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
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.
Open Access
Ultrasonographic investigation of urinary tract diorders in dogs
(Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2004) Siby Antony; KAU; Jayakumar, K M
Sixteen dogs with clinical signs suggestive of urinary tract disorders were subjected to ultrasonography and the physiological, and biochemical parameters were analysed. Urine samples from selected cases were subjected to culture and sensitivity and laboratory investigation were made for leptospirosis. The present study revealed a higher incidence of urinary tract disorders in male animals, with noticeably higher incidence in German Shepherd Dogs. The age of affected animals ranged from eight months to 15 years. Specific clinical signs observed were dysuria, anuria, stranguria, haematuria, pollakiuria and symptoms of uremia. Out of the sixteen cases of urinary tract disorders studied, four cases were of calculi in the urinary bladder and one of calculus in the renal pelvis which revealed hyperechoic foci with distal acoustic shadowing suggestive of calculi on ultrasound examination. One case of unilateral hydronephrosis evinced enlarged kidney with dilated pelvis and ureter and five cases of cystitis showed thickening of urinary bladder wall ultrasonographically. The four cases of nephritis turned positive for Leptospira antigen by sandwich dot ELISA and on ultrasonography, showed lack of cortico-medullary distinction with hyperechoic cortex. The case of chronic nephritis had shrunken kidneys with irregular margins and lack of cortico-medullary distinction with hyperechoic cortex. Haematological values showed leukocytosis with neutrophilia on the day of admission in cystic calculi, cystitis, nephritis and hydronephrosis. Urinalysis showed haematuria, pyuria and proteinuria as predominant findings in various cases. Serum biochemical values namely urea nitrogen, potassium and creatinine were highly elevated in cases of nephritis. The altered clinico-pathological picture tended to regain normalcy upon treatment of the respective cases. Efficacy of treatment in urinary tract disorders could be appreciated in subsequent sonographic examinations. The present study revealed that ultrasonography in conjunction with clinico-pathological and biochemical findings aided in an early diagnosis of urinary tract disorders in dogs.
Open Access
Clinical investigations on parasitic anaemia in cattle
(Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2004) Rani Gopinath, V; KAU; Baby, P G
The study “Clinical investigations on parasitic anaemia in cattle” was conducted in 50 cattle with clinical signs suggestive of anaemia. Out of the 50 animals screened 41 turned to be positive for parasites thus recording an incidence of 85 per cent for parasitic anemia. The parasitic etiology included haemoparasites, intestinal helminths and ectoparasites. Haemoparasites recorded the highest incidence rate of 78 per cent followed by intestinal helminthes (19 per cent) and ectoparasites (2.5 per cent). Anaemia due to ectoparasites was found to be least significant and was found to be pathogenic only in calves if present in large numbers. All animals were subjected to detailed clinical examination and all parameters under study viz; signalment, history, physical examination, haematology, serum biochemistry and treatment response were carried out. The data obtained were analyzed statistically. Anaemia due to intestinal helminthes was observed mostly in young calves while haemoparasites infection dominated in adult animals. Cases of anaplasmosis, and babesiosis were observed in calves below 15 days of age indicating possibility of transplacental transmission. Ectoparasites were found to cause anaemia in young calves when present in large numbers Clinical manifestations of anaemia included pallor of visible mucous membranes, exaggeration of respiration, anorexia, production depression in milch animals etc. Clinical pathology revealed reduction of packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration and total erythrocyte count. The erythrocyte indices were within the normal range indicating normocytic normochromic anaemia. No significant changes were recorded in the mean values of thrombocyte count and total leukocyte count. Differential count revealed eosinophilic response in haemoparasite infection. Reduction in lymphocyte count was also recorded in haemoparasites infection. Serum total protein and serum albumin levels recorded a considerable decrease in the affected groups. Serum globulin and AG ratio did not show any significant changes. Serum glucose level was decreased drastically especially in group I animals. Serum bilirubin levels were significantly increased in group I animals which was due to increased erythrocyte destruction. Oxytetracyclines were used in treatment of anaplasmosis, theileriosis and ehrlichiosis. Diminazene aceturate was indicated in cases of babesiosis. Cases of strongyloides were treated by ivermectin administration. Albendazole was found effective in trichuris infection and oxyclosanide produced better clinical