectively by AGID. Counter immuno electrophoresis detected CD viral antigen in 16.81 per cent and 7.96 per cent dogs using lacrimal and nasal discharge, respectively. Canine distemper inclusions were detected in corneal impression smears of 3.53 per cent dogs by Giemsa staining and CD viral antigens were detected in 62.83 per cent cases of suspected dogs by indirect immunoperoxidase test. AGID and CIEP detected canine distemper viral antibody in 7.96 per cent cases of CD suspected dogs. Healthy and vaccinated dogs showed negative reaction. Out of 303 dogs tested by indirect ELISA 66~66 per cent dogs had the protective level of antibody against CDV. Among 104 seropositive dogs of CD suspected, the antibody titres of -.: 1:100, 1:200, 1:400, 1:800 and 1:1600 were present in 22 (21.15 per cent), 18 (17.3 per cent), 11 (10.57 per cent), 17 (16.34 per cent) and 36 (34.61 per cent) cases, respectively. In the 15 seropositive dogs which were vaccinated against CD, the antibody titres of 1:100, 1:200 and 1:400 were present in 3 (20 per cent), 5 (33.33 per cent) and 7 (46.66 per cent) cases, respectively. The healthy dogs screened for the presence of CD viral antibody, 83 (48 per cent) cases were positive to CD and the antibody titres of 1:100, 1:200 and 1:400 were present in 36 (43.37 per cent), 33 (39.76 per cent) and 14 (16.86 per cent) cases, respectively. More seropositive dogs were recorded in the dogs below 3 years of age and in male dogs. Among the breeds, Alsatian were more affected. Seasonal prevalence in the present study was higher during May, June and July followed by January and February.

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

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