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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
    Pathology of hypothyroidism in pigs
    (Centre of Excellence in Pathology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 1995) Prasanna, K S; KAU; Sreekumaran, T
    An experimental model of hypothyroid state was induced in piglets, using thiourea with the objectives of studying the sequence of clinico pathological changes and its influence on the animal health and growth. Tweleve Large White Yorkshire male piglets of 2 – 3 months age were selected for the study. The animals were divided into control group of six animals and experimental group of six animals. Experimental hypothyroidism was induced by feeding thiourea daily for a period of three months at the dose level of 50 mg per kg body weight. Haemogram, body weight, plasma proteins, serum cholesterol and serum thyroxine values were estimated at periodic intervals. The piglets were subjected to detailed autopsy after sacrifice. Gross lesions were recorded and detailed histopathological examination of tissues was carried out. During the course of experiment all the experimental animals recorded stunted growth and appreciable reduction in feed intake and alopecia of neck and shoulder regions. There was significant increase in blood cholesterol values and plasma protein level in thiourea fed group. A significant reduction in serum thyroxine level was also recorded. There was significant increase in the relative weight of thyroid, adrenal and pituitary glands of experimental animals. Gelatinisation of subcutaneous fat and dilatation of right ventricles were common findings at autopsy. Histologically the thyroid glands exhibited varying degree of hyperplastic changes and depletion of colloid in the follicles. Hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the lining epithelium was also observed. Predominant histological changes in the pituitary was hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the basophil cells and degranulation of the acidophil cells. Adrenal glands showed diffuse hyperplasia of zonafasiculata and accessory cortical nodule formation. Skin revealed acanthosis, hyperkeratosis and keratinisation of harifollicles. In all the hypothyroid animals testis showed varying degree of tubular degeneration. A random survey study was conducted to assess the thyroid status of pigs from different parts of Kerala using serum thyroxine as the marker. This concluded that most of the animals had the normal range of serum thyroxine levels.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Prevalence and pathology of dermatological disorders in cattle
    (Centre of Excellence in Pathology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1996) Anilkumar, R; KAU; Rajan, A
    A study was undertaken to assess the prevalence and pathology of dermatological disorders encountered m cattle m Kerala To study the prevalence of various types of skin disorders data were collected from the Disease Surveillence Report published by the Directorate of Animal Husbandry during the period 1989 1993 The various skin disorders encountered according to this data were tail necrosis (1 44 per cent) cutaneous mycosis (10 58 per cent) Eczematosis (6 09 per cent) pox (4 75 per cent) tick infestation (37 22 per cent) lice infestation (25 72 per cent) mangy dermatitis (13 82 per cent) wart (0 36 per cent) In this study tick infestation was found to be highly prevalent. Dunng the course of this investigation skin biopsies collected from 97 cattle were subjected to detailed gross and histopathological examination They were classified as Cutaneous ulceration (22 68 per cent) Fly bite dermatitis (15 46 per cent) Decubitus ulcers (12 47 per cent) Hyperkeratosis (9 3 percent) Papillomatosis (9 27 per cent) Hypertrichosis (8 25 per cent) Ectoparasitic mjuiy (6 19 per cent) Teat lesions (6 19 per cent) Fibroma (2 07 per cent) Dermatophilosis (1 03 per cent) Squamous cell carcinoma (1 03 per cent) and Fibrosarcoma (1 03 per cent) Cutaneous ulceration was the most common disorder encountered and Biopsies revealed epidermal lysis In fifteen animals fly bite dermatitis was noticed with greyish white necrotic papules and wheals on the neck shoulder ears and around eyes Perivascular changes were seen microscopically Nine cases of hyperkeratosis were studied which may be associated with hypovitammosis A Udder and teat papillomatosis was encountered m nine animals with ballooning degeneration and clumping of keratohyahn granules microscopically Eight crossbred cattle recovered from the foot and mouth disease had hypertrichosis Hair coat was shaggy and wavy Ectoparasztic injury was encountered m cattle mainly due Boophilus infestation Teat lesions encountered were mamly due to traumatic injury and chapping Two cases of fibroma and one case of fibrosarcoma were encountered on the teat of cattle A growth on the vulval region was diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma An expenmental study on the cutaneous hypersensitivity reaction m cattle to PHA, 2 4 DNCB and BCG was earned out Mast cell response to these mitogens was also studied Effect of Agropesticides Furadan and BHC on local application on the skin of calves were studied Dermatosis was the charactenstic response The need for taking care to avoid pesticide contamination on the skin of animals was stressed
