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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 Effect of induced stress and antistress agents on the physiological parameters in broiler chicken(Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2003) Srinivas Reddy, Bellur; KAU; Philomina, P TIn modern poultry production system various factors namely floor space reduction, feed and water restriction, high environmental temperature, vaccination, medication, debeaking etc. have the potential to induce stress in poultry which results in poor performance as well as reduction in immune response as the nutrients normally utilized for growth and production are diverted to counteract the stress and survival. The study was undertaken with the objective of evaluating the influence of induced stress and anti stress agents (dietary ascorbic acid and Zeetress®) on various physiological, biochemical and production parameters in broiler chicken. Fifty six numbers of day old broiler chicks (Vencob) procured from a commercial hatchery were reared in battery cages under the standard managemental conditions upto four weeks of age. Then they were randomly selected and divided into seven groups (G-I to G- VII) with eight birds per group. The birds in different groups were as follows: G-I as the control, G-II as floor space reduced group (33%), G-III as floor space reduced group supplemented with Zeetress® @ 0.01%, G-IV as floor space reduced group supplemented with ascorbic acid @ 0.02%, G- V as 30% feed restriction, G- VI as 30% feed restriction with dietary supplementation of Zeetress® @ 0.0 I % and G- VII as 30% feed restriction with dietary supplementation of ascorbic acid @ 0.02%. The birds were maintained in battery cages under standard managemental conditions on broiler ration with the exception of floor space reduction, feed restriction and incorporation of dietary anti stress agents. Production parameters such as weekly weight gain and feed efficiency were analyzed on weekly basis. Blood was collected with suitable anticoagulants, initially at fourth and then at sixth and eighth week of age. Whole blood was utilized for analysis of haematological parameters, heterophil: lyrnphocyte (H:L) ratio and mitogen induced lymphocyte proliferation test. Plasma was utilized for biochemical analyses i.e. for protein profile, lipid profile and estimation of glucose, uric acid and cortisol. The data were statistically analysed by appropriate tests. The birds of G- V group showed significantly lower values of TEC, Hb, VPRC and TLC at sixth and eight week of age. The dietary supplementation of Zeetress® and ascorbic acid in floor space reduced groups feed restricted groups did not show any significant influence on the values of TEC, Hb, VPRC, ESR, TLC when compared to the birds of respective stress induced groups G-II and G- V. The birds of stress induced groups G-II and G- V had lower lymphocyte count and higher heterophil and basophil count, higher H:L ratio and suppressed mitogen induced lyrnphocyte proliferation (probably due to a rise in level of plasma corticosteroids as a result of stress response) when compared to birds of G-J group, both at sixth and eighth week of age. Dietary supplementation of Zeetress® and ascorbic acid in floor space reduced groups and feed restricted groups elevated the lymphocyte counts, suppressed heterophil and" basophil counts, H:L ratio and considerably improved the mitogen induced lymphoblastogenic response both at sixth and eighth week of age. In the present study the birds of G-II and G- V group had no significant variation in plasma protein profile and glucose levels but had increased plasma concentration of ortisol (probably due to stress induced adrenal hyper activity) and decreased uric acid, when compared to birds of control group G-I, both at sixth and eighth week of age. Dietary Zeetress® and ascorbic acid supplementation in floor space reduced groups and feed restricted groups showed a lower plasma concentration of cortisol both at sixth and eighth week of age, and significantly increased uric acid at eighth week of age. Dietary supplementation of Zeetress® and ascorbic acid in floor space reduced groups decreased plasma concentration of cholesterol both at sixth and eighth week of age and total lipids at sixth week of age. In birds of feed restricted G- V group plasma concentration of cholesterol, triglycerides and total lipids were lower both at sixth and eighth week of age when compared to birds of control group G-I. The dietary supplementation of Zeetress® and ascorbic acid in feed restricted groups had no significant influence on plasma concentration of cholesterol both at sixth and eighth week of age. However, there was an increased concentration of triglycerides both at sixth and eighth week of age with significant increase in total lipids at eighth week of age, when compared to birds of G- V group. There was no significant variation In body weight and weight gain of birds in all floor space reduced groups compared to birds of control group (G-I) at all weeks of age with the exception of lower weight gain in G-IJI and G-IV when compared to G-II at eighth week of age. The body weight and weight gain in the birds of all feed restricted groups were lower when compared to birds of control group (0-1), at all weeks