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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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2000 - 20015
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Subject: Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology × End date: 2001 × Start date: 2000 × Thesis Type: M.V.Sc. ×
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Assesment of cadmium toxicity in cattle of Eloor industrial area
    (Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology,College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2001) Nisha, A R; KAU; Chandrasekharan, A M Nair
    A study was undertaken to assess impact of environmental pollution with cadmium in cattle of Eloor industrial belt. Areas around Fertilizers and Chemicals Travancore (FACT), India, Aluminium Company (INDAL), Binani Zinc and Hindustan Insecticides Limited (HIL) were selected for the study. As the first step, retrospective analysis of case sheets was done in Eloor and Muppathadam Veterinary hospitals. In Eloor veterinary hospital out of the 1503 case sheets examined 851 digestive disorders, 126 repeat breeders, 75 respiratory diseases and 41 deficiency diseases were observed. Out of 5920 case sheets analysed in Muppathadam veterinary hospital 3348 digestive disorders, 1284 repeat breeders 398 respiratory diseases and 433 deficiency diseases were observed. Disease conditions like digestive disorders, deficiency diseases and repeat breeders are suggestive of cadmium toxicity. The field samples like water and forages, biological samples like blood, serum, urine dung and milk were collected from cattle in the industrial field localities. The cadmium content in this field and biological sample were estimated by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Animals kept in the University Livestock Farm, Mannuthy were taken as controls. Field samples like water and fodder were also collected from area around University Livestock Farm, Mannuthy. The cadmium content of water from Alupuram, Binanipuram, Eloor south, Eloor north ranges from 0.03 – 0.04 ppm. These were significantly higher than controls (0.01 ppm). The cadmium content of fodder from Alupuram, Binanipuram, Eloor south, Eloor north ranges from 2.60 – 6.53. These were also significantly higher than controls (0.65 ppm). The cadmium level of blood, serum, milk, urine and dung from cattle of Alupuram, Binanipuram, Eloor south and Eloor north were significantly higher than controls. Haematologocal values like total erythrocyte count, haemoglobin and packed cell volume showed significant decrease in catle of test areas than controls. Other haematologic values like differential leucocyte count, total leucocyte count, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration did not show any significant changes. Total serum protein and albumin values from cattle of Alupuram, Binanipuram, Eloor south and Eloor north were significantly lower than control values. Serum enzymes like aspartate amino transferase, alamine amino transferase and alkaline phosphatase levels were higher in cattle from test areas than controls. It can be concluded that field and biological samples collected from the vicinities around Fertilizers and Chemicals, Travancore (FACT), Binani Zinc and Indian Aluminium Company (INDAL) are contaminated with cadmium.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Tranquilizing property of Clitoria ternatea Linn. (Shankupushpam), Acorus calamus Linn.(Vayampu) and Vitex leucoxylon Linn.(Atta nocchi) in rats
    (Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2001) Suresh N, Nair; KAU; Venugopalan, K
    The study was conducted in sixty four adult albino rats of either sex to assess tranquillizing property of alcoholic extract of whole plant of Clitoria ternatea, roots and rhizomes of Acorus calamus and leaves of Vitex leucoxylon at two dose levels of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of body weight and compare the effect to the standard tranquillizer chlorpromazine at dose rate of 7 mg/kg. The control group was given gum acacia. The dose levels of these drugs were as follows Plants Amount of Extract (mg/kg) Clitoria ternatea 250(0 I) 500(02) Acorus calamus 250(03) 500(04) Vi/ex leucoxylon 250(05) 500(06) Chlorpromazine 7(07) Control (gum acacia) 7mllkg(08) Level of tranquillization was measured using three parameters (l) depression of spontaneous motor activity, measured using actaphotometer (2) depression of forced locomotor activity measured by decrease in time of permanence in a rota-rod and (3) decrease in aggressive behaviour, measured by aggressive behaviour test score. Haematological parameters like total erythrocytic count, total leucocytic count, differential leucocytic count and haemoglobin percentage were determined to assess any change in haemogram by these drugs. The results of present study were as follows. Clitoria ternatea possess maximum tranquillizing property among the three. At 250 mg/kg it produced significant depression of spontaneous motor activity and forced locomotor activity than control but less than the standard drug. At 500 mg/kg it produced almost similar effect, as standard at certain time intervals but altogether the effect was less than the standard. Aggressive behaviour was also reduced at both dose rates. Clitoria ternatea at 500 mg/kg was more effective than Clitoria ternatea 250 mg/kg. Acorus calamus follows Clitoria lernatea in producing tranquillization. At 250 mg/kg as well as 500 mg/kg dose rates it produced significant depression of spontaneous motor activity, forced locomotor activity and aggressive behaviour. Acorus calamus at 500 mg/kg was more effective than Acorus calamus 250 mg/kg . Vitex leucoxylon possess least effect among the three in producing tranquillization. But at 250 mg/kg as well as 500 mg/kg dose rates it produced significant depression of spontaneous motor activity, forced locomotor activity and aggressive behaviour. Vitex leucoxylon at 500 mg/kg was more effective than Vitex leucoxylon 250 mg/kg. Haematological studies revealed no significant change in haemogram by any of the plant drugs. The exact mechanism of tranquillization by these plants and their possible toxicities needs further detailed study