cure in amphistome infection. Apart from specific drugs, supportive therapy in the form of intravenous fluids, haematinics and vitamin supplements were given. Oral haematinics were found to be economical and effective. After treatment although the haematological values came to normal levels, significant decrease from control group was observed in packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration and total erythrocyte count. This was attributed to the lag period occurring for the normalization of these parameters. Thus treatment was found to be effective with good clinical response and haematobiochemical parameters returning to normal levels. But few deaths were recorded. This could be due to the severity of infection which was evident from the drastic reduction in the haematological parameters
Open Access
Clinico-therapeutic studies on canine pyoderma
(Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2004) Udayasree, V J; KAU; Usha Narayana, Pillai
Prevalence of pyoderma was studied among the dogs presented with dermatological problems at the University Veterinary Hospitals, Mannuthy and Kokkalai during the period from May 2003 to April 2004. Among the 409 dermatological problems in canines, bacterial dermatitis was 12.71 per cent (52 . cases). Incidence of surface pyoderma, superficial pyoderma and deep pyoderma were 26.92,53.85 and 19.23 per cent respectively. Surface pyoderma were more in age groups between one and four years, superficial pyoderma were more in age group below six months and deep pyoderma was more in age group between six and 12 months. The most frequent lesions were pustules, papules, erythema, alopecia and epidermal collarette and distributed mostly on axilla, abdomen, flank and trunk region. A significant increase in eosinophil count, with decrease in monocytic count and serum zinc level was observed in the affected dogs. Out of the 26 bacterial isolates 21 (80.77 per cent) were gram positive and five (19.23 per cent) were gram negative. Staphylococcus intermedius (12) was the major pathogen isolated from canine pyoderma followed by Staphylococcus aureus (8), Staphylococcus epidermidis (1), Escherichia coli (3), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1) and Klebsiella spp. (1). Ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin and erythromycin were found to be the most effective antibiotics against bacterial isolates of canine pyoderma, ampicillin and cloxacillin the least effective. Based on the antibiogram result, ciprofloxacin was used to treat ten cases of pyoderma, enrofloxacin for nine cases and erythromycin was used to treat a single case of pyoderma. All the cases recovered within a period of three weeks. Six confirmed cases of pyoderma were treated with the paste of leaves of Cynadon dactylon and all six cases shown good clinical improvement.
Open Access
Seroepidemiology of Bovine Brucellosis
(Department of Veterinary Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2003) Priya, P; KAU; Vijayakumar, K
An investigation was carried out on 1602 cattle and buffaloes of Kerala including 1535 cattle and 67 buffaloes to assess the seroprevalence of brucellosis using serological tests like Rose Bengal plate' test, Standard tube agglutination test, 2-Mercaptoethanol test and Avidin-Biotin ELISA. Sera samples were collected from bovines belonging to different farms, hospitals and households of Kerala covering eleven districts. Samples were collected randomly from animals of different sex, age, breed, gestation, lactation, reproductive performance, management practices and also from slaughter house. Out of the 1602 sera samples tested 15.29 per cent gave positive result for brucella antibodies. Of this cattle showed a seropositivity of 14.72 per cent and buffaloes showed 28.35 per cent seropositivity. Female cattle and female buffaloes showed higher seroprevalence than male cattle and male buffaloes. Bulls and cows aged more than five years showed the highest seropositivity. Among the breeds pure bred Holstein Friesian bulls and crossbred Jersey female cattle showed the highest seroprevalence. Seroprevalence of brucellosis was found higher in pregnant cattle, in late stage of gestation, in pregnant dry animals and also in cows and heifers with the history of repeat breeding. Animals maintained under unorganised farming system, animals from high altitude agroecological region showed more number of positive reactors. Northern zone of Kerala showed more number of positive reactors. Districtwise analysis revealed that animals belonging to Kozhikode district having highest seropositivity and animals from Kottayam and Malappuram districts as zero positives. RBPT, STA T and 2 MET was evaluated for the sensitivity, specificity, predictive values and accuracy using, A-B ELISA as the 'gold standard'. RBPT was found to have higher sensitivity, predictive value of a negative test and accuracy than STAT and 2 MET and all the three tests found to have 100 per cent specificity and predictive value of a positive test with that of ELISA. It was concluded that RBPT can be used as a preliminary screening test and ELISA as a confirmatory diagnostic test.
