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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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Now showing 1 - 9 of 9
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Trematodes of Paramphistomatidae Infecting Domestic Ruminants
    (Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 1987) Tarun Shankar, Nath; KAU; George Varghese, C
    The thesis embodied the results of an investigation on the prevalence of amphistome infection and their specific identity in different domestic ruminants (cattle, buffaloes, sheep and goats) of Kerala state. A total of 1490 faecal samples from domestic ruminants were collected from different places of Kerala State during a period from April 1985 to March 1986. These samples were examined by sedimentation technique to detect infection with amphistomes and their prevalence. Viscera of 780 slaughtered/ dead ruminants from different parts of Kerala were examined in addition and the available amphistomes were collected for the study and specific identification. The flukes were studied alive, flattened and stained and in certain cases by microtomy sections. Result of the study indicated that the prevalence of infection was far more in cattle and buffaloes than in sheep and goats. The rate of prevalence in cattle, buffaloes and goats was 20.16%, 28.57% and 3.22% respectively. In slaughtered/dead animals the prevalence was 33.09%, 34.67%, 4.17% and 5.81% respectively in cattle, buffaloes, sheep and goats. The highest prevalence was recorded during the rainy season and lowest in dry/summer season. Prevalence during south west monsoon was 38.08% and 20.73% during North East monsoon. The seasonal prevalence hardly varied between cattle and buffaloes but it was consistently low in sheep and goats. Most of the prevalence in all animals were of mixed origin. A total number of 17 species belonging to eight genera of amphistomes were identified. Cevlonocotyle spinicephalus (Tandon, 1955) was recorded from new hosts i.e, cattle and goats, cotylophoron chauhani from goats, in addition to the already reported hosts, buffaloes and sheep respectively. The following conclusions are drawn on the basis of the results of this study: Amphistomes are most prevalent in cattle and buffaloes. Though the infection with amphistomes exists throughout the year, it is definitely more in monsoon seasons. Ceylonocotyle spinicephalus (Tandon, 1955) occurs in cattle and goats and cotylophoron chauhani (Gupta and Gupta, 1972 ) in goats also.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Helminth Parasites Of Indian Elephants
    (Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 1988) Khomdram Somorendro, KAU; Chandrasekharan, K
    The present study was conducted over a period of one year, during which dung samples from 203 Captive Indian elephants from different parts (urban, village and forests) of Kerala of different age and sex were examined. Out of this, 117 elephants were found to be infected with different hel - minth parasites either as pure or mixed infection. The overall prevalence of helminthiasis was 57.6 per cent. Helminthiasis was more during rainy season (70 per cent) than dry or summer season (52.44 per cent). Eleven species of adult nematodes and three species of adult amphistomes and eggs of Bivetellobilharzia nairi and Anoplocephala manubriata were recorded during this study. The nematode parasites were Murshidia murshidia, Murshidia falcifera, Quilonia renniei, Amira pileata, Choniangium epistomum, Equinubria sipunculiformis, Decrusia additictia, Grammocephalus hybridatus, Grammocephalus varedatus, Parabronema indicum, Parabronema smithi and the amphistomes were Pseudodiscus collinsi, Pseudodiscus hawkesii and Gastrodiscus secundus. The more common species were Murshidia murshidia and Murshidia falcifera. Anthelmintic efficacy of albendazole (Albomar) was assessed on the basis of the reduction of eggs in the dung samples. A single oral dosage of 2.5 and 3 mg per kg body weight was found 100 per cent effective against strongyle infection in naturally infected captive Indian elephants.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Trematodes of paramphistomatidae infecting domestic ruminants
    (Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 1987) Tarun Shankar Nath, KAU; George Varghese, C
    The thesis embodied the results of an investigation on the prevalence of amphistome infection and their specific identity in different domestic ruminants (cattle, buffaloes, sheep and goats) of Kerala state. A total of 1490 faecal samples from domestic ruminants were collected from different places of Kerala State during a period from April 1985 to March 1986. These samples were examined by sedimentation technique to detect infection with amphistomes and their prevalence. Viscera of 780 slaughtered/ dead ruminants from different parts of Kerala were examined in addition and the available amphistomes were collected for the study and specific identification. The flukes were studied alive, flattened and stained and in certain cases by microtomy sections. Result of the study indicated that the prevalence of infection was far more in cattle and buffaloes than in sheep and goats. The rate of prevalence in cattle, buffaloes and goats was 20.16%, 28.57% and 3.22% respectively. In slaughtered/dead animals the prevalence was 33.09%, 34.67%, 4.17% and 5.81% respectively in cattle, buffaloes, sheep and goats. The highest prevalence was recorded during the rainy season and lowest in dry/summer season. Prevalence during south west monsoon was 38.08% and 20.73% during North East monsoon. The seasonal prevalence hardly varied between cattle and buffaloes but it was consistently low in sheep and goats. Most of the prevalence in all animals were of mixed origin. A total number of 17 species belonging to eight genera of amphistomes were identified. Cevlonocotyle spinicephalus (Tandon, 1955) was recorded from new hosts i.e, cattle and goats, cotylophoron chauhani from goats, in addition to the already reported hosts, buffaloes and sheep respectively. The following conclusions are drawn on the basis of the results of this study: Amphistomes are most prevalent in cattle and buffaloes. Though the infection with amphistomes exists throughout the year, it is definitely more in monsoon seasons. Ceylonocotyle spinicephalus (Tandon, 1955) occurs in cattle and goats and cotylophoron chauhani (Gupta and Gupta, 1972 ) in goats also.