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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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ThesisItem Open Access Hypolipidaemic effect of allium sativum and emblica officinals in rabbits(Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1992) Mini, K P; KAU; Gopakumar, NThe study was undertaken with the objective of determining the hypolipidaemic effect of Allium sativum and Emblica officinalis in hyper lipidaemic rabbits. The different forms of the indigenous agents tried were aqueous extract of A. sativum and fruit pulp as well as aqueous extract of E. officinalis. The effects produced by the above agents were compared with that of the known hypolipidaemic drug namely, Gemfibrozil which served as the positive control drug. Thirty Newzealand white adult male rabbits were used for the study. The average body weight of the animals were 1.5 kg. They were housed in cages designed for the purpose. Each rabbit received 200 g standard rabbit’s feed per day. The experiment was conducted in two stages. The first step was to render all the rabbits hyper chloesterolaemic. In order to achieve this goal, the standard ration was supplemented daily with 100 mg cholesterol and 8 g Vanaspathi for each rabbit. The rabbits were fed on this diet continuously for 60 days when they developed hypercholesterolaemia. This was ascertained by the estimation carried out initially and every fortnightly during this period. The parameters estimated were plasma cholesterol and plasma triglyceride. The second part of the study was to evaluate the hypolipidaemic efficacy of the chosen indigenous preparations in comparison to that of Gemfibrozil. Each agent was tried on a separate group by dividing the hypercholesterolaemic rabbits into five groups of six each. Group I was kept as the control group which received no treatment. Group II was administered aqueous extract of A. sativum 10 ml (2g/kg b.wt.) orally. The animals of Group III were treated with fruit pulp of E. officinalis at a dose rate of lg/kg orally. Group IV animals received aqueous extract of E. officinalis, orally at a dose rate of I g/kg prepared in 10 ml of water. The Group V served as the positive control which received Gemfibrozil at a dose rate of 120 mg/kg orally. All the drugs were administered for a period of 75 days. The high cholesterol containing diet was continued throughout the period of study. The difference brought about by the above agents on plasma cholesterol and triglyceride of hyperlipidaemic rabbits was determined by routine estimations of the above parameters carried out every fortnightly. At the end of the period of study histopathological studies of liver and aorta were also performed in order to detect the structural changes in tissues caused by the different treatments. The control group of animals increased their plasma cholesterol and triglycerids by 76.59 and 81.36% respectively. This increase was found to be statistically significant. The liver and aorta of these animals also supported the above finding on histopathological examination. Diffused fatty changes was noticed throughout the section of liver and aorta. The hepatocytes were filled with fat and the nucleus was displaced. Lining of the wall of aorta also showed severe fatty infiltration in the control group. It was found that administration of aqueous extract of A. sativum reduced plasma cholesterol by 79.08 per cent and plasma triglycerides by 75.76 per cent within a period of 75 days. Both the reductions were highly significant. Compared to the control group, the histopathological findings of this group showed that garlic was very effective in counteracting the fatty changes induced by high cholesterol diet in rabbits. The fatty changes of liver was only of a mild degree and the fatty infiltration of aorta was also very mild. The percentage reduction obtained in the case of fruit pulp of E. officinalis was 69.74 and 78.20 with respect to cholesterol and triglycerides which was also statistically significant. Aqueous extract of E. officinalis administered to the fourth group of animals could produce a reduction in plasma cholesterol and triglyceride by 79.40 per cent and 82.80 per cent respectively. The histopathological studies conducted in the above two groups showed almost similar findings. Compared to the control group, the degree of fatty changes was only mild to moderate. Infiltration of fat into the elastic tissues of aorta was also very mild. Hence it can be suggested that E. officinalis is capable of counteracting the fatty changes in liver and aorta partially. Gemfibrozil which served as the positive control brought about a percentage reduction of 78.43 with respect to cholesterol and 81.54 per cent in the case of triglyceride, both were found to be highly significant. The above observation was well supported by the photomicrographs of liver and aorta taken from the animals of this group. Mild to moderate degree of fatty changes was noticed in the liver and aorta. Aorta did not reveal prominent changes like that of the control group due to fatty infiltration. The histopathological observation made in the case of Gemfibrozil resemble that of E. officinalis. From the results of the present study, it can be inferred that aqueous extract of A. sativum and fruit pulp as well as aqueous extract of E. officinalis are effective as hypolipidaemic agents and this finding is further