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Aflatoxin induced cytological alterations in ducks
    (Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1996) Vigil Anbiah, S; KAU; Manomohan, C B
    An experimental study was conducted in desi ducks to assess the cytological alterations induced by aflatoxin Bl (AFB1) and 4 dimethyl amino azo benzene (4 DAB) One hundred and eight desi ducks of one month age were selected for the study The birds were divided into two treatment groups which were given A1 Bl (l0ug/kg body weight and l5ug/ kg body weight) and 4 DAB (5 mg and 10 mg/kg body weight) and a control group each group consisted of thirty six birds Body weight haemogram clotting time total serum protein serum albumin serum globulin albumin-globulin ratio serum aspartate amino transferase serum alanine amino transferase serum bilirubin and cytogenetic assay were estimated at periodic intervals The ducks were subjected to detailed autopsy and histopathology Clinically the exprimental birds were healthy Anaemia leucocytosis and increased blood clotting time were noticed in birds which received 15 ug/kg body weight o f AFB1 and both the dose levels of 4 DAB Total serum protein was reduced in all the treated birds In the aflatoxin group serum albumin and globulin levels were decreased Albumin globulin ratio was increased in 4 DAB tieated buds Serum aspartate ammo transferase level was elevated in buds winch moved 10ug/kg body weight of A1 Bl and 10 mg/kg body weight of 4 DAB Birds which received ATB1 as well as 10 ing/kg body weight of 4 DAB showed an elevation in serum alanine amino transferase level Serum bilirubin was incieased in all the treated birds Those ducks which were fed with AFB1 at 1 5ug/kg body weight showed tendency of hepatoma formation during the experiment The ducks which received 5 mg/kg body weight of 4 DAB exhibited gross and histopathological lesions suggestive of hepatosis and mild curhosis 1 he birds given 10 mg/kg body weight of 4 DAB tevealed gross as well as histopathological lesions of hepatic degeneiutiou and necrosis and indications of neoplatic changes Trend towaids polyploidy was the major chromosomal aberration observed in ducks which received 15g/kg body weight of AFB
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Ochratoxicosis in quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) with special reference to Inununopathological response
    (Centre of Excellence in Pathology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1992) Amir Abbas, Farshid; KAU; Rajan, A
    In this investigation the pathological effects of OA in quail embryo and adult quail were studied with special reference to the immune system. Ochratoxin A (OA) was inoculated into the quail embryos, at the dose rate of 0.02 ^g per embryo. There was 68.66 per cent mortality which clearly indicated the direct action of OA. The embryos which were sacrificed on the 13th and 16th day of incubation showed significant reduction in the body weight, weight of bursa of Fabricius, spleen and thymus. Histological changes in these lymphoid organs were, atrophy, necrosis and depletion of lymphoid elements. Ultrastructurally the changes were time dependent. There were changes in the shape of the nucleus with condensation of granular and fibrillar components of the nucleoli. The adverse immunobiological effect of OA on the developing lymphoid organs was established by histological and ultra structural studies. OA at the dose rate of 50 /ag/bird/day for a period of 60 days was administered through oesophageal intubation. Pathological changes were sequentially documented with special reference to the immune system. In the OA fed quails, the clinical signs included emaciation and hyperexcitation at the later part of the experiment. There was highly significant reduction in the body weight, weight of bursa of Fabricius, spleen and thymus. The reduction in the weight of lymphoid organs gave evidence to the adverse effects of OA on the immune system. There was reduction in the total erythrocyte count (TEC), haemoglobin (Hb) concentration and packed cell volume in OA fed birds indicating the significant damaging effect on the haemopoietic sytem. Estimation of total serum protein (TSP), serum globulin (SGI) and serum immunoglobulin fractions clarified the biological adverse effect of OA on the humoral immune system. Highly significant reduction in total leukocyte count (TLC) and T cell dependent lymphopenia proved the immunosuppressive effect of OA. There was reduction in T cells, increase migration indices in response to Fowl pox antigen in leukocyte migration inhibition test (LMIT), the reduction in the cutaneous response to 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) and phytohaemagglutinin-M (PHA-M) and spleen indices in the graft versus host reaction (GVHR), clarified the immunotoxicity of OA on the cell-mediated immune system.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Neuropathology and diagnosis of rabies in domestic animals
