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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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Subject: Veterinary Medicine × End date: 2004 × Type: Thesis ×
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Now showing 1 - 9 of 29
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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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    ThesisItemOpen 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.
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    ThesisItemOpen 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