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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Open Access
Assessment Of Bacteriological quality Of Raw Milk In Trichur And Its Public Health Importance
(Department of Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 1995) Anju Raghunathrao, Kapre; KAU; Nanu, E
In the present study an effort has been made to assess the bacteriological quality of raw milk obtained from three different sources in Trichur. A total of 21 individual and seven pooled samples were collected from each sources (S1, S2 and S3), over a period of five months. The samples were subjected to different bacterial counts and also for the isolation and identification of S. aureus and E. coli. The isolates were tested for their sensitivity to various chemotherapeutic agents. The average total viable count of individual milk samples from S1, S2 and S3 were 7.5 x 104, 1.4 x 105 and 2 x 105 CFU per ml respectively. Significant difference (P < 0.01) between the counts from S1 and S2; and S1 and S3 was noticed. The average coliform count for S1 was 2.4 x 10, for S2 was 4.8 x 104 and for S3 was 3.8 x 103 CFU per ml. There was significant difference (P < 0.01) between the counts from S1 and S2 ; S1 and S3 ; and S2 and S3. The average counts for thermotolerant coliforms in samples from S1, S2 and S3 were 2.2 x 10, 2.4 x 104 and 2.4 x 103 CFU per ml. The counts from S1 and S2 ; and S1 and S3 differed significantly (P < 0.01). The average faecal streptococcal counts for the sample from S1, S2 and S3 were 1.5 x 102 , 2.1 x 103 and 1.7 x 103 CFU per ml. Significant difference (P < 0.01) between the counts from S1 and S2 , and S1 and S3 was noticed. The staphylococcal counts in samples from S1, S2 and S3 averaged 5.7 x 102, 2.8 x 103 and 6.8 x 103 CFU per ml respectively. Significant differences (P < 0.01) between the counts from S1 and S2 , and S1 and S3 were noticed. The average S. aureus count in samples from S1 was 8.5 x 10, from S2 it was 1.8 x 102 and from S3 , 7.1 x 10 CFU per ml. The average E. coli counts in samples from S1, S2 and S3 were 2 x 102, 1.2 x 104 and 1.5 x 103 CFU per ml respectively. The counts in samples from S1 and S2 ; S1 and S3 ; and S2 and S3 differed significantly (P < 0.01). The average total viable count in pooled milk samples from S1 , S2 and S3 were 4 x 104 , 1.8 x 106 and 2.1 x 105 CFU per ml respectively. Significant difference (P < 0.01) between the counts from S1 and S2 and S1 and S3 was noticed. The average coliform counts at 370C of incubation in the pooled samples from S1, S2 and S3 were 5.5 x 10, 2 x 105 and 6.4 x 103 CFU per ml respectively. The counts from S1 and S2, S1 and S3 ; and S2 and S3 were found significantly different (P < 0.01). The average thermotolerent count in samples from S1, S2 and S3 were 2.8 x 10, 3.6 x 104 and 4.4 x 103 CFU per ml respectively. Significant difference (P < 0.01) in the counts of S1 and S2 ; and S1 and S3 was noticed. The average faecal streptococcal count in samples from S1, S2 and S3 were 2 x 102, 4.8 x 103 and 2.9 x 103 CFU per ml respectively. Significantly different (P < 0.01) counts were noticed between S1 and S2 ; and S1 and S3 was noticed. The average staphylococcal count in samples from S1 was 9.2 x 102 from S2 was 5.3 x 104 and from S3 was 1.3 x 104 CFU per ml. The counts in samples from S1 and S2 ; and S1 and S3 were significantly different (P < 0.01). The S. aureus counts in milk samples from S1, S2 and S3 averaged 1 x 102, 4.8 x 102 and 1.1 x 102 CFU per ml respectively. The average E. coli count in samples from S1, S2 and S3 were 2.7 x 102, 8.9 x 104 and 1.9 x 103 CFU per ml respectively. Significant difference (P < 0.01) between the counts of samples from S1 and S2 ; S1 and S3 ; and S2 and S3 was observed. All the individual samples from S1 were either of very good or good grades (95.24 and 4.76%) respectively. All the pooled milk samples from this source was of very good grade. Most of the individual samples from S2 were of very good or good grades ( 76.20 and 23.80%) respectively, but the pooled milk samples from S2 were of very good, good, fair and poor grades (42.84, 28.60, 14.28 and 14.28%) respectively. Among the individual samples from S3 source all were of either very good or good grades (80.95 and 19.05%) respectively. Pooled milk samples from the same source had very good and good grade (57.14 and 42.86%) respectively. None of the samples from this source were of fair or poor grades. Of the 60 suspected colonies isolated, 54 were identified as S. aureus. Antibiogram of S. aureus isolates showed highest sensitivity to cloxacillin (100%) and gentamicin (100%) followed by amoxicillin (87.03%), chloramphenicol (77.80%) and penicillin – G (35.20%). Of the 70 suspected colonies isolated 66 were identified as E. coli. The E. Coli. Isolates were most sensitive to gentamicin (96.96%) followed by amplicillin (93.92%), furazolidone (80.30%) and carbenicillin (15.155). Doxycycline was least effective drug with no sensitivity and high resistance (90.90%).