of age. A perusal of the overall feed efficiency from 5 to 8 weeks of age revealed that the birds of 0- VI group supplemented with Zeetress® recorded a superior FE (2.22) whereas an inferior value of 2.59 was noted in 0- V group without any dietary antistress agent. The control group recorded a FE of 2.29. Zeetress® supplementation improved overall FE in feed restricted group (0- VI). On the other hand this advantage was not observed in floor space reduced group (O-IlI). Dietary ascorbic acid improved overall FE only in case of feed restricted group 0- VII when compared to that of 0- V group. However, in floor space reduced group (O-IV), ascorbic acid supplementation could not improve the FE. The observations of the present study revealed that both feed restriction and floor space reduction resulted in some sort of chronic stress which led to variation in haematological and biochemical parameters, and impaired growth (in feed restricted groups). Analysis of TLC, OLC, mitogen induced Iymphocyte blastogenic response and plasma cortisol values indicated that there was a marked level of immunosuppression in the stressed birds. The magnitude of variation in most of these parameters was higher at sixth week of age when compared to that of eighth week values indicating some sort of habituation/ adaptation occurred upon chronic stress in the broiler chicken. The antistress agents - Zeetress® and ascorbic acid were equally effective in reversal of stress induced alterations in haematological, biochemical and production parameters.ThesisItem Open Access Evaluation of certain metabolic and haematological parameters in crossbred calves fed with rumen undegradable soyabean meal(Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2002) Yuvaraj, N; KAU; Ramnath, VProtecting ruminal feed proteins by formaldehyde treatment decreased their solubility and degradation in the rumen, eventually resulted in an increased availability of post-rumina I amino acids and this could be exploited for enhancing the growth rate of young ruminants as crossbred calves. Post natal growth in ruminants is chiefly in'fluenced by the metabolic hormones, whose secretions are, in turn, regulated by the circulating levels of critical amino acids. Hence, the objective of the present study was to determine and correlate the levels of certain metabolic hormones and other related haematological cum biochemical parameters in growing crossbred calves, fed with concentrate ration supplemented with untreated and formaldehyde treated soyabean meal. Twelve numbers of female crossbred calves of six months of age of the University Livestock Farm, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, were divided into two groups, viz., Group I and Group IT, with six calves in each group. One third of the quantity of concentrate ration to be given to each animal was replaced by raw soyabean meal (solvent extracted) in animals of Group I and 1 % formaldehyde treated soyabean meal in animals of Group Il, during the experimental period of 90 days (180 to 270 d of age). Drinking water and roughage were provided ad libitum. All the animals were maintained under standard managemental conditions. Fortnightly body weight of all the animals were recorded during the entire period of study. Blood samples were collected from all animals of both groups at the initial phase of experiment (180 d), thereafter on every 14 days as well as one month after the end of the experiment (300 d). The blood samples were analysed for blood glucose level (BGL) and haematological parameters like haemoglobin content, total erythrocyte count and total leucocyte count, volume of packed red blood corpuscles and erythrocytic indices using standard procedures. The serum was subjected for the estimation of biochemical parameters such as concentrations of total protein, albumin, globulin, total lipids, cholesterol, triglycerides, non-esterified fatty acids (NEF A), urea nitrogen, creatinine and bilirubin employing commercial kits. Hormonal traits like thyroxine (T 4), triiodothyronine (T 3) and insulin were also evaluated using radioimmuno assays. On analysing the proximate principles of various concentrates, it was found that both the groups received increased dietary protein intake and particularly animals of Group Il, through protected proteins. Animals of Group Il recorded a higher daily weight gain of 352.731 g/animal/day in comparison to 327.460 g/animal/day of animals of Group 1. The haematological parameters screened revealed a persistently increasing trend, with non-significant differences between groups. This upstream trend may be associated with an increased body weight gain of the animals and hence, with an increased requirement. Serum concentrations of total protein and albumin pursued an increasing trend in both groups with non- significant differences between them. This signified the elevated protein status of the animals with positive nitrogen balance. Moreover, there appears to be a direct correlation between albumin turn-over and body size (Kaneko et al., 1997). Serum globulin concentration revealed fluctuating yet an increasing trend in calves of both groups, suggesting an increased hepatic synthesis of a and ~ portions of globulins. A continuous upstream trend was evident in serum totallipids, cholesterol content and