Open Access
Prevalence hametology and treatment of strongylosis in goats
(Department of Veterinary Epideminology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2001) Arun Shaju, T; KAU; Saseendranath, M R
Prevalence of strongylosis in goats were studied by exammmg 782 faecal samples collected during June 1999 to June 2000. Strongylosis was present in 283 (36.19 per cent) goats. No seasonal influence on the prevalence of strongylosis was observed.Similarly infections with Strongyloides, Trichuris, Moniezia and Eimeria were also found in all seasons. Kaiparamba panchayat of Thrissur district recorded the highest prevalence for strongylosis. A significant decrease (Pin University goat and sheep farm, Mannuthy was noticed during June 2000, when compared to June 1999. No influence of sex was observed on the prevalence of strongylosis in goats. Haematological examination of strongyle infected goats, revealed a significant change (P<0.05) in the mean values of PCY and eosinophils, when compared to that of control goats. Levamisole given orally, was found most effective (100 per cent) while Closantel was least effective (86.17 per cent) against naturally occurrmg strongylosis in goats. Oral Levamisole was found sup en or to parenteral Levamisole in efficacy against caprine strongylosis in goats.
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Fluid and electrolyte status in diarrhoeic conditions of dogs
(Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2003) Jabina Martha Philip; KAU; Jayakumar, K M
The study "Fluid and electrolyte status in diarrhoeic conditions of dogs" was conducted in the Department of Clinical Medicine during the period of one and a half years from June 2001 to October 2002, to evaluate plasma volume and electrolyte status, haemogram and the possible etiological factors in diarrhoeic dogs. Detailed investigations of twenty clinical cases and six healthy normal cases were done after making a tentative diagnosis based on history. Blood and faecal samples were collected on the day of admission to the hospital. Detailed laboratory examination of faecal samples, blood and microbiological studies were carried out. Haematological parameters were estimated as described by Schalm et af. (1975). Biochemical analyses were done under standard conditions of operation as described, using photometer 5110 (Boehringer Mannheim). Plasma volume was determined as per the protein precipitation and extraction method of Hunsaker (1965). Ancylostomes was identified as the major parasitic cause for diarrhoea. Though bacteria could be isolated from all the cases, it could not give a true reflection of the actual disease. A low HA titre was obtained for the canine parvoviral infection. Haemogram revealed a significantly lower value for haemoglobin. Biochemical analysis revealed reduced sodium and bicarbonate level indicative of their excess loss through faeces. Significantly lower level of plasma protein observed in the study suggested low level of nutrition and partial or complete anorexia in clinical cases. Based on the haematological and biochemical findings suitable formulations were suggested with inclusion of deficient electrolytes, haernatinics or other supportive measures in the therapeutic management of diarrhoea.