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Studies on the incidence , pathogenicity and control of gastro- intestinal nematodes In crossbred calves in Kerala with special reference to strongyloidosis
    (Department of parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1980) Sukumara Pillai, G; KAU; Chandrasekharan, K
    The non – descript and cross bred Calves of Kerala were infected with eight species of gastro – intestinal nematodes viz. Strongyloides papillosus, Neoascaris vitutorum, Cooperia sp., Haemonchus contortus, Bunostomum phlebotomum, Oesophagostomum radiatum, Trichostrongylus colubriformis, and Trichuris globulosa and of which Strongyloides papillosus was the commonest. Incidence of namatodes was more in cross bred calves (64.8 per cent) as compared to non – desctipt calves (51.52 per cent). Out of the cross bred calves, Jersey cross bred calves were found to more susceptible to nematodiasis. Nematodiasis was observed more during the rainy season of the State (June to August). Morphological features of adult worms and infective larvae were redescribed in detail. Strongyloides papillosus produced catarrhal enteritis and frequent diarrhoea in naturally infected cross bred calves. Thiophanate at 100 mg per kg body weight, Mebendazole at 15 mg per kg body weight, Levamisole at 15 mg per kg body weight., Thiabendazole at 100 mg per kg body weight, Tetramisole hydrochloride at 20 mg per kg body weight, Morantel tartrate at 15 mg per kg body weight and parbendazole at 45 mg per kg body weight exerted 100 per cent efficacy against Strongyloides papillosus, whereas, Fenbendazole at 5 mg per kg body weight showed only 83 to 100 per cent efficacy against Strongyloides papillosus, 78 to 100 per cent against ascariasis, 85 to 100 per cent against Strongylosis and 50 to 100 per cent against Trichuriasis.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Pathogenicity of acuaria hamulosa to chicken
    (Department of parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1980) Ganeswara Rao, Y; KAU; Kalyanasundaram, R
    Controlled experiments were conducted with commonly occurring spirurid worm of chicken, Acuaria hamulosa, in two breeds of chicken, namely the White Leghorn (an egg strain) and the White Plymouth Rock (a broiler strain). The blood changes conducted revealed an initial leucocytosis from 14th day to 36th day, followed by heterophilia from 43rd day to 70th day post infection, and a mild eosinophilia throughout the experimental period. The infected White Plymouth Rock birds lost considerable amount of their body weight. In White Leghorn layers, there was great delay in sexual maturity and poor feed efficiency as indicated by reduced egg production. The percentage of establishment in the experiment was found to be not correlated to the infective dose. The pathological changes in the affected gizzards indicated an acute inflammation during the invasive phase of juveniles, followed by a chronic reaction, which by 60th day post infection was well established indicating the development of a host – parasite balances, towards the later stages of infection.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Incidence and treatment of cestodes of dogs in Kerala with special reference to the taenid species
    (Department of parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1982) Narendran Nair, P; KAU; Pythal, C
    Five species of cestodes, viz., dipylidium cenium, Taenia hydatigens, Echinococcus granulosus, Joyeuxiella pasqualei and Diphyllobothrium latum were encountered in dogs in Kerala, of which diphylidium ceninum was the commonest. The incidence of Dipylidium caninum was the highest in animals of the age group of above 5 years, while that of joyeuxiella pasqualei was highest in animals of the age group of above 6 months and upto one year. Echinococcus granuloscus and Taenia hydatigens were most prevalent in the age group of above 5 years. Examination of faecal samples of dogs also revealed that Dipylidium caninum was the most prevalent cestode of dogs. Albendazole at 25 mg/kg body weight. Fenbendazole at 10mg/kg body weight. Hexachlorphene at 15mg/kg body weight, mebendazole at 15 mg/kg body weight repeated for 3 days , niclosamide at 62.5 per Kg body weight and praziquantel at 2.5 mg/kg body weight could remove taenia hydatigena completely. Fenbendazole at 20 mg/kg body weight had an efficacy of only 40% against Ecinococcus granulosus. Fenbendazole at 10mg/kg bodyweight, Mebendazole at 15 mg/kg body weight repeated for 3 days. Niclosamide at125 mg/kg body weight and praziquantel at 5 mg/kg body weight had also 100% efficacy against Dipylidium caninum.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Investigation on certain aspects of coccidiosis of goats
    (Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1987) Lucy Jacob, K; KAU; Madhavan Pillai, K