triglycerides concentration of calves of both the groups during the trial period, indicating an increased requirement of these constituents as membrane constituents and as energy reserve, for the build up of body size and weight. Increased insulin release stimulated by increased availability of post ruminal amino acids would have favoured an increased triglycerides synthesis. Decreasing trend in serum NEF A status of both the groups signified the reduced lipolysis for energy purpose with increased dietary protein intake. Blood glucose lev'el of calves of both groups revealed a pertinent increasing trend, elaborating the increased energy demands for the enhanced growth process. An increasing trend in serum urea nitrogen concentrations observed in calves of both the groups might be due to deamination and conversion into urea of excess protein in calves of both groups fed over and above the actual requirement. Serum levels of creatinine and bilirubin in both groups of animals showed a decreasing trend which may be attributed to the fine balance in their level by increased protein supplementation. Serum concentrations of hormones as T4, T3 and insulin exhibited an increasing trend in calves of both the groups. Increasing trend in insulin concentration demonstrated a positive relationship between amino acid absorption and insulin release and might have promoted protein anabolism resulting in an increased body size with positive nitrogen balance. The increased metabolic demand for oxygen associated with the increased body size might have resulted in an increased synthesis and release of thyroid hormones, with significant (pdifferences between groups. The fluctuating T4:T3 ratios in both the groups correspond~d to the episodic release of the hormones. Results of the present study substantiate that increased dietary proteins had brought about elevated protein anabolism and associated haematological, biochemical and hormonal changes in growing crossbred calves offered with concentrate ration supplemented with rumen protected soyabean meal and this was certainly having an advantage in the crossbred calves, over the calves provided with increased rumen degradable proteins. Since protein supplements . are generally the most expensive ingredients in ruminant rations, thus there is an interest in maximizing their utilization.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of blue green alga (Spirulina platensis) on haematological, biochemical and fertility parameters of egg type male chicken(Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2003) Sethu Nair, C; KAU; Girish Varma, GEnhancement of total production without compromising aspects of wholesomeness and subject Iconsumer lenvironmental safety of the produce forms the new challenge of Indian poultry industry. Since nutrition is the single largest external factor affecting performance of the stock and accounting lion share of the input cost, nutritional manipulations have widely been used to take up this challenge. Especially in the wake of set backs from potential residual hazards of anabolic steroids used as growth promoting feed additives, use of certain blue green algae as dietary supplement offers more innocuous organic alternatives, for being safe to the subject, consumers and environment. Owing to their success in human health with anabolic and therapeutic effects cyanobacteria, the blue green algae, are being tried in livestock/poultry production as well. Spirulina is rich in protein, vitamins and provitamins such as carotenoids, and minerals. Protein from spirulina is believed to be highly digestible due to the lack of a cell wall; it contains 18 amino acids, major ones being lysine, arginine, threonine, methionine and phenylalanine. High levels of arginine is normally believed to be insulinogenic, indirectly through stimulation of growth hormone secretion The present study forms part of an exploration of growth promoting and fertility augmenting aspects of one of the popular species of blue green algae, Spirulina platensis, envisaging evaluation of its influence on haematological, biochemical and fertility parameters of Austra-white male chicken, when used as a dietary supplement. Thirty-two numbers of eight-week-old Austra-white male chickens were reared under standard management conditions in battery cages in Department of Physiology, College Of Veterinary and Animal Sciences. The birds were selected randomly and divided into two groups, G I (control) and G 11 (spirulina supplemented) comprising of sixteen birds in each. Birds of group G I were solely fed with standard layer rution und formed lhe controls in the experiment while birds of G 1I group were fed layer ration with dietary supplementation of Spirulina platensis at the level of 2.5% of feed. Both rations were made isocaloric and isonitrogenous. Feed and water were provided to birds ad libitum. Body weight of the birds was taken at monthly intervals from initial period (eight week of age) to thirty-two weeks of age. Blood was collected at monthly intervals from third to eighth months of age. Estimation of haematological parameters comprised total erythrocyte count (TEC), haemoglobin content (Hb), volume of packed red cells (VPRC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and total leukocyte count (TLC). Erythrocytic indices