Open Access
Epidemiology and clinico- therapeutic studies on dermatomycosis in dogs
(Department of Veterinary Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2004) Devi, T; KAU; Vijayakumar, K
The present study was mainly focused on epidemiological, diagnostic and clinico-therapeutic aspects of dermatomycosis in dogs. A total of 94 animals showed positive results for the presence of arthrospores on direct microscopic examination, out of the total 11016 animals brought to University Veterinary Hospitals Kokkalai and Mannuthy from April 2003 to March 2004, were included in the infected group. No age, sex, breed predilection and seasonal variation for dermatophyte infection were observed. Clinical signs of the infected group are non-specific and quite variable, hence the diagnosis mainly relied on the examination of skin scrapings by direct microscopy and cultural method. Direct microscopic examination is considered to be an ideal method of diagnosis for detecting dermatophytes, since cultural method requires minimum of three weeks time and delays the treatment, even though, it is conclusive. Isolates of Microsporum spp and Trichophyton spp were identified by cultural method using Sabouraud’s dextrose agar with chloramphenicol and cycloheximide supplement. Haematological abnormalities recorded were low haemoglobin content and leucopaenia and serum biochemistry revealed increased levels of total protein, albumin, globulin and A/G ratio in infected group compared to that of control group. No significant variations were observed on serum minerals such as copper, iron and zinc contents in infected group compared to control group. But mean values of copper and iron in infected and control groups were lower than the respective normal range in canine, where as zinc levels in both the groups were within the normal range. Three different therapeutic trials were conducted in three different experimental groups. Group 1 animals treated with ketoconazole at the dose rate of 5 mg per kg bodyweight daily orally for two weeks, showed a dramatic clinical response. Clinical examination of dogs at the end of treatment, revealed complete remission of lesions and signs of regrowth of hairs in almost all affected areas in all the animals. Terbinafine at the dose rate of 4 mg per kg body weight once daily orally given in-group 2 animals was proved to be very effective in treatment of dermatophyte infected dogs. Combination of intramuscular injection of “Biocan M” vaccine adsorbed with aluminium hydroxide and topical application of ketoconazole shampoo in-group 3 animals was not found to be effective. Hence the results of present study confirms the importance of the diagnosis of dermatophyte infections by direct microscopy, applicability of the cultural method of isolation of dermatophytes and proved the efficacy of ketoconazole and terbinafine as the good choice of drugs for the effective treatment of dermatomycosis.
Open Access
Immune response to combined foot and mouth disease, haemorrhagic septicaemia and black quarter vaccine and their respective monovalent vaccines in cattle
(Department of Veterinary Epideminology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 2001) Rajkumar, K; KAU; Saseendranath, MR
Immune response to combined Foot and Mouth Disease, Haemorrhagic Septicaemia and Black Quarter vaccine and to their respective individual vaccine were studied. Group I animals were vaccinated with combined FMD, HS and BQ oil adjuvant vaccine. Group Il animals were vaccinated with FMD polyvalent oil adjuvant vaccine and combined HS, BQ gel vaccine. Group III animals were vaccinated with polyvalent FMD oil adjuvant vaccine, HS gel vaccine and BQ gel vaccme. Vaccinations were done in unvaccinated calves above four month of age. Booster vaccination were carried out after nine month after primary vaccination for oil adjuvant vaccine and six month after primary vaccination for gel vaccine in all group animals. Monthly assessment of antibody titres against 0, A, C and Asia-l antigens were made by liquid phase blocking ELISA and Pasteurella multocida and Clostridium chauvoei by Indirect ELISA. All the three groups maintained protective antibody titre for FMD virus type '0', 'A', 'C~, 'Asia-l', Pasteurella multocida and Clostridium chauvoei antibody titres throughout the study period. All the three groups did not show any significant variation in antibody titres against FMDV type, '0', 'A', 'C' and 'Asia-L' and Pasteurella multocida and Clostridium chauvoei though they are well above protective titres. From this observation it is concluded that 1. All the three schedule of vaccination provides sufficient protective titre for FMDV type, '0', 'A', 'C' and 'Asia- l' and Pasteurella multo cid a and Clostridium chauvoei though they are well above protective titres. 2. Combined vaccine performance is equally good as that of individual vaccine. 3. Combined vaccine reduces labour cost for injection, number of visit and stress to the animals to a very great extent. There fore combined vaccine may be preferred when compared to individual vaccine.

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

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