Open Access
Identification of bacterial critical points and antibacterial effect of lactic acid on beef carcass
(Department of Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1994) Rajeev, K; KAU; Soman, M
During the process of slaughter and subsequent processing, the beef carcass is exposed to bacterial contamination. Bacterial load is one of the parameters for assessment of the sanitary conditions in slaughter operations. It is tedious and time consuming to evaluate bacterial load of carcass surface as a whole. Therefore assessment of bacterial load on certain points (critical points) in the carcass which are more frequently exposed to contaminants will help in quick assessment of sanitaty standard. In the present study six critical points were selected on beef carcasses to evaluate the bacterial contamination. Carcasses from two slaughter houses differing in infrastructural facilities were used for this assessment and comparison. There was significant difference in the level of bacterial contamination on critical points of carcasses obtained from the two sources. Significant difference was noticed between points as well. Among the critical points, neck-lateral has shown highest level of contamination. This may be due to chances of exposure to contaminants during bleeding and flaying. The abdomen-medial was comparatively less contaminated. In spite of conscious precautions, carcasses invariably get contaminated. In order to minimize the bacterial load on carcass at the end of slaughter line, washing carcass with sanitizers is one of the methods adopted in meat trade. Lactic acid one percent solution, when used as sanitizer for washing beef carcasses immediately after slaughter, has shown significant reduction in total viable count, coliform count and faecal streptococcal count estimated 1 h after treatment. When hot lactic acid solution at 700C was used for washing, significant reduction in the above counts in comparison to the first treatment was observed. This added benefit can be attributed to the enhanced temperature of the solution. It is concluded that one percent lactic acid solution, preferably at 700C, can be effectively used as a sanitizer on beef carcass surface for reduction of initial bacterial load and this helps in prolonging the storage life under the retail marketing condition.
Open Access
Development of monospecific anti-beef sera
(Department of Veterinery Public Health, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1995) Thangthuama, R; KAU; Prabhakaran, P
Agar gel immunodiffusion is a simple and relictle test for identifying the species origin of meat, povided the antisera to be used are monospecific. A study was undertaker to make Rabbit anti-cattle serum (RACS) and Rabbit anti-buffalo serum (RABS) monospecific by absorption with the freeze dried sera of goat (GFD), buffalo (BFD), cattle 'CFD) and a combination of GFD and CFD or CFD and BFD Though it was found that the RACS was made mono- specific by absorption with BFD, production of monospecific RABS through absorption with GFD or CFD, is more desirable Absorption of RABS with GFD alone enabled to identify both beef and buffalo meat samples which can be further confirmed by RABS absorbed with BFD RABS absorbed with BFD and RABS absorbed with CFD could identify a level of 25 per cent or above adulteration with beef and buffalo beef respectively Filter paper was found to be good carrier of beef and buffalo meat extract antigens and storing it for upto 30 days did not influence the test result with unabsorbed antisera All the three eluants, NaCl, PBS and PBS-T were found to be equally useful for elution of the meat antigen from the dried filter paper
Open Access
Effect of acetic acid and propionic acid on bacteriological quality of beef
(Department of Veterinery Public Health, College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Mannuthy, 1993) Latha, C; KAU; Nanu, E