were calculated from the estimated values of TEC, Hb and VPRC. Biochemical profile of plasma included estimation of total protein, albumin, globulin, albumin globulin (A: G) ratio (protein profile), cholesterol, triglycerides, total lipids (lipid profile), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and bilirubin at monthly intervals from third to eighth month. Plasma antioxidant status was assessed by estimating catalase enzyme activity and lipid peroxidation level. Semen was collected at twenty- fourth, twenty-eighth and thirty-second weeks of age. Semen evaluation was done by observing the motility, mass activity, semen volume, methylene blue reduction time (MBRT), percentage of live sperms (differential staining and hypo osmolarity swelling) and heat and cold shock resistance tests in the collected semen samples. Birds were sacrificed at thirty-two weeks of age and the relative organ weight of liver,' spleen, pancreas and testes was estimated. Lipid peroxidation level of homogenized samples of liver, spleen, pancreas and testes were also estimated. The data were statistically analysed using appropriate tests. Body weight of birds fed with spirulina (G II group) was significantly higher when compared to control (G I group). Relative organ weight also showed a significantly higher relative weight for spleen, pancreas and testes. The birds of G II group tSpirulina platensis- fed) showed a significantly higher values of TEC, Hb concentration, VPRC and TLC compared to control (G I group) birds. The value of ESR was significantly lower for the spirulina fed group. Plasma protein profile indicated a significant higher concentration of total protein, albumin and globulin levels in spirulina-fed group. Plasma lipid profile had a low total lipid and cholesterol level in spirulina fed birds of G II group when compared to the controls in G I group. However, the triglyceride levels was significantly higher for spirulina fed birds (G II group). Plasma concentrations of BUN and bilirubin were also significantly higher for G 11 group. The results indicated a strong haematopoietic effect of spirulina and its usefulness as a protein rich nutritional supplement for poultry. Plasma antioxidant activity was significantly higher for G II group in the sense that the spirulina fed group showed an increased blood catalase activity and a decreased plasma lipid peroxidation levels. Estimation of peroxidation level in homogenised samples of liver and testes also had a significantly lower peroxidation level in birds of G 11 group. Results underlined the strong antioxidant capacity of spirulina. Semen evaluation studies revealed a significantly higher semen volume, motility, and percentage of live sperms in semen samples from birds of G II group (spirulina fed) when compared to G I group. Semen samples from G II group also showed a significantly lower methylene blue reduction time compared to G I group. Heat and cold shock resistance test failed to show any significant difference between the two groups. Results indicated the fertility augmenting property of spirulina. The present study is consistent with earlier reports of growth promoting and erythropoietic effects of spirulina. Free radical scavenging effect of this species of alga has caused a marked increase in the antioxidant status of the subjects, congruent with earlier findings. Additionally, this is the first publication to report indications of a fertility augmenting effect of this alga in male birds. However, confirmation of the latter effect needs further investigation, preferably with insemination studies.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of gooseberry (Emblica officinalis) and Indian gall nut (Terminalia chebula) on the immune response in cockerels under induced heat and cold stress(Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2006) Mejo, K R; Ramnath, VThe study was conducted with an objective of finding the physiological and immunological variations that could be brought about with heat /cold stress in cockerels and the role of Gooseberry (GB) and Indian gallnut (IGN) supplementation as an antistress. Gramapriya cockerels of 1kg bw (3-4 months) were subjected to heat (40 ±1o C and relative humidity (RH) 60-70 percent) and cold stress (8 ±1o C and RH 40-50 per cent) each for 4h/day in a controlled environmental chamber (floor space 875 cm2 /bird) for a maximum of 10 days and the controls were reared randomly under ambient temperature of 30±1o C and RH 65 percent. GB+IGN supplementation was done @ 2.0 g/kg for 20 days (prior to and during the period of heat/cold stress). To a certain extend alternations in haematological parameters such as haemoglobin, packed cell volume, H/L ratio, biochemical parameters such as serum total protein, albumin, globulin, C-reactive protein, electrolytes like sodium and potassium, enzymes like lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase, cortisol, triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) could be reversed by GB+IGN supplementation during heat stress. In the present study, the haemagglutinin (HA), hemolysin (HL), IgG and IgM titres and the spleenic antibody forming cells (plaque forming cells) and rosette forming cells (RFC) against known antigen were studied. The results indicated that GB+IGN supplementation not only