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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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2007 - 20094
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Subject: Veterinary Medicine × End date: 2009 × Start date: 2007 ×
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Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Sero conversion studies of brucella abortus strain RB51 vaccine in cattle
    (Department of Veterinery Epidemology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Mannuthy, 2007) Nimisha, K N; KAU; Saseendranath, M R
    In the present study, the sero conversion to two doses of Brucella abortus strain RB51 vaccine was assessed in cattle. Interference of Brucella abortus strain RB51 with routine diagnostic tests for brucellosis was also compared with Brucella abortus strain 19 vaccine. Vaccinations were done in sero negative calves of four months and above age. The study animals were grouped into three. Animals of group I and II were subcutaneously vaccinated with 1.8×1010 CFU and 1×1010 CFU of Brucella abortus strain RB51 vaccine respectively. Whereas group III animals were vaccinated with 4×1010 CFU of Brucella abortus strain 19 subcutaneously. Immune responses were assessed at weekly interval during the first month and there after at monthly interval for a period of six months employing indirect Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Clinical observations of all animals were also made two days before and one week after vaccination. All the vaccinated animals showed febrile reaction during the first 24 to 48hours post inoculation. But returned to normal temperature by 72 hours post inoculation. Eighty two per cent of the vaccinated animals developed swelling at the inoculation site 48 hours after vaccination but found to be reduced by 96 hours and became normal after one week. Animals were quite active and with good appetite throughout the observation period. None of the Brucella abortus SRB51 vaccinated animals, both with higher or lower dose, produced detectable antibody response in the conventional serological tests viz., RBPT and STAT throughout the study period. Whereas animals vaccinated with Brucella abortus S19 produced detectable antibody responses in RBPT and STAT till 90th day. Cattle vaccinated with higher dose of Brucella abortus SRB51 produced significant antibody level earlier (seventh day) than those with lower dose (21st day) and persisted longer (upto150 days), when compared to the group II (only upto 120 days). But both groups showed maximum immune response on the same observation period i.e on 60th day of vaccination. The proportion of animals with significant immune responses were also higher in animals vaccinated with higher dose than those with lower dose except on day 21 and day 90. From the serologic point of view, it is concluded that Brucella abortus strain RB51 is an ideal vaccine candidate than Brucella abortus strain 19 and animals vaccinated with higher dose produced better immune response to Brucella abortus SRB51, when compared to those vaccinated with lower dose.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Evaluation of haemato-biochemical changes associated with ciprofloxacin therapy in canine pyoderma
    (Department of Veterinary Biochemistry, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2008) Jessy, V; KAU; Jayavardhanan, K K
    The present study was undertaken with the objective to assess the haemato-biochemical changes following prolonged ciprofloxacin therapy in dogs affected with pyoderma. The study was conducted in dogs presented to the Veterinary College Hospital, Mannuthy, during the period from August 2007 to March 2008. Among the twenty one dogs studied, twelve completed the full course of antibiotic therapy and post treatment evaluation. The pyoderma confirmed dogs were treated with ciprofloxacin @ 10 mg/kg body weight once daily orally for a period of 14 days. Blood samples collected on day 0, 7 and 14 of treatment and fifth day after the completion of therapy was subjected to haemato-biochemical analysis. Signalment indicated an age wise occurrence of pyoderma and was highest in one to three years of age group (38.10 %). Breed wise occurrence was highest in GSD (38.10 %) and sex wise prevalence was higher in males (52.38 %). Clinical signs and lesions noted in the 21 dogs were combinations of papules and pustules, matting of hairs, erosions, cellulitis, alopecia, scales, hyperpigmentation and pruritus. The antibiotic sensitivity pattern of the gram positive cocci isolates from skin swabs showed maximum sensitivity to ciprofloxacin followed by cefotaxime, cephalexin, gentamicin and amoxycillin. Haematological examination of the blood samples showed no change in TEC, Hb, PCV, ESR and DLC (moncyte and eosinophil) between before, during and after treatment. But a significant variation in TLC, neutrophil and lymphocyte were noticed in dogs with pyoderma. As the treatment progressed, the condition of the animal improved which resulted in decreasing TLC and neutrophil count to normal level. The data obtained on hepatocellular enzymes ALT, AST and other biochemical parameters such as total protein, albumin, A:G and cholesterol