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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 the bacterial species associated with digestive disturbance in pigs
    (Department of Microbiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1975) Balakrishna Pillai, K P; KAU; Abdulla, P K
    Prior to this investigation, limited studies conducted in the department of Bacteriology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, have revealed the association of pathogenic strains of E. coli and Salmonella with enteric disorders of pigs. Therefore, a detailed study of the incidence and magnitude of prevalence of those pathogens was carried out. A total of 274 specimens collected from sick as well as dead animals were examined. Faecal materials collected from living as well as dead animals, mesentric lymphnode, spleen, liver, lungs and heart blood formed the materials for isolation studies. Both enrichment and selective media like selenite and tetrathionate broth, D. H. S. broth and D.H.S. agar, modified MacConkey medium 1 & 11, and composite medium 1 & 11 were employed for isolation of pathogens. A total of 75 strains of E. coli and 24 strains of Salmonella were isolated and studied. Most of the isolations were made from piglings ages 3 – 8 weeks. Out of 75 strains of E. coli only 5 strains were found pathogenic based on various tests like haemolysin, necrotoxin and enterotoxin production and pathogenicity to mice. These isolates belonged to serogroup 05, 017 and 039. Salmonella strains belonged to two serotypes, S. weltevreden and S. typhimurium var coCopenhagen The identity of the isolates were confirmed biochemically and serologically. Pathogenicity studies conducted with two strains of Salmonella weltevreden and Salmonella typhimurium Var Copenhagen have revealed that they were pathogenic to laboratory animals like mice, guinea pigs and rabbits. It has also been observed that these serotypes could produce enteric form of the disease in primary hosts. Invitro drugsensitivity studies were carried out to determine the effectiveness of antibiotic to gastrointestinal disorders the effectiveness of antibiotic to gastrointestinal disorders caused by these species. It has been observed that all E. coli and Salmonella strains tested were sensitive to chloramphenicol. However multiple resistance was observed to penicillin, streptomycin, tetracycline, erythromycin and nitrofurantoin. The significance, possible role of infection by these species and their drug sensitivity reactions are discussed.