maintained the preformed antibody titre but also improved the humoral immune response against a challenged antigen during the period of heat stress. In the present study, it was found that during cold stress, the GB+IGN supplementation could bring about an early tendency to restore the normal homeostasis of haematological, biochemical, and hormonal parameters. Cold stress resulted in a low profile of humoral immune response indicated by low anti-SRBC haemolysin (HA), Haemolysin (HL), IgG and IgM titres in untreated, CST cockerels when compared to GB+IGN treated counterparts, which showed better tires during cold stress. Similarly, treated cockerels exhibited more spleenic cells that produce antibodies against rat red blood cells. Thus, the immunopotentiative property of GB+IGN was reconfirmed and that the drug supplementation stimulated the humoral arm of immunity in cold stressed cockerels. Results of the present study indicated that combined supplementation of GB+IGN @ 2.0 g/kg bw in poultry could augment the humoral response during heat and cold stressThesisItem Open Access Cell mediated immune response in cockerels under temperature stress(Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2008) Savitha, M K; KAU; Ramnath, VA study was conducted with the objective of finding the variations in the cell mediated immunological responses induced by heat / cold stress in cockerels and the role of brahma rasayana (BR) supplementation as an immunopotentiative agent. A total of 144 Gramapriya cockerels having 1 kg bw (4 months) were subjected to heat (40 ± 10C and relative humidity (RH) 80 ± 5 per cent) and cold (4 ±10C and RH 45 ± 5 per cent ) each for 4 consecutive hours per day for 10 days in a controlled environmental chamber (floor space 875 cm2 / bird). Control groups were reared randomly under ambient temperature of 30 ± 10C and RH 65 per cent. The dietary inclusion of BR was done @ 2.0 g/kg bw for 20 days (10 days prior to and during the period of heat / cold stress). To certain extend the heat stress induced hyperthermia in birds. Heat stress was positively correlated with the plasma corticosterone level in untreated cockerels, whereas exposure to cold and BR treatment resulted in lowered plasma corticosterone concentration. The phagocytic potential and migratory capability of peritoneal macrophages was found to be enhanced in both heat / cold stress, which were further enhanced by BR supplementation, while the cytotoxicity against L929 cells was decreased in heat / cold stressed cockerels, which were reversed by BR supplementation. It was noticed that the cutaneous delayed hypersensitivity response in heat / cold stressed untreated cockerels at 24 / 48 h post PHA inoculation got increased by BR supplementation. Similarly, the leucocyte migration inhibition index which was decreased in temperature stress could be reversed by BR treatment. Administration of BR was found to enhance the proliferation of splenocytes in response to mitogens like PHA and Con A in both heat / cold stress. The mitogenic response of PHA was dose dependent, while that of Con A was not dose specific. The natural killer cell activity was found decreased by heat / cold stress and enhanced with the supplementation of BR, earlier lysis of target K562 cells were achieved by effector cells. The antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity was enhanced in heat / cold stressed cockerels administered with BR on the ninth day, when compared to their untreated counterparts, which was measured from the percentage SRBC lysis. An earlier antibody dependent complement mediated cytotoxicity was observed on 5th day of the experiment, while the BR supplementation could augment the tumoricidal property through ACC in heat / cold stressed and non-stressed cockerels. The cockerels under induced heat stress exhibited much diminished cell mediated immune profile when compared to cold stressed and non-stressed birds. In general, most of the immune parameters screened in cockerels under induced cold stress were found to be in par with non-stressed BR treated group. This indicated that there was not much alteration in the immune status of cockerels during cold exposure. Results of the present study also indicated that the dietary supplementation of BR @ 2.0 g/kg bw in poultry could potentiate the immunological insult inflicted by heat stress.ThesisItem Open Access Physiological evaluation of dietary supplementation of steroid hormones and alpha-tocopherol in broiler chicken(Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2007) Cyel, V Yohannan; KAU; Philomina, P TThirty two, day old broiler chicks of Vencob strain were divided into four groups containing eight chicks in each group as G-I (control), G-II, G-III, and G-IV (treatments) and reared under identical management conditions for a period of four weeks with standard broiler ration as per BIS (1992). From fourth to eighth week of age, birds of group G-I (control) fed with Standard broiler finisher ration, G-II fed with Standard broiler finisher ration + Ethinylestradiol and Levanorgestrel incorporated @ 66.3 mg & 331.5 mg respectively per 100 kg of feed, G-III fed with Standard broiler finisher ration + dl-α-tocopherol @ 25 g per 100 kg of feed and G-IV fed with Standard broiler finisher ration + dl-α-tocopherol @ 25 g and