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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.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Dicofol toxicity in rats
    (Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2001) Padmaraj, P K; KAU; Venugopalan, K
    An experiment was conducted to assess the toxicity of dicofol in rats. A group of ninety adult rats weighing 150-200g of either sex were included in five groups as the control groups consisting of 10 rats of either sex and the experimental groups consisting of 20 rats of either sex, in each group. Dicofol was administered orally, once daily for three months to the experimental Groups Il, III and IV at the dose rate of 50 mg/kg, 75 mg/kg and 100mg/kg respectively. Group V was sprayed 0.1 per cent dicofol, once daily for three months. The main items of observation included clinical symptoms of dicofol toxicity and assessment of body weight. The clinical signs were evident in the experimental groups. Dicofol caused skin irritation when applied externally. The percentage of mortality was 5-10 in the experimental groups. The rats of experimental gro~ps showed a marked loss of appetite which resulted in decrease in body weight. The detection of dicofol by thin layer chromatography in liver, heart and kidney tissues showed their presence in these organs. This indicated the toxicity of dicofol to these organs. Necropsy study conducted revealed both gross and microscopic lesions in the tissues of liver, heart and kidney. The haematological parameters showed no variation in values from that of the normal. The study revealed a note of caution to the wide . spread use of dicofol as insecticide.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Fluorine toxicity and its effect on cattle in Eloor industrial area
    (Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2000) Senthil Kumar, P; KAU; Aravindakashan, C M
    The objective of the present study was to assess the extent of environmental pollution with fluorine by industrial effluents on health of cattle in Eloor industrial area. A field investigation was carried out in the vicinity of Indian Aluminium Company (INDAL) situated at Alupuram and . Fertilizers And Chemicals Travancore (FACT) situated at Eloor centre and Eloor north. Hence, Alupuram, Eloor centre and Eloor north were selected to conduct the study. Retrospective analysis of case sheets in the Eloor Veterinary Hospital and clinical examination of cattle in the study area was carried out. In the analysis of 1513 case sheets, 108 dental abnormalities, 193 lameness, 207 debility, 254 reproductive disorders, 296 gastro-intestinal problems and 72 hypocalcaemia were recorded. In the clinical examination, affected animals exhibited lameness, reluctance to move, palpable bony exostosis, dental lesions and debility. Reduced milk yield, higher incidence of infertility, diarrhoea and cud-dropping were the major complaints by the farmers. On the basis of clinical examination and case sheet analysis, a tentative diagnosis of fluoride toxicity was made. The field samples namely water, surface sludge and forage were collected from the study area and analysed for fluorine content by IOn specific potentiometry usmg m icroprocessor ionalyser/90 1. The biological samples VIZ., blood, milk and urme were collected from the randomly selected thirty cattle aged three years and above in the study area and fluorine content was estimated using microprocessor ionalyser/90 I. Blood samples were also collected to study haematology and serum biochemistry. Bone samples were collected from the local slaughterhouse at Alupuram. Blood, urine and milk samples were collected from the randomly selected ten healthy cattle aged three years and above from University Livestock Farm (ULF), Mannuthy as control. Bone samples were collected from the slaughtered animals at Meat "' Technology Unit, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy and fluorine was estimated. Fodder, soil and water samples were collected from University Livestock Farm for fluorine estimation. Fluoride tOXICIty was confirmed by estimati ng the fluoride levels in the serum, plasma, urine and milk of cattle in the study area. The fluoride levels (ppm) in plasma, urine, milk were 1.247 +0.123, 35.477 +5.35 and 0.496 +0.041 for the cattle of Alupuram, 1.021 +0.051, 28.200 +3.314 and 0.427 +0.032 for the cattle of Eloor centre and 0.910 +0.054, 26.529 +1.402 and 0.413 +0.054 for the cattle of Eloor north respectively. The concentration (ppm) in plasma, urine and milk was significantly higher (P<0.01) compared to control animals, which was 0.108 +0.016, 5.031 +0.576 and 0.076 +0.006 respectively. Significantly higher (P~ in bone samples collected from" local slaughterhouse, which was 3523.057 + 591.885, compared to 420.393 + 62.225 for control samples. Samples of water, sludge and forage collected from the study area showed significantly higher (Pcontrol samples. The values (ppm) for the forage, sludge and water samples were higher in the area of Alupuram (302.507 +38.968, 212.746 +24.176 and 1.328 +0.294 respectively), Eloor centre (251.700 +23.113,101.737 +9.724 and 0.871 +0.060 respectively) and Eloor north (228.249 +29'.017, 65.524 +15.276 and 0.834 +0.053 respectively) than the control (3.832 +0,158, 2,577 +0.053 and 0,094 +0.003 respectively). From the haemogram, it was observed that the total erythrocyte count, haemoglobin concentration and packed cell volume showed significant decrease in the cattle of affected area. Differential leucocyte count showed eosinophilia, neutrophilia, lymphocytopenia and monocytopenia. Serum biochemical study revealed significant decrease in serum calcium and total protein, and significant increase in serum alkaline phosphatase 'and inorganic phosphorus in the affected animals. It can be concluded from the present study that aluminium smelter (INDAL) and fertilizer unit (FACT) are involved in the environmental contamination with fluorine in the Alupuram, Eloor centre and Eloor north and causes incidence of fluorosis in cattle.