asserted by the simultaneous histopathological studies carried out. Both the indigenous agents were capable of correcting the fatty changes produced by the fat containing diet to a considerable extent and garlic was found to be superior to E. officinalis in this respect. The efficacy of these agents in lowering plasma cholesterol and triglyceride was comparable to that of Gemfibrozil as shown by the statistical analysis of the results obtained. Hence these agents prove to be of value as hypolipidaemic agents in the future clinical trials that can be carried out in animals and also in human beings.ThesisItem Open Access Assessment of the antipyretic and analgesic effect of selected indigenous plants in rats(Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1992) Suresh, B; KAU; Marrykutty, PThe experiments were conducted in three different parts. In the first part of the experiment the antipyretic activity of Ocimum sanctum and Tinospora cordifolia was determined. Twenty four groups of ten albino rats each were used for the study. Pyrexia was induced by injecting 20 per cent yeast suspension subcutaneously. Benzene extract of O. sanctum was given at 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg dose levels in four different groups. A dose dependent reduction in temperature was obtained after four hours of its administration. Four hundred mg/kg dose level produced an affective lowering in the temperature than other doses used and showed the reduction in the temperature from 38. 840 C to 37. 590 C . Dose rates used for essential oil of O. sanctum were same as benzene extract. Two hundred mg/kg dose level revealed a more effective reduction in the temperature than four hundred mg/kg. A reduction of temperature was observed from 39. 370 C to 37. 960 C after four hours of its administration. Single, double and triple the doses of decoction of O. sanctum were used for antipyretic study. Compared to other doses, double the dose of decoction produced a maximum reduction in the temperature. It produced a reduction from 38. 930C to 37.490 C. Dose rate used for benzene extract of T. cordifolia were 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight. A dose depandant reduction in the temperature could be observed after four hours of its administration. Four hundred mg/kg dose level revealed as an effective dose caused a reduction from 39.010 C to 37.770 C after four hours of its administration. Single, double and triple the dose of decoction of T. cordifolia were used for assessing antipyretic activity. Double the dose of decoction was found to be more effective. And it reduced the temperature from 39.720 C to 38.140 C after four hours of its administration. In the second part of the experiment analgesic effect of benzene extract of O. sanctum and T. cordifolia were evaluated. All the dose rates of both the drugs used were compared with aspirin for a period of two hours showed no significant analgesic effect. In the third part of the experiment long term effect of essential oil of O. sanctum and benzene extract of T. cordifolia were studied. Haematological parameters were determined at an interval of 15 days. Benzene extract of O. sanctum and T. Cordifolia produced a significant charge in the erythrocyte count from 45 days onwords. At the end of the study Benzene extract of T. cordifolia treated group revealed a significant change in the leucocyte count. Both the groups showed a significant change in the haemoglobin value from days onwards. Fifteen days after the administration of the drug, both the groups showed a significant increase in the neutrophil count and decrease in the lymphocyte count. At the end of study same effect was noticed. On 61st day histopathological studies of liver were conducted. Lesions observed in both the treated groups were in general, comparable with those of control group. It was found that neither essential oil of O. sanctum nor benzene extract of T. cordifolia caused lesions in hepatic tissue in any of the experimental animals.ThesisItem Open Access Influence of buprenorphine , pentazocine and xylazine analgesia on ketamine anaesthesia in dogs(Department of Pharmacology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1989) Usha, P T A; KAU; Rajagopalan, N KThe experiments were conducted in three different parts. In the first part of the experiment the ED50 of the three drugs namely buprenorphine, pentazocine and xylazine was determined using the analgesiometer (tail flick method) in rats and tail clip method in mice. The ED50 of buprenorphine in rats and mice was 0.25 + 0.084 mg/kg and 0.9827 + 0.0751 mg/kg intraperitoneally. The ED50 of pentazocine in rats was 32.60 + 0.071 mg/kg and in mice 48.50 + 0.323 mg/kg. The ED50 of xylazine for analgesia in rats and mice was 1.424 +0.229 mg/kg and 7.523 + 0.47 mg/kg respectively. In the second part of the experiment the influence of buprenorphine, pentazocine and xylazine analgesia on ketamine anaesthesia in dogs were studied. Twenty – four animals divided into four groups (A(K), B(X-K), C(B-K) and D(P-K) were administered with ketamine (20 mg/kg), xylazine (2 mg/kg) plus ketamine (15 mg/kg), buprencrphine (0.03 mg/kg) plus ketamine (15 mg/kg) and pentazocine (2 mg/kg) plus ketamine (15 mg/kg) respectively. The sternal recumbency time, clinical signs, duration of anaesthesia, regaining of sternal recumbency time, mean standing time, total recovery time and haemogram were studied. The sternal