    Examination of 786 faecal samples collected from goats of Kerala Agricultural University Goat Farm, Government Goat Farm, Kommeri and those brought to the Veterinary hospitals of Kerala Agricultural University revealed that the species of Eimeria had an overall prevalence of 63.23 per cent. Eight species of Eimeria could be encountered either as pure or mixed infection. The species recorded were E. arloingi. E. Christenseni. E. alijevi. E. Jolchilevi. E. ninakohlyakimovae. E. apsheronica, E. kocharli and E. caprina. The more common species were E. arloingi and E. christenseni. The occurrence of E. Caprina in goats in India is reported for the first time. Circumscribed greyish – white areas slightly raised above the mucous surface and clearly visible from the serosa were seen in the intestine of kids died of coccidiosis. These areas were found to be groups of hypertrophic villi and hyperplastic glandular epithelium containing gametocytic stages of Eimeria. Many villi were enlarged due to the presence of schizonts in the lacteals. Schizonts were also observed rarely in the submucosa. Small schizonts and gametocytic stages were seen in the epithelium of the villi and glands. The endogenous stages were present throughout the small intestine. The results of haematological studies of ten kids suffering from natural coccidiosis revealed a lesser value for haemoglobin content and erythrocyte count as compared to the normal values for goats. Packed cell volume, erythrocyte, leukocyte and differential counts did not show any significant difference from the normal values for goates. Amprolsol at the rate of 100 mg per kg body weight was found to be the most suitable drug for treatment of natural coccidiosis in goats giving an efficacy of 100 per cent. Sulmet at the rate of 30 ml per 23 kg body weight had an efficacy of 87.5 per cent while, Coxysol – AK at the rate of 40 mg per kg body weight and metronidazole at the rate of 20 mg per kg body weight were found unsatisfactory in the treatment of coccidiosis in goats.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Biology, pathogenesis and control of syngamus trachea infection in chicken
    (Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1987) Devada, K; KAU; Sathianesan, V
    In a study conducted for a period of one year on the biology, pathogenesis and control of Syngamus trachea infection in chicken, it has been found that the infection was more in very young birds below 1 to 2 months of age, reared under the free range system and during the monsoons. The egg cultures became infective on the seventh day of culturing. A dose of 3,000 infective eggs or larvae was found to be suitable for a successful establishment of infection in chicks. Experimental infection could be set up by the direct feeding of the infective eggs or larvae without the necessity of the intervention of any transport hosts like earthworms. A detailed study on the stage to stage development of the parasite was carried out. They established in the trachea by the eighth day and attained patency 18 to 22 days following infection. Gaping movements, nodular growths on the tracheal mucous membrane, haemorrhage and production of mucus in the trachea, consolidation and ecchymosis of the lungs were the chief clinicopathological symptoms observed. Anthelmintic efficacy of mebendazole, thiabendazole, albendazole and ivermectin was assessed on the basis of the reduction of ova in the droppings, disappearance of worms from the trachea and gain in body weight of the treated birds. Mebendazole administered at 40 mg per kg body weight was found to be the most effective among the drugs tried closely followed by albendazole given at 15 mg per kg body weight and then thiabendazole at 500 mg per kg body weight. Ivermectin dosed at 200 micrograms per kg body weight subcutaneously was found to be the least effective. Assessment of the effect of irradiation at 5 KR on the development of S. trachea in chicken was attempted twice with no conclusive results.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Fresh water cercarial fauna of Trichur
    (Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1982) Ambika Prasad, Sarmah; KAU; Raja Mohan, K
    An investigation on the cercarial fauna of fresh water snails in Trichur was conducted for a period of one year (1981 – 1982). Three species of snails viz. Indoplanorbis exustus (Deshayes), Lymnaea luteola f. australis and Thiara (Melanoides) tuberculata were collected from different areas in Trichur. Snails were found to thrive throughout the year if water is available. Seven different types of cercariae could be identified in the present study. They were – 1. An amphistome cercaria of the pigmentata group referable to Cercaria indica XXVI Sewell, 1922 2. An echinostomatid cercaria, further confirmed as cercaria of Hypoderaeum conoideum 3. A xiphidiocercaria resembling Cercaria indica X Sewell, 1922 4. A brevifurcate, non – ocellate, apharyngeal cercaria referable to cercaria of Schistosoma spindale 5. A longifercate cercaria referable to Cercaria hardayali Dutt, 1970 6. A gymnocephalous cercaria resembling Cercaria indica XIV Sewell, 1922 7. Amonostome cercaria comparable to Cercaria indica VII Sewell, 1922 The maximum incidence of cercarial infection in snails was found in the month of August, Mixed infection of cercariae was observed in one Indo plannorbis exustus (Deshayes) and one Lymnaea luteola f. australis snails. The emergence character and detailed morphology of all these cercariae were studied and compared with the available literature. Experimental infection to raise the adults from the larval stage of a trematode was successfully carried out using cercaria of Hypoderaeum conoideum.