a combination of Ethinylestradiol and Levanorgestrel @ 66.3 mg & 331.5 mg respectively per 100 kg of feed. Birds were regularly monitored for clinical health status, feed intake and individual weight (weekly intervals). Blood samples (5 ml each) were collected with and without anticoagulant at fortnightly intervals from fourth week to the end of experiment and analysed hematological parameters, plasma protein profile, lipid profile, enzymatic activity such as gama glutamyltransferase (GGT), aspartate aminotransferase(AST), superoxide desmutase (SOD), catalase and lipid peroxidation and serum concentration of calcium, phosphorus, copper and iron were also analysed. Histomorphology of liver adrenal and breast muscles were conducted. Liver and breast muscles were analysed for enzymes as GGT, tissue peroxidation, and crude protein and ether extract. Data were analysed statistically with appropriate tools. Results obtained showed that dietary supplementation of ethinylestradiol+levanorgestrel and dl-α-tocopherol failed to elicit any noticeable influence on the growth and feed efficiency and mineral status (serum calcium, phosphorous, copper and iron levels) in the experimental birds. Ethinylestradiol+levanorgestrel supplementation significantly lowered (P<0.05) total erythrocyte count (TEC), haemoglobin (Hb) and volume of packed red cells (VPRC). Ethinylestradiol+levanorgestrel supplementation significantly (P<0.05) lowered the plasma concentration of total lipids, total cholesterol and LDL (birds of G-II group) while dl-α-tocopherol did not bring such an effect. Ethinylestradiol+levanorgestrel and dl-α-tocopherol either alone or in combination significantly increased the plasma high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels in birds from sixth to eighth week of age. Ethinylestradiol+levanorgestrel and dl-α-tocopherol alone or in combination caused reduction in plasma VLDL and triglyceride values. There was a lower level of ether extract in muscles of all the treatment groups compared with control. Liver from birds of ethinylestradiol+levanorgestrel treated birds (G-II) had lower fat accumulation in hepatocytes. Ethinylestradiol+levanorgestrel fed group G-II (P<0.05) had the highest and the birds of dl-α-tocopherol supplemented group G-III had the lowest plasma GGT and AST activity at sixth and eighth week of age. These effects might be due to the effects of ethinylestradiol+levanorgestrel on the biliary system resulting in an elevated enzyme activity in plasma. Similarly ethinylestradiol+levanorgestrel caused significant increase in GGT levels only in the liver of G-II birds while there was no such change in breast muscles. Dl-α-tocopherol alone (G-III) or when combined with ethinylestradiol+levanorgestrel (G-IV) caused a significant increase (P<0.05) in catalse activity while ethinylestradiol+levanorgestrel and dl-α-tocopherol alone (G-II and G-III respectively) or in combination (G-IV) also showed lowered lipid peroxidation which indicated a better antioxidant status. Predominant effect of ethinylestradiol+levanorgestrel was observed on the plasma lipid profile (reduction in the level of plasma total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL cholesterol) while, -tocopherol showed its antioxidant properties. However, ethinylestradiol +levanorgestrel caused the damage to the biliary system resulting in elevated levels of enzymes such as GGT and AST. Dietary supplementation of ethinylestradiol+levanorgestrel and dl-α-tocopherol failed to elicit much anticipated effect on growth and other performance indices.ThesisItem Open Access Physio-biochemical evaluation of broiler chicken fed with processed fish wastes(Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2008) Darsana, M G; KAU; Sreekumar, K PThe present study was undertaken to study the effect of dietary incorporation of processed fish wastes; acid silage (fish waste) and surimi waste powder on the physio-biochemical parameters in broiler chicken. The experiment was conducted on forty five, day old broiler chicken of Vencob strain for a period of seven weeks. After three weeks of age, they were randomly divided into three groups G-I, G-II and G-III of 15 birds each. During the first three weeks, they were fed with standard broiler starter ration of BIS specification. After three weeks, G-I was fed with the standard broiler finisher ration, G-II was fed with the standard broiler finisher ration in which there was 100 per cent replacement of unsalted dried fish with acid silage (fish waste) and G-III was fed with the standard broiler finisher ration in which there was 100 per cent replacement of unsalted dried fish with surimi waste powder. The rations of G-I, G-II and G-III were made isocaloric and isonitrogenous. Body weight and feed consumption were recorded at weekly intervals from fourth to seventh weeks of age. Blood samples were collected fourth to seventh week from the three groups at weekly intervals and haematological and biochemical parameters were analysed. Haematological parameters like Hb, VPRC, TEC, TLC, serum protein profile like total protein, albumin, globulin, albumin globulin ratio, serum lipid profile like total lipids, triglycerides, HDL,VLDL, NEFA, total cholesterol, serum enzymes like ALT,AST antioxidants like blood catalase, blood SOD, serum GSH, serum