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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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  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    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.
  • ThesisItemOpen 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.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Screening of dogs for possible rabies virus excretion
    (Department of Veterinary Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2004) Raju, S; KAU; Saseendranath, M R
    Five hundred dogs, belonging to various categories viz., healthy (vaccinated and non vaccinated), sick (vaccinated and non vaccinated) and stray dogs, were screened for the possible excretion of rabies virus in an enzootic area in Trichur, Kerala, based on the observation that nonfatal rabies occurs among dog populations in enzootic or epizootic areas. The criterion selected for the screening of dogs was detection of rabies virus antigen in comeal impression or saliva using fluorescent antibody test. None of the 500 dogs was found positive for rabies viral excretion in saliva or comeal impression. The validity of the test was periodically tested with salivary swabs from rabid dogs that were brought with clinical signs suggestive of rabies. Of twelve dogs thus examined, four were positive in saliva and two were positive in comeal impression test. One dog was positive in both comeal impression and saliva. All the twelve dogs died and rabies was diagnosed by Fluorescent antibody test. Brain samples from sixty-six suspected dogs brought to the department of pathology were subjected to fluorescent antibody test and forty-nineanimals found positive for rabies. The results were confirmed positive using polymerase chain reaction. Thus in the present study no evidence of non fatal, abortive or chronic rabies could be detected among dogs in the study or control group.
  • ThesisItemOpen 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.
  • ThesisItemOpen 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.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Comparative feed efficiency of crossbred jersey and crossbred brown swiss cattle
    (Department of Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1989) Devasia, P A; KAU; Ananthasubramaniam, C R
    A comparative evaluation of the feed conversion efficiencies of crossbred Jersey and crossbred Brown Swiss cattle of Kerala involving a growth SLudv and a lactation stud} using eight heifer calves and six milch cows each for 28 and 14 fortnights respectively were carried out. While records 01 dailv feed intake water consumption, fortnightly data on bod\ weight, bodv measurements and monthly data on haematological values were maintained during the growth study, data on aailv feed intake milk vield, fortnightly data on composition of mill<, bod\ weight and haematolo gical values were gathered during the lactation stua\. Digestion cum-balance trials were carried out during the 14th and 28th fortnights respectively under growth studv and during the 11th fortnight under lactation studv There were no significant difierences between crossbred Jersey and crossbred Brown Swiss heifer calves in respect of their average daily dr\ matter and water consumptions, various body measurements, haematological values and digestion coefficients of various nutrients in their feed throughou the experimental period of 28 fortnights except that the average digestion coefficients of crude fibre in crossbred Brown Swiss heifer calves during digestion trial I was significantly nigner (P _/0.01) than that of crossbred Jersey Both the groups of heifer calves did not differ sigmficahtly in respect of heir average dailv consumptions of dr> matLer, gross energ} total digestible nutrients, digestible energy crude protein and digestible crude protein per unit metabolic body size (W / ). The feed conversioKB n efficiency values as adjudged m terms of quantities of dry matter, gross energy, total digestible nutrients, digestible energy, crude protein and digestible crude protein needed per kg body weight gain in crossbred Jersey were 13.70+1.01 kg, 54.25_+3.13 Meal, 8.09+0.46 kg, 36.32+2.09 Meal, 1.83+ 0.10 kg and 1.10_+0.06 kg respectively and the same were not significantly different from the average values of 14.80_+1.06 kg, 61.47+4.47 Meal, 9.17+_0.68 kg, 41.19+3.00 Meal, 2.03_+0.14 kg and 1.24^0.08 kg respectively observed in the case of crossbred Brown Swiss heifer calves. Both the groups did not differ significantly m respect of average daily nitrogen retention of 18.48_+0.61 and 18.06_+1.02 g respectively during trial I and 17.90_+1.02 and 18.86+1.13 g respectively during trial II. 0 75 Milch cows belonging to both the genetic groups of crossbred Jersey and crossbred Brown Swiss not only maintained their body weight but also showed an overall average fortnightly weight gain of 1.44+0.14 and 1.71+0.06 kg respectively without any significant difference between them in this regard. They also failed to show any significant difference in respect of feed consumption, digestion coefficients of nutrients and nitrogen retention, the marginally positive nitrogen balance together with normal haematological values obtained in respect of both the groups indicated that all the animals were m good nutritional status. The average daily milk yields of 7.28, 7.06 and 6.43 kg respectively during the 1st, 7th and 13th fortnights in the case of crossbred Jersey cows were not significantly different from those of 7.07, 7.08 and 6.80 kg respectively in the case of crossbred Brown Swiss cows There was no significant difference between cows belonging to the two genetic groups in respect of their average daily consumption of DM, gross energy, TDN, crude protein and DCP per unit metabolic body size. The overall average consumptions of 5.76_+0.23 Meal, 0.76_+0.03 kg, 3.17+0.13 Meal and 103.45+4.60 g respectively of gross energy, total digestible nutrients, digestible energyand DCP per kg of FCM produced by crossbred Jersey cows including their maintenance requirements were not significantly different from 5.87^0.25 Meal, 0.77+0.03 kg, 3.28+0.14 Meal and 104.98_+4.60 g respectively of the same by crossbred Brown Swiss cows. The two crossbred groups of milch cows failed to show any significant difference in respect of their economic efficiency in terms of dairy merit as well as income over feed cost, the average values being 22.74+0.88 and Rs 39.20 per day for crossbred Jersey and 22.59_+0.89 and Rs 39.12 per day for crossbred Brown Swiss cows respectively. No significant differences were observed in the performances of crossbred Jersey and crossbred Brown Swiss cattle in respect of their growth and milk production when reared in the same locality under identical conditions of feeding and management.