suggest that treatment with ciprofloxacin might not have produced any adverse effect on liver tissue. Serum BUN and creatinine levels were found within the normal range. The electrolytes, sodium and potassium were also not altered during the course of treatment. These observations suggest that prolonged administration of ciprofloxacin, at the dose rate mentioned, is not capable of causing any nephrotoxicity. Reduced glutathione also support the above conclusion by eliminating the chance of having any oxidative stress. The present study conclude with the findings that prolonged ciprofloxacin treatment does not produce any deterioration in hepatic and renal system of dogs affected with pyoderma, suggesting ciprofloxacin treatment as a safe and efficacious drug for the complete cure of canine pyoderma.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Effect of piper longum linn.(pippali) in monosodium glutamate toxicity in rats
    (Department of Veterinary Biochemistry, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2008) Mariyamma, Thomas; KAU; Sisilamma, George
    The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of ethanolic extract of fruits of Piper longum in monosodium glutamate toxicity in rats. Treatment as well as protective effects of the plant extract against MSG toxicity were studied. The experiments were carried out in adult male Wistar rats, which were divided into seven groups. The treatment study was conducted in four groups viz; G0- normal control, G1-positive control, G2 and G3- two treatment groups. G1, G2 and G3 were administered with MSG at a dose rate of 8 mg/g body weight p.o. for 20 days followed by treatment of G2 and G3 with Piper longum extract at dose rates of 300 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg b.w p.o. respectively for 14 days.. Blood collection and weight recording of these animals were carried out on days 0, 21, 28 and 35 of experiment and then the animals were euthanized. The remaining three groups viz; G4, G5 and G6 were subjected to protective study where G4 served as normal control, G5, positive control and G6 was administered with Piper longum extract at 300 mg/kg dose rate along with MSG for 20 days. Blood samples were collected and the animals were weighed on days 0 and 21 of experiment followed by euthanasia. The oxidative stress and subsequent damage to liver and kidney were assessed by measuring the biochemical parameters viz; activities of serum ALT, AST, concentration of serum triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, bilirubin, total protein, albumin, A:G ratio, urea, creatinine and the levels of serum and tissue (liver and kidney) lipid peroxides and GSH. From the euthanized animals liver and spleen were separated and weighed. Representative samples of liver and kidney tissues were subjected to histopathological examination. Administration of MSG induced a significant increase in the body weight, weight of liver and spleen. The increase in body weight was gradual and became significant only on day 35. Oxidative injury to the tissues of liver and kidney was evident from the increased level of lipid peroxides, decreased level of GSH and increased activities of serum ALT and AST. There was also an increase in the levels of serum triacylglycerol, cholesterol and urea. Histopathological examination of the liver and kidney of positive control animals revealed necrosis of hepatocytes in the para cortical and midzonal areas of liver and diffuse cortical tubular degeneration, occasional necrosis and shrinkage of glomeruli of the kidney. However, the hepatic and nephro toxicities caused by MSG were not so severe to alter the levels of total protein, albumin, A:G ratio, bilirubin and creatinine in serum. Piper longum extract at both the dose levels proved to be effective in treating the toxicity induced by MSG and helped to bring back the body weight and weight of spleen near to that of the control, significantly reduced the lipid peroxides and increased the GSH levels in serum, liver and kidney. Treated groups also showed a significant reduction in serum ALT and AST activity, ameliorated the MSG induced hyperlipidemia and normalized the histological architecture of both the liver and kidney. Among the two dose rates, only the 300 mg/kg dose rate was effective in maintaining the liver weight near to that of the control and this dose rate was found to be more effective in alleviating the toxicity caused by MSG. Co-administration of Piper longum extract and MSG prevented the abnormal increase in the weight of vital organs, level of lipid peroxides in serum, liver and kidney, while no increase was observed in the level of GSH. Significant decrease was also observed in the levels of serum AST, triacylglycrol and total cholesterol, whereas no change was observed in the level of ALT and urea. Although, ethanolic extract of Piper longum fruits at 300 mg/kg dose rate could offer significant protection against the induction of toxicity by MSG, it appears that the dose rate is insufficient to provide a complete protection against the oxidative injury.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Clinico-therapeutic studies on canine microfilariasis
    (Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2009) Ambily, V R; KAU; Usha, Narayanapillai
