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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 Pharmacology and Toxicology × Author: KAU × Author: Thirunavukkarasu, A × End date: 2000 × Start date: 1990 × Type: Thesis ×
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Assessment of mercury toxicity in cattle of Eloor industrial area
    (Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2000) Thirunavukkarasu, A; KAU; Gopakumar, N
    A detailed study was conducted to assess the extent of mercury toxicity in cattle of Eloor industrial area. An initial ward-wise survey of cattle population and interview with farmers to hear the problems faced by them in raising cattle at Eloor industrial belt were carried out. It was learnt that a total of about 216 cattle were present and they experienced frequent gastrointestinal disorders and reproductive disorders along with bone and joint related problems. A detailed case sheet study for the past five years duration confirmed the same. Eloor industrial belt was divided into Eloor East, North and South for the study purpose. Field samples like sludges, water and fodders and Biological samples like blood, dung, urine and milk of cattle in the study area were collected. The collected samples were analysed for mercury level in the laboratory, and compared statistically with those of the control samples collected from University Livestock Farm (ULF), Mannuthy. Higher mercury levels were found in all the field and biological samples. Fodders were suspected to be the main source of mercury to cattle. The higher but nontoxic level of mercury in the samples could only produce sub chronic level of toxicity with no definite toxicity symptoms. Mercury levels within the Eloor East, North and South showed no significant difference. Further .haematological parameters, serum protein Jevels, creatinine and BUN levels remained within normal limits with slight changes. The serum enzyme levels of Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Aspartate Amino Transferase (ASAT), Alanine Amino Transferase (ALAT) and urine Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) levels showed increased levels but the levels were within normal range. These observations ruled out the absence of severe nephrotoxicity with the present levels of mercury. Urine analysis showed no casts or crystals in them, again confirming the absence of any severe nephrosis in cattle of Eloor area. But higher than normal mercury levels in all samples may be looked with caution because of its persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic nature.