  • ThesisItemOpen 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.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Assessment of post exposure anti-rabies therapy in cattle
    (Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2005) Rishi Keshavan; KAU; Saseendranath, M R
    The immune response and efficacy of two different anti-rabies vaccines in two different post exposure schedules were studied in rabies exposed cattle. An inactivated tissue culture anti-rabies vaccine (Raksharab) and a DNA combined tissue culture inactivated anti-rabies vaccine (Dinarab) were used. The study animals were grouped in to four groups. Animals of group I and III were vaccinated with inactivated tissue culture anti-rabies vaccine (Raksharab) with schedule I (injection of vaccine on 0, 3rd, 7th, 14th and 28th days) and schedule II (administration of five doses of vaccine on 0, 1st, 2nd,3rd and 4th days continuously) respectively and animals of group II and IV were vaccinated with DNA combined tissue culture inactivated anti-rabies vaccine (Dinarab) with schedule I and schedule II respectively. The rabies virus neutralizing antibody titers were assessed on day zero, 7th, 14th, 28th, 60th and 90th days of post vaccination by employing Rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test - (RFFIT). In all the four groups the peak antibody titer level were observed on 14th day of post vaccination and protective level of rabies virus neutralizing antibody titer were maintained up to the 90th day of study period. Group I and group II animals which were vaccinated with schedule-I with inactivated tissue culture anti-rabies vaccine (Raksharab) and a DNA combined tissue culture inactivated anti-rabies vaccine (Dinarab) respectively, obtained the high mean rabies virus neutralizing antibody titers than that of group III and IV during the study period. Among these two groups, group I obtained the highest antibody titer than group II on day zero, 14th, 28th and 60th days of study period. Whereas group II obtained the highest antibody titer than group I on day seven and 90th day of study period. All the animals were found to be healthy in the monitoring period of six months in all four groups vaccinated with two antirabies vaccines with two different post exposure schedules. Both the inactivated tissue culture anti-rabies vaccine (Raksharab) and DNA combined tissue culture inactivated anti-rabies vaccine (Dinarab) were providing protective titre (>0.5 IU/ml) from 14th to 90th day of observation in cattle. Both the schedules I and II were providing protective titre from 14th to 90th day of observation in cattle. Early and high antibody titers were observed in schedule II where five consecutive injections were given. Though above protective titre, the fall in antibody level was also drastic in schedule II. In schedule I, protective antibody titre was observed on 14th day and maintained at a fairly good level till 90th day. It is concluded that the post exposure anti-rabies therapy in cattle could be conducted in both schedules using any of these vaccines. From farmers’ practical point of view, continuous five doses of injections will be of much use.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Epidemiological and clinico-therapeutic studies on bovine trypanosomosis
    (Department of Veterinary Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2005) Smitha, P S; KAU; Tresamol, P V
    The present study was undertaken to assess the epidemiological and clinico-therapeutic aspects of Trypanosoma evansi infection in bovines. A total of 530 animals (510 cattle and 20 buffalo) from various University farms, University Veterinary hospitals and farm households were screened for trypanosomosis using parasitological and serological techniques. Wet film examination of blood, Giemsa stained blood smears and micro-haematocrit centrifugation technique could detect parasitaemia only in one animal (0.19 per cent). Dot-ELISA detected anti-Trypanosoma evansi antibodies in twelve cattle and six buffalo screened for trypanosomosis. Buffalo showed a higher rate of infection (6 per cent) than cattle (2.35 per cent). No breed predisposition was observed among cattle for trypanosomosis. A higher prevalence of infection was observed among animals of one to three years of age. The mean packed cell volume, haemoglobin and total erythrocyte counts of the sero-positive animals (17.667 ± 5.156 per cent, 6.600 ± 1.124 g/dl and 3.467 ± 1.234 x106/mm3 respectively) were significantly lower than that of the control group (32.600 ± 4.719 per cent, 10.860 ± 2.133 g/dl and 6.230 ± 1.772 x106 /mm3 respectively). Significant lymphopaenia and neutrophilia were observed in the infected animals. The clinically positive animal exhibited snoring, inappetance, reduced milk yield, emaciation and anaemia. Quinapyramine prosalt at the dose rate of 7.4 mg/kg body weight sub-cutaneously provided effective clinical cure and marked improvement in haemato-biochemical parameters a week after therapy. The study revealed dot-ELISA to be a highly sensitive, cost-effective and easy to perform test that can be adopted as a diagnostic tool in trypanosomosis.