    etc. A study on canine microfilariosis was conducted in the Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy during the period of 2007-2009. Hundred dogs of both sexes belonging to various breeds and above 6 months of age presented to Veterinary College Hospital, Mannuthy and University Veterinary Hospital, Kokkala from different parts of Kerala with clinical signs suggestive of microfilariosis were screened for microfilaria by wet film examination. Wet film examination revealed that 80% of dogs were positive for microfilaria. Staining of blood smear with giemsa (1:10) demonstrated that 16 out of 80 dogs were positive for sheathed microfilaria and remaining were nonsheathed. Out of these 50 (nonsheathed) microfilaremic dogs were selected and treated at random with five schedules of treatment so that each schedule consisted of ten animals each (Group I, II, III, IV and V). Sheathed microfilaraemic animals were considered as a separate group for treatment trial. All these animals were subjected to periodic wet film examination on 2nd, 4th and 7th day of treatment to assess the treatment response. High infestation rates were recorded in male dogs of 2-4 years of age than females irrespective of the type of microfilariae. High incidence of microfilariosis with non sheathed and sheathed microfilariae was observed in GSD and Labrador breeds respectively. Diagnosis was made by parasitological studies, immunological and molecular techniques, clinical investigations and haematobiochemical analysis. In wet film examination distinct patterns of motility was observed with the type of microfilariae present. The speciation of microfilariae were done based on morphological characteristics in giemsa stained smears, acid phosphatase enzyme activity, immunospot test and PCR analysis and sequencing of amplicon. The different species of microfilariae identified were that of Dirofilaria repens, Dipetalonema reconditum, Brugia malayi and Brugia pahangi. Of which Brugia malayi and Brugia pahangi were sheathed. Results of micrometry, staining, immunospot test and molecular studies revealed that the newly identified parasite were similar to that of Brugia malayi in human beings. This is the first report of detection of Brugia malayi in dogs for which no previous reports were available in pubmed or other literature data bases. Infact this is also the first report of Brugia pahangi in a dog from India and Dipetalonema reconditum from dogs of Kerala. Detailed clinical investigations included ECG, ultrasonography and radiography were conducted to visualize the abnormalities encountered with vital organs. Haematobiochemical studies of dogs affected with both non sheathed and sheathed microfilariae revealed mild anaemia with severe leucocytosis, neutropenia, lymphocytosis, eosinophilia, elevated ESR and severe thrombocytopaenia, hyperproteinemia with hyperglobulinaemia and non significant reduction in AG ratio, increased serum ALT, AST, ALP , BUN and creatinine values could be observed when compared to healthy controls. Qualitative urinalysis revealed proteinuria with reduced specific gravity. Quantitative analysis of urinary markers revealed elevation of NAG, UPC, γGT and ALP in microfilaraemic dogs. The elevated levels of serum total protein, globulin, serum enzymes like ALT and ALP and nonsignificant reduction in AG ratio suggestive of liver pathology in microfilaraemic dogs. Elevated levels of BUN, creatinine, urine protein creatinine ratio, NAG, ALP, proteinuria with low specific gravity confirmed the renal involvement in microfilaraemic dogs irrespective of the type of microfilaria involved in the disease process. This multiorgan pathology in canine microfilariosis suggested the involvement of toxic and immunological effects of these parasite in the pathogenesis of the disease. The treatment response was evaluated by the periodic clearance of microfilariae on wet blood film examination, remission of clinical signs and the improvement in haematobiochemical alterations. Single oral dose of ivermectin @ 100 µg/kg body weight can be selected as a treatment modality for microfilariosis due to Dirofilaria repens and Dipetalonema reconditum in dogs. Levamisole hydrochloride @ 10 mg/kg body weight for seven days was the only effective treatment for microfilariosis due to Brugia malayi in dogs. Result of post treatment values of hepatic and renal function test revealed that many of the parameters like ALT, ALP and BUN were still in elevated level. Two animals died during the course of treatment were subjected to post mortem examination. The gross and hispathological examination revealed lesions in heart, lungs, liver and kidneys in microfilaraemic dogs. Myofibrillar fragmentation, atlectasis, thromboemboli formation, portal hepatitis and chronic interstitial nephritis were the major lesions observed. Based on above studies it concluded that follow-up evaluation of these parameters could be a relevant approach to find out the therapeutic effectiveness. A therapeutic plan should consists of both specific and clinically supportive treatments to improve hepatic and renal function. A study on canine microfilariosis was conducted in the Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy during the period of 2007-2009. Hundred dogs of both sexes belonging to various breeds and above 6 months of age presented to Veterinary College Hospital, Mannuthy and University Veterinary Hospital, Kokkala from different parts of Kerala with clinical signs suggestive of microfilariosis were screened for microfilaria by wet film examination. Wet film examination revealed that 80% of dogs were positive for microfilaria. Staining of blood smear with giemsa (1:10) demonstrated that 16 out of 80 dogs were positive for sheathed microfilaria and remaining were nonsheathed. Out of these 50 (nonsheathed) microfilaremic dogs were selected and treated at random with five schedules of treatment so that each schedule consisted of ten animals each (Group I, II, III, IV and V). Sheathed microfilaraemic animals were considered as a separate group for treatment trial. All these animals were subjected to periodic wet film examination on 2nd, 4th and 7th day of treatment to assess the treatment response. High infestation rates were recorded in male dogs of 2-4 years of age than females irrespective of the type of microfilariae. High incidence of microfilariosis with non sheathed and sheathed microfilariae was observed in GSD and Labrador breeds respectively. Diagnosis was made by parasitological studies, immunological and molecular techniques, clinical investigations and haematobiochemical analysis. In wet film examination distinct patterns of motility was observed with the type of microfilariae present. The speciation of microfilariae were done based on morphological characteristics in giemsa stained smears, acid phosphatase enzyme activity, immunospot test and PCR analysis and sequencing of amplicon. The different species of microfilariae identified were that of Dirofilaria repens, Dipetalonema reconditum, Brugia malayi and Brugia pahangi. Of which Brugia malayi and Brugia pahangi were sheathed. Results of micrometry, staining, immunospot test and molecular studies revealed that the newly identified parasite were similar to that of Brugia malayi in human beings. This is the first report of detection of Brugia malayi in dogs for which no previous reports were available in pubmed or other literature data bases. Infact this is also the first report of Brugia pahangi in a dog from India and Dipetalonema reconditum from dogs of Kerala. Detailed clinical investigations included ECG, ultrasonography and radiography were conducted to visualize the abnormalities encountered with vital organs. Haematobiochemical studies of dogs affected with both non sheathed and sheathed microfilariae revealed mild anaemia with severe leucocytosis, neutropenia, lymphocytosis, eosinophilia, elevated ESR and severe thrombocytopaenia, hyperproteinemia with hyperglobulinaemia and non significant reduction in AG ratio, increased serum ALT, AST, ALP , BUN and creatinine values could be observed when compared to healthy controls. Qualitative urinalysis revealed proteinuria with reduced specific gravity. Quantitative analysis of urinary markers revealed elevation of NAG, UPC, γGT and ALP in microfilaraemic dogs. The elevated levels of serum total protein, globulin, serum enzymes like ALT and ALP and nonsignificant reduction in AG ratio suggestive of liver pathology in microfilaraemic dogs. Elevated levels of BUN, creatinine, urine protein creatinine ratio, NAG, ALP, proteinuria with low specific gravity confirmed the renal involvement in microfilaraemic dogs irrespective of the type of microfilaria involved in the disease process. This multiorgan pathology in canine microfilariosis suggested the involvement of toxic and immunological effects of these parasite in the pathogenesis of the disease. The treatment response was evaluated by the periodic clearance of microfilariae on wet blood film examination, remission of clinical signs and the improvement in haematobiochemical alterations. Single oral dose of ivermectin @ 100 µg/kg body weight can be selected as a treatment modality for microfilariosis due to Dirofilaria repens and Dipetalonema reconditum in dogs. Levamisole hydrochloride @ 10 mg/kg body weight for seven days was the only effective treatment for microfilariosis due to Brugia malayi in dogs. Result of post treatment values of hepatic and renal function test revealed that many of the parameters like ALT, ALP and BUN were still in elevated level. Two animals died during the course of treatment were subjected to post mortem examination. The gross and hispathological examination revealed lesions in heart, lungs, liver and kidneys in microfilaraemic dogs. Myofibrillar fragmentation, atlectasis, thromboemboli formation, portal hepatitis and chronic interstitial nephritis were the major lesions observed. Based on above studies it concluded that follow-up evaluation of these parameters could be a relevant approach to find out the therapeutic effectiveness. A therapeutic plan should consists of both specific and clinically supportive treatments to improve hepatic and renal function. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the possible role of dogs in the transmission of human filariasis and to develop a suitable therapeutic approach to treat canine microfilariosis in the increasing ewe of chronic renal diseases in dogs.