    (Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1996) Silamban, S; KAU; Ramachandran, K M (Guide)
    An investigation was made to study the epidemiology, clinical signs, pathologic lesions and diagnosis of rabies in domestic animals in the state of Kerala. Epidemiology of rabies for the last 12 year period from July 1983 to June 1995 was assessed from the post – mortem records maintained at the department of Pathology. Regional distribution, Prevalence in each species and year – wise occurrence were studied. Canine rabies was found preponderant. Rabies was recorded in wild animals also. Detailed clinical signs and gross pathological changes in the rabies positive cases were studied. One hundred and six rabies suspected carcasses of different species of animals were examined for the disease employing Sellers’ impression smear staining, histopathology, fluorescent antibody test (FA test) and immunoperoxidase test (IP test). Twenty – two of them were confirmed positive for rabies. Negribodies were demonstrated with Sellers’ staining and histopathological staining. Sellers’ staining was identified to be the simple and rapid staining method that could be employed in the field laboratories. In addition to H & E, Mann’s stain and Sellers’ stain were applied for staining histological sections. H & E was found to be satisfactory for routine staining. Histological changes in the brain (cerebrum, cerebellum and hippocampus), salivary gland (parotid and submaxillary) and trigeminal nerve of rabies positive animals were studied. The efficacy of the diagnostic techniques used for rabies diagnosis was compared. FA test confirmed maximum number of rabies positive cases. The results of the rabies diagnosis was cross – checked by Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, USA.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Homologous and heterologous transplantation of bovine ethmoid carcinoma cells
    (Centre of Excellence in Pathology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1994) Ajith Jacob George; KAU; Ramachandran, K M
    Homologous and heterologous transplantation of bovine ethmoid carcinoma cells were attempted to assess the xenograftic efficiency of the neoplasm. Tumour tissue for the study was obtained from seven clinically affected cows. Histopathologically the tumours were classified as adenocarcinoma, papillary adenocarcinoma, undifferentiated carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Tumour tissue/cell culture was successfully carried out using trypsinised single cell suspension and tumour tissue gragments. Calves were used as homologous hosts and rats, mice and rabbits were used as heterologous hosts. Cyclophosphamide, hydrocortisone and cyclosporine A were used as immunosuppressants. Transplantation was carried out subcutaneously or intraperitoneally. The inoculum consisted of trypsinised single cell suspension, tumour tissue fragments and cell suspension from tissue culture. Neoplastic cells failed to grow in immunosuppressed calves, rats and rabbits. Whereas, the tumour cells obtained by trypsinisation were successfully transplanted in mice immunosuppressed with cyclosporine A. The tumour growth was evident from the second week onwards. In immunosuppressed animals the total leucocyte count, differential leuocyte count and alphanapthyl acetate esterase positive lymphocyte count were very low compared to their controls. The results of the present study indicated that mice could be used as an experimental model for the studies on bovine ethmoid carcinoma.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Comparative study of the immunopathological response in ochrathoxin A, cadmium and mercury toxicities in ducks (Anas platyrrhynchos domesticus)
    (Centre of Excellence in Pathology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1996) Vyas Madhavrao Shingatgeri; KAU; Rajan, A
    The present investigation was undertaken for the first time to assess the level of contamination of mercury (Hg) and Cadmium (Cd) in the soil, water, plants and biosamples in localities where there is significant duck population and to study the pathological effects of these chemicals and ochratoxin A (OA) with special reference to immune response in the ducks and duck embroys. The residues of these chemicals in various tissues of the ducks were also assessed. Hg and Cd were detected in all the samples from all the localities surveyed and its presence especially in the soil, vegetation, fish, liver and kidney of the ducks from these areas indicated its public health significance. After the administration of OA, HgCl2 and CdCl2, there was dose dependent embryo mortality and reduction in hatchability rate. The mortality percentage in the highest dose group of embryos inoculated with HgCl2, Cdcl2 and OA was 55%, 51.6% and 48.3% respectively while the hatchbility rate was 29.92%, 35% and 47.83% respectively. This clearly indicated the embryotoxic action of these chemicals. The body weight, weight of the thymus, and the bursa of Fabricius was found lowered in the embryos inoculated with these chemicals. The variations noticed in the weights at different periods of observation between the chemicals