recumbency time was minimum in xylazine administered group. Untoward reactions like salivation and rigidity of the muscles were observed in groups A(K) and D(P-K). There was significant reduction in rectal temperature in all the groups. The pulse rate was elevated in group A(K) and depressed in group B(X-K), while a transient increase followed by decrease showed in group C(B-K) and D(P-K) . Respiratory depression was observed in groups C(B-K) and D(P-K). Average duration of anaesthesia was maximum in group B(X-K) while all other groups showed almost similar durations of anaesthesia. The time for regaining of sternal recumbency was also maximum in group B(X-K), then the groups A(K), C(B-K) and D(P-K) respectively. Mean standing time was maximum in group B(X-K). The rest of the groups followed the same pattern as above. The total recovery time was maximum in group C(B-K), then group B(X-K), A(K) and D(P-K) respectively. The study of haemogram showed that, the haemoglobin, packed cell volume and erythrocyte counts decreased at 30 min. after drug administration in groups A(K) and B(X-K) while there was no significant variation in group C(B-K) and D(P-K). The group D(P-K) showed a significant reduction in leucocyte count, while there were no variations in other groups observed. In the third part of the experiment the reversal of anaesthesia using the 2 blocker yohimbine was studied. Twenty-four animals divided into four groups (E,F, G and H) were administered with the same drugs as in the second part of the experiment. Along with that yohimbine (0.25 mg/kg in group E, G and H and 2 mg/kg in group F) was administered 15 min. later. The groups E, F, G and H were designated as K-Y, X-K-Y, B-K-Y and P-K-Y respectively. Uptoward effects exhibited after yohimbine administration were salivation, panting and hyperaesthesia during recovery. Rectal temperature, pulse and respiration were increased in all the groups. The duration of anaesthesia, regaining of sternal recumbency time, mean standing time and total recovery time were significantly reduced in group F(X-K-Y), while there was no variation in the above parameters in group E(K-Y). Only the total recovery time significantly reduced in group G(B-K-Y) and prolongation of standing time and total recovery time was observed in group H(P-K-Y). The haematological changes noticed in the second part of the experiment were completely reversed by yohimbine.ThesisItem Open Access Assessment of the antifertility property of ocimum sanctum(Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1979) Girisdan, K; KAU; Jacob Cheeran, VA study was carried out in rats, to assess the antifertility property of the benzene fraction of the leaves of the plant Ocimum sanctum. Premating treatment was done in female animals at does levels of 200 and 400 mg per kilogram body weight for a duration of eight days. Male animals were subjected to the treatment at a dose level of 200 mg per kilogram body weight for 20 days . The experimental animals were allowed to mate with untreated animals of the opposite sex. Histopathological examination of the organs – pituitary, ovary, tests, liver and kidney were carried out. Results of the study suggested considerable reduction of fertility in both the sexes. This can be attributed to the impaired release of gonadotrophic hormones and the resulting improper functioning of the gonads. Administration of the extract showed no toxic effects in the treated rats as well as in their offspring.ThesisItem Open 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 NairA 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.ThesisItem Open Access Studies on the Effect of Corticosteroids, Neostigmine and Calcium in Cobra Venom (Naja naja) Intoxication(Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology,College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1975) Venugopalan, K; KAU; Nair, K P DAdministration of specific antiserum as early as possible after snake bite is of utmost importance for better chances of survival. Supportive measures are definitely capable of reducing the venom toxicity And prolonging survival period eg., if the absorption of venom from the site of bite could be delayed or retarded it will be highly beneficial to the patient. It has been shown that certain drugs are capable of decreasing capillary permeability and altering the rate of absorption of venom from the site while other agents may alleviate neurotoxicity or reduce haemotoxicity of venoms on the system. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the beneficial effect of (1) ‘Betnesol’ (Glaxo brand of betamethasone), (2) Neostigmine bromide (E Merck) and (3) Calcium gluconate – 10% (Sandoz) in experimental envenomation with cobra venom (Naja naja) in adult rats of both sexes. One LD50 cobra venom (0.097 mg per 100 g body weight – death within 8 hours) was given intramuscularly to these experimental rats and the trial drugs viz., ‘Betnesol’ (0.6, 0.8 and 1 mg per 100 g body weight), neostigmine bromide (30 mcg per 100 g body weight) and calcium gluconate (8,10 and 12 mg per 100 g body weight) were given intraperitoneally at varying intervals to evaluate the efficacy to these drugs in respect of their ability to prolong the survival period of experimentally envenomated rats. It is observed that ‘Betnesol’ at dose rate of 0.8 to 1 mg per 100 g body weight of rate when given immediately after injection of one LD50 cobra venom gave 100 