The bacterial contamination of meat surface is posing a threat to public health and meat trade. It is necessary to minimise the bacterial load at all levels of production, storage and marketing. Use of sanitizer is one of the methods suggested for reducing the bacterial load on carcass surface. The study was undertaken to assess the efficiency of acetic and propionic acids at one and two per cent strength as sanitizer on beef. Carcasses obtained from Kerala Agricultural University Slaughter House, were subjected for the study. The samples were maintained at ambient temperature for 24 h. The acid treatment of samples was done immediately after slaughter. The total viable count,coliform count and faecal streptococcal count were estimated by standard methods at zero, one, five, nine, and twenty-four hours of storage. An upward trend of bacterial load was observed during storage. At all intervals, the bacterial load was significantly lower in treated samples compared to that of control. The bacterial load was found to be significantly lower in samples subjected to acid treatments at two per cent level than one per cent. The persistence of the effect was found to be inversely proportional to the duration of storage. The bacterial load could generally be confined with one per cent acetic acid upto five hours and nine hours with two per cent acetic acid within the initial count Though propionic acid at one and two per cent levels had beneficial effect acetic acid was found to be better
Open Access
Occurrence and survivability of yersinia in pork
(Department of Veterinery Public Health, College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Mannuthy, 1994) Sunil, B; KAU; Prabhakaran, P
Investigation was carried out to find out the the presence and survivability of Yersinia in pork. One hundred and seventy one samples were collected from 39 animals. Three isolates of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis were obtained using Yersinia isolation agar (Himedia). Two of the isolates were from the buccal cavity and tonsil of the same animal and the third from the tonsil of another animal. Even when the organism could not be isolated by direct plating, cold enrichment enabled isolation of the organism from the same sample. The organism could be recovered from inoculated and stored (40 C) pork samples upto seven days. At – 150 C storage, the organism could be recovered upto 30 days by direct plating. Direct plating failed to recover the organism on 45th day, but resuscitation techniques was effective, which underlined the importance of resuscitation for isolation of the organism from frozen samples. On 60th day resuscitation also failed to recover the organism.
Open Access
Effect of electrical stimulation on chevon quality
(Department of Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1990) Major, Emmanuel Mathew; KAU; Padmanabha, Iyer R
Electrical stimulation of carcasses is considered as a means of improvement in meat quality. The present study was undertaken to determine the effects of ES on goat carcasses and to observe improvement in meat quality, if any. The study was conducted on longitudinally split carcasses of ten adult goats (aged 8-11 years ) by stimulating one half from each carcass while the other half served as control. ES was done within 25 minutes of exsanguination using pulsed alternating current at 150 volts, 50Hz, and 20 pulses per second and with a stimulation cycle of two seconds ‘on’ and one second ‘off’ for a total duration of 120 seconds. Samples of Longissimus dorsi muscles were collected from both stimulated and non stimulated sides and stored at ambient and refrigeration temperatures. They were subjected to study the changes in PH, glycogen content, sarcomere length, fibre diameter, water holding capacity and extract release volume at specified time intervals. Sensory evaluation was done 24 hours after ES. The main observations were rapid drop n PH during stimulation, early attainment of ultimate PH, slower rate of PH fall during post-stimulation period, accelerated rate of glycolysis, increase in sarcomere length, lower WHC and initial increase in ERV in stimulated muscles when compared to NS muscles. There was no significant difference in fibre diameter. Taste panel studies indicated significant improvement in tenderness of stimulated muscles stored at ambient and refrigeration temperatures. The connective tissue ratings were also significantly favourable for ES muscles stored at both temperatures. The overall acceptability improved markedly in the case of stimulated muscles than in NS muscles. There were no changes in flavor and juiciness ratings attributable to electrical stimulation.