were also dose dependant. The weight of the spleen of the embryos inoculated with OA and HgCl2 was comparable to the normal embryo but with CdCl2, it was found significantly lowered in the highest dose group at the 28th day of incubation. These observations, therefore indicated that Cd has an adverse significant biological effect on the lymphoid organs of the developing embryo. Similar effect was observed with Hg and OA but was relatively low. Histologically, depletion of the lymphoid elements consequent to degeneration, necrosis and cytolysis was the characteristic feature in the bursa of Fabricius and thymus, however, it was comparatively less in the spleen. Ultrastructural changes in the lymphoid cells in all these organs showed membrane alterations, mild to severe mitochondrial changes, ribosomal detachment and fragmentation of RER and nucleolar and nuclear changes indicative of cell damage, and marked reduction in differentiation into plasma cells. Epithelial cells were also found affected. The toxic effects of these chemicals were more or less similar in the bursa of fabricius, intensity and severity being more with CdCl2 followed by HgCl2 and OA in that order. In the thymus, also, CdCl2 caused severe pathological effects while with HgCl2 intensity was least. In the spleen there was increased erythrophagocytosis in addition to these changes and was more severe with HgCl2. In the liver, severe necrobiotic changes were found in the hepatic cells associated with ultrastructural picture of organellar damage and lytic changes in the nucleus. Intensity of these changes was more severe in CdCl2 treated embryos followed by those treated with OA and with HgCl2. In the kidney, the cellular alterations were more in the proximal convoluted tubules and the intensity of these alterations was less in OA and CdCl2 treated embryos compared to those treated with HgCl2. The embryos inoculated with OA, HgCl2 and CdCl2, revealed degenerative changes in the lymphoid and other organs. The adverse immunobiological effects of OA, Hg and Cd on the developing embryo were established by histological and ultrastructural studies. In the ducks, OA, HgCl2 and CdCl2 were fed orally (at the rate of 300 ug, 10mg and 15 mg/kg body weight respectively) for 90 days. Clinically ducks showed dullness, restlessness and unusual hyperresponsiveness and inco – ordination of movement, in OA, HgCl2 and CdCl2 fed ducks respectively at the later stage of the experiment. Progressive reduction in the gain of the body weight, of the bursa of Fabricius was noticed in all the groups (OA, HgCl2 and CdCl2 treated) while that of the thymus was noticed mainly in CdCl2 and OA treated ducks. There was highly significant reduction in the total erythrocyte count (TEC), Haemoglobin (Hb) concentration and Packed Cell Volume (PCV) in the groups fed OA, HgCl2 and CdCl2. Highly significant leucopaenia with relative heterophilia and lymphocytopenia was observed in OA and HgCl2 fed ducks, while highly significant leucocytosis with heterophilia and lymphocytopenia was seen with CdCl2 fed ducks. These alterations revealed the toxic action of these chemicals on the haemopoietic cells and the formed elements of the blood. Estimation of the haemagglutination inhibition (HI) antibody titre, total serum protein (TSP), serum globulin (SG) and serum IgG and IgM levels clarified the adverse effect of OA, Hg and Cd on the humoral immune system, which was evident at an early stage in Cd and Hg treated ducks while at a later stage in OA fed ducks. There was marked reduction in the serum IgM and IgG level in response to New Castle disease Virus (NDV) in ducks fed HgCl2 and CdCl2 respectively. The highly significant reduction in the T – lymphocyte count in the peripheral blood, increase in the migration indices in response to NDV in leucocyte migration inhibition test (LMIT), reduction in cutaneous response to phytohaemagglutinin – M (PHA – M), 2, 4 – dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) and the decreased spleen indices in Graft versus host reaction (GVHR) indicated the toxicity of OA and Cd on the cell – mediated immunity, which was more pronounced and evident at an early stage in Cd treated ducks than compared to OA treated ducks. However, the results of the migration indices, PHA – M cutaneous response and GVHR demonstrated that the CMI response escape the toxic insult of the Hg and is dependant on the duration of exposure, which was clarified by T – cell dependant lymphocytopaenia and reduction in cutaneous response to DNCB at the last week of the experiment. Significant reduction in the phagocytic ability in all the ducks treated either with OA, HgCl2 or CdCl2 was observed by carbon clearance assay. There was reduction in the weight of the bursa of Fabricius and spleen. The thymus showed focal areas of congestion and petechiae in Cd induced toxicity, and was found appreciably reduced and atrophied with Cd and at later stages with OA. Degenerative and retrograde changes indicative of necrobiosis were observed histologically. Ultrastructural changes were more severe with CdCl2 followed by HgCl2 and OA in that order. In the spleen of ducks fed CdCl2 there were proliferative changes