percent prolongation of survival period and the degree of protection decreases when the time lag for the administration of this drug. Neostigmine bromide was found to be of not much value to counteract the neurotoxicity produced by cobra venom. Results of calcium administration were of a varying nature and require further investigation.ThesisItem Open Access Studies on the influence of chloramphenicol on thiopentone sodium anaesthesia in dogs(Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1978) Aravindakshan, C M; KAU; Zacharias, CherianA study was undertaken to find out the influence of chloramphenicol, streptomycin and kanamycin on thiopentone sodium anaesthesia in dogs. Chloramphenicaol 50 mg/kg body weight, streptomycin 10 mg/kg body weight and kanamycin 10 mg/kg body weight were administered intramuscularly at 30, 60 and 120 minutes prior to the administration of thiopentone sodium, which was given at the rate of 30 mg/kg body weight intravenously. These antibiotics (chloramphenicol, streptomycin and kanamycin) produced a slight prolongation in the surgical anaesthesia and sleeping time, induced by thiopentone sodium. Chloramphenicol showed a significant effect over the other two drugs in these respects. It was also noticed that neither thiopentone sodium nor its administration along with chloramphenicol, streptomycin and kanamycin does possess any influence on the PCV and ESR values.ThesisItem Open Access Studies on the rate of disappearance of chloramphenicol from the blood of goats and calves(Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1975) Joy, A D; KAU; Rajagopalan, M KStudies were conducted in goats and calves on the blood level of chloramphenicol at three dose levels of 10 mg, 20 mg and 30 mg per kg body weight intramuscularly. The data obtained revealed that: Single dose of 10 mg per kg body weight, failed to produce minimum therapeutic concentration (5 mcg/ml) of the drug in blood of both goats and calves. At 20 mg per kg body weight, the minimum therapeutic concentration persisted between second and seventh hour in goats, and second and seventeenth hour in calves. At 30 mg per kg body, weight, the minimum therapeutic concentration maintained between second and eleventh hour in goats and second and nineteenth hour in calves. Peak concentrations of the drug were obtained both in goats and calves between second and third hour after the administration of chloramphenicol. The drug concentration was higher in urine than in blood and minimum therapeutic concentration was found to persist for 24 hours in all the three doses. In a limited attempt made to study the toxicity of chloramphenicol in calves, 100 mg per kg body weight, administered daily, intravenously for 30 days, did not produce acute toxicity. Transient “shock like” symptoms were noticed soon after injection and persisted for 10 to 15 minutes. No alternations in blood constituents could be detected for the 30 days duration.ThesisItem Open Access Assessment of Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT ) residues in cattle of floor area(Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2003) Deepa, A K; KAU; Usha, P T AA study was conducted to assess the impact of environmental pollution with DDT in cattle of Eloor industrial belt. Hindustan Insecticides Limited (HIL) is the major pesticide manufacturing factory of the region producing pesticides like ODT. Hence Eloor was selected as the study area. Environmental samples like sludge, water and fodder, biological samples like blood, urine, dung and milk were collected from the cattle of Eloor area. Whole blood and serum samples were collected for haematology and serum biochemistry respectively. The collected samples were analysed for ODT residues in the gas liquid chromatograph (GLC). The values obtained were compared statistically with the samples collected from University Livestock Farm, Mannuthy. Higher levels of DOT residues were obtained from the environmental and biological samples from Eloor than the corresponding samples from Mannuthy. The mean levels of total 'nOT in environmental samples of Eloor were 1.463 ± 0.555 ppm (fodder), 0.00255 ± 0.00002 ppm (water) and 35.157 ± 0.198 ppm (sludge). Biological samples from Eloor contained mean total ODT of 0.201 ± 0.123 ppm (serum), 0.023 ± 0.006 (urine), 0.910 ± 0.689 ppm (dung) and 0.058 ± 0.019 ppm (milk). Environmental samples from Mannuthy contained mean total DDT of 0.062 ± 0.021 ppm, 0.011 ± 0.006 ppm, 0.000085 ± 0.00007 ppm in fodder, sludge and water respectively. Serum, urine and dung from cattle of Mannuthy contained mean total DOT of 0.252 ± 0.145 ppm, 0.030 ± 0.003 ppm and 0.026 ± 0.017 ppm respectively. No DOT residues were detected in the milk samples from Mannuthy. The haematological values from Eloor cattle remained within the normal range except differential leucocyte count which exhibited marked neutropenia and eosinophilia. Values of total protein and albumin were normal in both groups of animals. Serum enzymes like alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase were significantly different fr~m Mannuthy sample but were within the normal range. It can be inferred that the DDT residues present in the field and biological samples were not high enough to cause toxicity in cattle. Variation in the haematological and biochemical parameters may be due to the presence of other environmental pollutants along with DDT in the discharged industrial effluents.