Open Access
Bovine brucellosis in relation to public health
(Department of Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1999) Vinod, V K; KAU; Nanu, E
A serological survey was undertaken to assess the extent of brucellosis in bovines and humans. Serum samples from 1233 bovines and 747 human were collected. These samples were screened by Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and Standard Tube Agglutination Test (STAT). The samples which showed a positive reaction, either by RBPT or STAT or both were subjected to Heat inactivation test (HIT), 2- Mercaptoethanol test (MET) and EDTA agglutination test (EAT). Of the 610 slaughtered male bovine serum samples screened, 41 (6.72 per cent) was found positive by RBPT and 37 (6.07 per cent) by STAT. HIT, MET and EAT detected positive reaction in 32 (5.25 per cent), 26 (4.26 per cent) and 27 (4.43 per cent) samples respectively. A total of 23 samples were positive by all the above tests. Among the 518 slaughtered female bovine serum samples, RBPT detected 41 (7.92 per cent) samples as positive while only 38 (7.34 per cent) samples were found positive by STAT. HIT, MET and EAT detected positive reaction in 31 (5.98 per cent), 26 (5.02 per cent) and 28 (5.4 per cent) samples respectively. Twenty four serum samples were found positive for the disease by all the above tests. None of the serological test employed could detect a statistically significant difference in the seroprevalence of disease between males and females. Of the serum samples collected from 105 farm fed cows, six (5.7 per cent) samples were found positive for brucellosis by both RBPT and STAT. The number of samples found positive by HIT, MET and EAT were three (2.86 per cent), one (0.95 per cent) and two (1.9 per cent) respectively. Only one sample revealed a positive reaction for the disease by all the above serological tests. Among the 406 human male serum samples collected, six (1.47 per cent) revealed an agglutination reaction positive for the disease by RBPT while only four. (0.99 per cent) showed an agglutination titre positive for the disease by STAT. HIT, MET and EAT detected three (0.74 per cent) samples each as positive for the disease. Three samples revealed a positive reaction in all the above serological tests. Of the 327 human female serum samples screened, RBPT and STAT recorded a positive reaction in five (1.53 per cent) and four (1.22 per cent) samples, respectively. Three samples (0.92 per cent) each were found positive by HIT, and MET and EAT. Only three samples were found positive for all the serological tests used in this study. It was observed that serological tests employed in this study could not detect a statistically significant difference in the seroprevalence of disease between males and females. None of the serum samples collected from veterinary surgeons (10), animal attendants (two), and slaughter house workers (two) were positive for the disease. Of the serological tests employed in this study, RBPT detected the highest number of samples as positive followed by STAT, HIT, EAT and MET. It was also observed that, of the RBPT and STAT positive cases, HIT recorded maximum number of positive cases followed by EAT and MET. The reason for difference observed in the agglutination titre of the serum samples by the above tests were discussed.
Open Access
Bacterial profile of pasteurized milk and its public health significance
(Department of Veterinary Public Health,College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1999) Reenu, John; KAU; Nanu, E
A total of 100 pasteurized milk samples consisting of 20 each from five different brands namely A, B, C, D and E were subjected to different bacterial counts to evaluate the bacterial quality of milk samples available in and around Trichur. An attempt was also made to isolate and identify E. coli and to test the sensitivity of these isolates to six antibacterial agents. Brand D had the lowest total viable count (4.47 ± 4.23 10glO cfu/ml) and the highest was in C (7.65 ± 7.22 10glO cfu/ml)., Analysis of the data revealed a highly significant (p<0.01) difference in the count of the samples between brands except between A and E and B and C. The psychrotrophic count was lowest in samples belonging to brand D (3.57±3.23 10glO cfulml and highest in C (6.95± 6.73 10glO cfulml). Highly significant (p<0.01) difference in the count was noticed between samples belonging to all brands, except Band C. (. The lowest coliform count was observed in brand D (1.24 ± 1.0410glO cfulml) and highest in C (5.38 ± 5.13 10glO cfulml). Highly significant (p<0.01) difference was observed between the counts of samples belonging to different brands except between A and E and B and C. Samples of brand D were found to be free from E. coli. The highest E. coli count was found in brand B (3.39 ± 2.74 10glO cfu/ml) and lowest in C (0.87 ± 0.87 10glO cfulml). Highly significant (p observed between brands except between D and C, e and E and E and A. Of the hundred pasteurized milk samples examined, 82% did not meet the total viable count criteria