initially followed by degenerative changes at later stages. In the thymus, effect of the Cd was more severe on the lymphocytes followed by OA and was least with HgCl2. Histological and ultrastructural studies revealed degenerative nephropathic changes in the kidney associated with Hg, OA and Cd toxicity. Intensity of alterations was more with Cd. The hepatic lesions characterised by moderate to severe hepatosis were more pronounced in the case of Hg and Cd in an increasing order. Histological and electron microscopic studies elucidated the neuropathological changes associated with Hg, Cd and OA toxicity. Estimation of OA, Hg and Cd residues indicated a steady increase in the accumulation of these substances in the various tissues depending on the dose and duration of exposure. Highest concentration of OA, Hg and Cd was detected in the kidney, followed by liver. Residues of these substances at varying concentrations were also detected in the muscles, brain, spleen, bursa of Fabricius and thymus. This study brought to light the immunosuppressive effect of OA, Hg and Cd which would compromise the dichotomous defence mechanism of the ducks. Also adverse effects on hepatic, haemopoietic, reneal and nervous system were documented. It was clarified by this investigation that immunotoxic effect of these chemicals could lead to breakdown of immunity and outbreak of diseases when the ducks are maintained in a polluted environment. The need for the systematic monitoring of the environment and taking appropriate steps to prevent environmental pollution were stressed. The public health importance of residues of these chemicals was brought to light.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Pathology of ascites syndrome in broiler chicken
    (Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1996) Jacob Alexander; KAU
    The post mortem reports maintained at the Department of Pathology during the period 1985 – 95 revealed that the prevalence of ascites syndrome (AS) was gradually on the increase. Investigations carried out on field cases showed that AS occurred in better managed farms and also in farms where the feed did not contain aflatoxin. The bacteriological study and screening of ascetic fluid in electron microscope for virus did not indicate a microbial etiology. Two separate experiments were conducted with vencob strain of broiler chicken. In each of the experiments the feed additives were mixed in the feed and fed ad libitum from the second week onwards. The body weight was recorded weekly. The PCV, haemoglobin, serum protein, albumin, globulin, albumin – globulin ratio, sodium and potassium were estimated at fortnightly intervals. At the eighth week the live birds were slaughtered and the gross and histopathological lesions were evaluated. The organ weight, relative organ weight and RV : TV were also evaluated. In the first experiment 50 chicks of two weeks of age were randomly divided into three treatment groups of 12 each. The control group consisted remaining 14 chicks. The treatment groups were given monensin sodium, pure sodium chloride (99.99%) and furazolidone in the feed at the rate of 360, 25, 000 and 800 ppm respectively. The birds in the monensin group were stunted due to less feed and water intake. The serum biochemistry, lesions, organ weight and a lesser RV : TV indicated that monensin might not cause AS. The sodium chloride group initially exhibited excessive thirst, diarrhoea, hyperaemic skin and distended abdomen but by the end of the eighth week none had ascites on post mortem examination. The PCV, haemoglobin, serum Na++ and RV : TV were higher than the control. The furazolidone group exhibited nervous symptoms and one bird died of ascites syndrome at the 45th day of treatment. The body weight, PCV, haemoglobin, serum protein, albumin, globulin, potassium and organ weight were lesser than the control group. Congestion, hydropericardium and nephrosis were noticed in the birds. Ectopic cartilaginous nodules, pulmonary congestion and oedema, loss of striation and separation of myocardial fibers and severe diffuse granular degeneration of hepatocytes were also noticed. The second experiment consisted of 80 chicks of two weeks age randomly divided into 8 groups of 10 each. Furazolidone was administered at a higher dose (1000 ppm) and common salt was given instead of sodium chloride at the same dose rate (25,000 ppm). Cephalexin was also administered to another group at the rate of 800 ppm. Two salts of cobalt namely chloride and nitrite were given to two separate groups at 600 ppm each to elucidate its aetiological role. In addition, two groups were utilized for transmission studies using the ascetic fluid and liver suspension collected aseptically from field cases. The birds in the furazolidone group showed nervous symptoms, and was stunted. One bird died of ascites on the 53rd day of the treatment. The PCV, haemoglobin, serum protein, albumin, globulin, Na++ , K+ and organ weight were lesser while the relative organ weight and RV : TV were higher than the control group. These observations suggested that furazolidone was a potential agent which could cause AS. In the common salt group three birds