LPO, serum electrolytes like Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe were estimated. At the end of the experiment, the birds were sacrificed and giblet weight was assessed. The meat of three representative samples from each group was used for analysing meat cholesterol and the proximate principles like crude protein, ether extract and total ash. There was no significant difference between the three groups in body weight and feed consumption and they were gradually increasing during the experimental period in all the three groups. The haematological parameters also were comparable between the control and experimental groups. No significant difference was observed between the groups in the concentrations of total protein, albumin and albumin globulin ratio throughout the study. The concentration of globulin was significantly higher in the control group at the start of the study but later, the values were significantly comparable between the three groups. The concentrations of total lipids, triglycerides, NEFA, VLDL and total cholesterol maintained a similar trend between the control and experimental groups but at the seventh week, the concentration of HDL in the acid silage (fish waste) fed group was lower than that of the control group. The concentrations of serum enzymes and minerals (Na, K, Ca and Fe) did not show any significant change between the three groups during the entire study. Though the Mg level showed a fluctuating trend at fifth and sixth weeks of age, at the end of the study, there was no significant difference between any of the groups. The antioxidant status was also significantly comparable between the groups. The meat parameters like giblet weight, meat cholesterol and the proximate principles were also significantly similar in the three groups. It is obligatory to use animal protein source in broiler chicken for obtaining better growth performance. Fish meal is rich in certain amino acids essential for the proper growth of chicken that are limiting in the vegetable protein supplements. Unconventional protein sources like fish wastes are to be used in the ration due to the high cost and low availability of fish meal. In the present study, physio- biochemical effects of using processed fish wastes in the ration of broiler chicken instead of fish meal were assessed and they induced a growth similar to that of the standard normal ration which contain fish meal as animal protein. Thus the incorporation of the two fish wastes could be advocated to the farmers to reduce the feed cost and improve the profit without affecting the growth and meat quality of broiler chicken and also as a measure to minimize environmental pollution.ThesisItem Open Access Evaluation of antistress and growth promoting effect of aswagandha (Withania somnifera) in broiler chicken(Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2009) Rekha P, Raghavan; KAU; Sreekumar, K PThe purpose of the study was to asses the antistress and growth promoting effect of Withania somnifera in broiler chicken. Sixty numbers of day old broiler chicks (vencob) procured from a commercial hatchery were reared under standard managemental conditions. At day old they were randomly divided into six groups (G1 to G6) with ten birds in each group. The study was conducted upto sixth week of age. The birds in various groups were as follows, G1- Normal , G2- Normal +5 g W. somnifera per kg feed, G3- Normal + 10 g W. somnifera per kg feed, G4- Stressed, G5- Stressed + 5 g W. somnifera per kg feed, and G6- Stressed + 10 g W. somnifera per kg feed. Production parameters such as body weight, weekly weight gain, feed consumption and feed efficiency were evaluated on weekly basis. All birds were immunized with 1ml of 7 per cent sheep red blood cells intravenously five days before subjecting to stress, for the evaluation of immune status. Stress was induced from four weeks to six weeks of age by reducing the floor space for a bird 1/3rd (372 cm2/ bird) of the optimum requirement (1116 cm2/bird). Blood samples were collected from wing vein, five days and one day before the induction of stress as well on day one, three, six, nine, twelve and fifteen days after the induction of stress. Haematological parameters such as total erythrocyte count (TEC), total leukocyte count (TLC), haemoglobin (Hb), heterophil lymphocyte ratio (H:L), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and volume of packed red cells (VPRC) were determined. Serum was utilized for analysis of total protein, albumin, globulin, glucose, C-reactive protein (CRP), alanine amino transferase (ALT) and total cholesterol. The A:G was derived. The immunological status was studied by haemagglutinin assay (HA). Tissues from liver were used for estimating tissue lipid peroxidation (LPO) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels. The mucous membrane of proventriculus and duodenum were used for protease and amylase estimation respectively. The whole pancreas was used for pancreatic lipase estimation. Slaughter weights, carcass weight, giblet weight, weight of organs (spleen, bursa and adrenal) were also studied. The result of the present study revealed that supplementation W. somnifera did not affect the normal growth of broiler chicken. There was not much variation in slaughter weight, carcass weight and