prescribed by BIS (1992). Only 75% samples from brand D and 15% from E met the criteria. Eighty five per cent samples from brand D met the coliform count limit prescribed for pasteurized milk by BIS (1992). The per cent of samples belonging to brands E and A that met the above criteria was 35 and 25, respectively. Only five per cent samples from brands Band e met this en teria. Sixty four isolates were identified as E. coli . Antibiogram of these isolates . showed that 96.9% were sensitive to gentamicin and norfloxacin. The per cent of isolates that showed sensitivity to tetracycline, cotrimazine, cephotaxime and nitrofurantoin were 92.2, 67.2, 56.3 and 54.7 respectively. To study the effect of pasteurization on the bacterial quality of raw milk and to find out the shelf life under refrigerated conditions, one raw milk sample and 12 sachets of pasteurized milk were collected from a batch on each day from the dairy plant. This was repeated at varied interval for ten days. The total viable, psychrotrophic, coliform and E. coli counts of raw milk samples were 6.74 ± 6.17, 6.67 ± 6.13, 3.41 ± 2.93 and 2.42 ± 2.27 10glO cfu/ml. No E. coli was found in freshly pasteurized milk samples. Total viable count of these samples was 5.05 ± 4.38 10glO cfu/rnl. The psychrotrophic and coliform counts were 4.85 ± 4.26 10glO cfu/ml and 2.36 ± 2.01 10glO cfu/ml respectively. Pasteurization reduced total viable and psychrotrophic count by 2 log and the coliform count by one. In the refrigerated sample the initial bacterial growth rate was very slow, and there was no significant increase in total viable and psychrotrophic counts for up to seven days of storage. Thereafter the increase in these counts were significantly different from that of initial count. An increase in coliform count was observed but it did not differ significantly from that of freshly pasteurized milk. Off odour was detected for the first time on the io" day and it was noticed in 30% of the samples and by 11 th day 100% samples showed off odour. Only on 1 ih ( days clot on boiling was noticed for the first time, that too only in one sample from a '. batch. As far as pasteurized milk is concerned, clot on boiling is not a suitable test for assessing the quality of pasteurized milk. The storage life was found to be at least . nine days for pasteurized milk kept in a refrigerator. Inspite of the fact that bacterial counts were well above the suggested norms by BIS, the milk had a keeping quality of nine days. Hence there is an indication for modification of the existing norms.
Open Access
Public health significance of brucellosis in pigs
(Department of Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1998) Ajay Kumar, V J; KAU; Nanu, E
Brucellosis is one of the bacterial diseases which affect pigs and produce severe economic loss to the farmers since it causes abortion, still birth, sterility and other complications in pigs. The disease in pigs is also a threat to public health because the etiologic agent can be readily transferred from infected pigs to human beings and can cause the disease in them. Considering the above facts, a serological study was undertaken to assess the extent of the disease present in pigs as well as human beings. During the investigation, serum samples from 255 pigs and 250 human were collected and were subjected to Rose Bengal Plate test (RBPT), Standard tube agglutination test (STAT), Heat inactivation test (HIT), 2 – mecraptoethanol test (2 – MET) and by Ethylene diamine tetra acetate agglutination test (EAT), to detect the presence Brucella agglutinin in these sera. One hundred and seventy samples were collected from slaughtered pigs of which 37 (21.76%) samples gave a positive titre with STAT but only 34 (20% samples had a positive titre by HIT. Twenty seven (15.88%) out of 170 samples gave positive test reaction by RBPT, 2 – MET and EAT. Eighty five samples were collected from the farm reared pigs. Seven (8.24%) of these samples revealed positive agglutination reaction by RBPT, STAT and Hit. 2 – mercaptoethanol test could detect only five (5.88%) of their samples as positive for brucellosis whereas six (7.06%) samples showed positive test reaction by EAT. Out of the 255 serum samples collected from pigs, 26 (10.2%) were found positive with all the tests. Among the 250 human serum samples screened, four of them were found positive for the disease with all the tests. Of the positive samples one male and two female samples were obtained from general population. One of the 88 samples collected from veterinary students was found positive by the tests used in this study. Twenty samples each collected from veterinarians and pig farm attendants were found negative for the disease. Out of all the tests used in this study, STAT was able to detect maximum number of reactors, followed by HIT, RBPT, EAT and finally by 2 – MET. The reasons for differences in seropositivity with different tests on the same sample were discussed.

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

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