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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 Pathology × Author: Balakrishnan, P × Author: KAU × End date: 1997 × Thesis Type: M.V.Sc. ×
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Immunopathological response of ducks in aflatoxicosis
    (Centre of Excellence in Pathology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1992) Balakrishnan, P; KAU; Maryamma, K I
    The immunopathological effects of AFB1 in ducks were studied in this investigation. Both cell – mediated as well as humoral immune system were assessed using suitable immunological markers. White Pekin ducklings were maintained on aflatoxin free feed. AFB1 was administered orally to the 4 week old experimental ducklings at a dose level of 0.075 mg/kg body weight on every alternate day till the end of the experiment. There was reduction in ANAE positive T cells and reduction in the cutaneous response to 2, 4 – dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) and phytohaemagglutinin – M (PHA – M) confirming the immunotoxicity of AFB1 on the cell – mediated immune system. The assessment of phagocytic response of reticulo- endothelial cells also indicated a reduced activity in the AFB1 fed ducks. The humoral immune system was evaluated by estimating the total serum protein (TSP), serum globulin (SGI) and various serum immunoglobulin fractions. The AFB1 at the above dose level had significant biological effect on the humoral immune system. It was further confirmed by reduction in the antibody titre in the AFB1 fed ducks vaccinated with RDF1 vaccine. The gross and histopathological features of AFB1 induced toxicity consisted of enlarged, pale and friable liver with haemorrhages, congested kidney with petechial haemorrhages, atrophied spleen, thymus, bursa of Fabricius and caecal tonsils. There was marked histopatological changes in the liver. It being the primary target organ in case of toxicity induced by AFB1. Fatty changes, paracentral and centrilobular necrosis, Proliferation of bile ducts and ductules, severe disorganization of hepatic cords and grouping of hepatocytes with acini – like formations, were seen in the liver. Tubular degeneration and focal necrosis were seen in the kidney. The lymphoid organs like bursa of Fabricius, spleen, thymus and caecal tonsils showed degenerative changes and loss of lymphoid elements. There were loss of follicular pattern with interstitial fibrosis and necrobiotic changes in lymphoid elements in the bursa of Fabricius. The thymus revealed atrophy, necrosis, interstitial edema and intense lympholytic changes. Caecal tonsils revealed haemorrhages, degeneration of lymphoid cells and necrosis. In this investigation the immunosuppressive effects of AFB1 on the humoral and cell – mediated immune system of ducks were evaluated. Regular screening of feed for AFB1 was advocated as a routine farm practice to prevent the deleterious effect of AFB1 on the health and productivity of ducks.