weight of organs between W. somnifera supplemented and not supplemented group. In stressed birds supplementation of W. somnifera ameliorated the stress related reduction in organ weight. Supplementation of W. somnifera did not affect the haematological parameters such as Hb, VPRC, TEC, TLC, MCV, MCH, MCHC and H:L in normal birds. Supplementation of W. somnifera to stressed birds reduced the stress induced increased TEC, MCV and H:L in birds. The supplementation of W. somnifera did not affect the serum total protein, albumin, globulin and A:G in normal birds. But in stressed birds the increased total protein was decreased by supplementation of W. somnifera. The supplementation of W. somnifera did not cause a sustained increase in ALT values revealing that it was not hepatotoxic to broilers. Supplementation of W. somnifera to stressed birds reduced the stress related hyperglycemia and hypercholesterolemia. The increased level of C-reactive protein in stressed birds was reduced through supplementation of W. somnifera. Supplementation of W. somnifera increased the GSH and decreased LPO levels in birds. Supplementation of W. somnifera ameliorated the stress related oxidative damage through the reduction of LPO and increase of GSH levels. W. somnifera improved the immune status of normal birds as well as that of immunosuppressed stressed birds. Besides, it also improved the activities of gastrointestinal enzymes in normal and stressed birds.ThesisItem Open Access Hypoglycaemic efficacy of scoparia dulcis and costus species in albino rats(Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2005) Balaji, S; KAU; Sreekumar, K PThe present study was undertaken to assess the hypoglycaemic activity of aqueous and alcoholic extract of Scoparia dulcis and Costus pictus @ 500mg/kg body weight orally in alloxan induced diabetic rats and also in combination and to compare their efficacy with a standard oral hypoglycaemic drug, glibenclamide. The experiment was conducted in seventy-two male Sprague-Dawley rats for a period of 60days, with eight animals in each group (Group I to IX). Group I served as normal control and Group II is diabetic control. Aqueous leaf extract of Scoparia dulcis and Costus pictus @ 500 mg/kg b.w orally were given to Group III and IV, respectively for 60 days. Group V and VI were given alcoholic leaf extract of Scoparia dulcis and Costus pictus @ 500 mg/kg b.w orally, respectively for 60 days. Group VII and VIII received combination of aqueous and alcoholic leaf extract of Scoparia dulcis and Costus pictus @ 500 mg/kg b.w orally, respectively for 60 days. Glibenclamide @ 0.5mg/animal/day was fed to Group IX. Body weight was recorded and RBC, WBC, total haemoglobin and glycosylated haemoglobin content were estimated on zero day, 7th, 14th, 28th, 56th, and 60th day of the experiment. Plasma glucose, plasma total lipids, plasma total cholesterol, triglycerides, plasma HDL-C, plasma total protein, plasma albumin, plasma ALT and AST were also estimated. The liver glycogen and plasma copper, iron and zinc content were estimated at the end of the experimental period. Body weight was gradually increased during the experimental period in all treated group except the diabetic control, which showed a significant (p0.001) reduction in body weight. The RBC and WBC values did not show any significant change during the entire course of the experiment and maintained a normal level. The total haemoglobin content was increased in the animals treated with combination of alcoholic leaf extract of Scoparia dulcis and Costus pictus by two months of experiment. Glycosylated haemoglobin level also significantly decreased in all the treatment groups, which is comparable to that of the animals treated with glibenclamide. The animals treated with alcoholic leaf extract of Scoparia dulcis produced a marked reduction in plasma glucose level, which was higher than the reduction produced by the animals treated with glibenclamide at the end of the experiment. The plasma total lipids and plasma total cholesterol content were markedly reduced in the animals treated with a combination of alcoholic leaf extract of Scoparia dulcis and Costus pictus, which is comparable to that produced by glibenclamide treated group. The plasma triglyceride, plasma LDL-C and VLDL-C level were markedly reduced in the animals treated with alcoholic leaf extract of Scoparia dulcis.. The HDL-C level was increased in the animals treated with combination of alcoholic leaf extract of Scoparia dulcis and Costus pictus than the animals treated with glibenclamide. The plasma total protein and albumin content was increased in the animals treated with aqueous leaf extract of Costus pictus. The globulin content and A/G ratio was increased in the animals treated with a combination of aqueous leaf extract of Scoparia dulcis and Costus pictus. The liver enzymes such as ALT and AST were reduced in the animals treated with alcoholic leaf extract of Scoparia dulcis. The liver glycogen content was increased in animals treated with alcoholic leaf extract of Costus pictus, which is comparable to that of animals treated with alcoholic leaf extract of Scoparia dulcis. The plasma copper and iron content did not show any change but the zinc content was increased in all the treated groups than the diabetic control animals.