died of AS on the 5th, 11th and 24th days of treatment. They showed sequential progressive lesions. Increased feed and water intake, respiratory distress, and distended abdomen were noticed. Their body weight, PCV, haemoglobin, serum Na++ and K+ content were higher than the control. Congestion, oedema, haemorrhage and ectopic cartilaginous nodules were noticed in the lungs. Severe congestion of the central and portal veins and thickening of the Glisson’s capsule were seen in the liver. Mesangial cell proliferation, and thickening of the basement membrane of the glomerular tuft were evident. The weight and relative weight of the heart, RV and LV were the highest among all the groups. The RV : LV was higher when compared to the control. The weight of the spleen, lungs, liver and intestine was greater than the control. These results indicated that common salt was more potent than sodium chloride in precipitating AS. In the cobalt chloride and nitrite groups, the birds showed a reddened skin and had a lesser body weight than the control. The PCV, haemoglobin and serum Na++ were higher while the serum K+ and absolute organ weight were lesser than the control. The RV : TV ratio was higher than the control in both the groups. These suggested that excess amounts of cobalt in chicken feed might cause ascites. When cephalexin was given to the birds no noticeable symptoms were observed. The serum Na++ , K+ , organ weight, relative organ weight and RV : TV were lesser than the control and it did not cause AS. Transmission studies using liver suspension and ascetic fluid injection intraperitoneally did not cause ascites. A microbial etiology therefore couldnot be elucidated.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Neoplasms of the duck with special reference to hepatocarcinogenesis
    (Centre of Excellence in Pathology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1992) Leena Devi, T; KAU; Valsala, K V
    At the Centre of Excellence in Pathology during the period from 1989 – 1991 six hundred and eighteen ducks were subjected to detailed post – mortem examination and out of this one hundred and thirty six ducks showed hepatosis, one hundred and twenty six ducks had hepatitis and sixteen ducks had hepatic tumours. At the Government duck farm, Niranam, 14,360 ducks were examined and 46.92 per cent of ducks had hepatic lesions. However, tumours were not recorded. The possible aetiological role of aflatoxin for hepatosis and hepatic tumour was indicated. An experiment was designed taking duck as a model to assess the carcinogenic affect of genotoxic carcinogen aflatoxin and non – genotoxic carcinogen clofibrate. Aflatoxin was administered to twelve ducks at the dose rate of 0.04165 mg/kg body weight every third day for a period of six months. Hepatic tumours were recorded in four ducks out of the six ducks sacrificed on the 90th day and in all the six ducks sacrificed on the 180th day. The body weight, haemoglobin, ESR, total serum protein, albumin, globulin, serum enzymes such as AST, ALT, GGT and ALP were estimated at fortnightly intervals. Clinically there was reduction in the body weight, haemoglobin, total serum protein, albumin and globumin levels by the third month. There was significant increase in ESR, serum AST, ALT, GGT and ALP levels when compared to the control ducks. These clinical changes were attributed to hepatosis and heapatic tumours. Hepatosis characterised by moderate to severe enlargement of the liver with scattered greyish white nodules of varying sizes were the chief lesions encountered in aflatoxin fed ducks at autopsy. The tumours encountered were classified as hepatocellular carcinoma (6) and cholangiocellular carcinoma (4). The gross and histopathological features of these lesions were described in detail. Histochemically the activity of GGT and ALP was moderate to severe in the liver tumours. The sequence of histological changes seen was hapatic degeneration necrosis and tumour formation. Clofibrate was given at the dose rate of 0.05 g/kg body weight per day for six months. In these ducks the liver has a cooked appearance with few focal greyish white patches when sacrificed at the sixth month. There was significant reduction in the body weight, haemoglobin, total serum protein, albumin and globulin levels and serum cholesterol level at the third and sixth month. However, ESR, serum SGOT, SGPT, GGT and ALP showed significant increase as compared to the control ducks. These clinical parameters suggested hepatosis. Histologically there was moderate fatty change, focal disassociation of hepatocytes and biliary hyperplasia. Histochemical expression of ALP was moderate to intense in the liver and there was moderate to severe proliferation of peroxisomes. There was histological evidence of preneoplastic changes although no tumours were seen. By this investigation the high sensitivity of ducks to aflatoxin was clarified and the tumour induction potential of afiatoxin in ducks was evaluated and the nature of hepatic tumours induced and delineated. Clofibrate was demonstrated to induce hepatosis and preneoplastic changes in the hepatic tissue and the possible carcinogenic potential of clofibrate was indicated.