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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Surgical management of omphalitis in calves
(Department of Surgery and Radiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2003) Prasanna, D; KAU; Rajankutty, K
The study was carried out in twelve . selected clinical cases of umbilical infections in calves of different breeds of either sex presented to the Veterinary College Hospitals at Mannuthy and Kokkalai. These animals were divided into two groups viz., Group I and Group II, each consisting of six animals. In Group I, the calves with extra-abdominal umbilical infection and in Group II, the calves with combined extra-abdominal and intra abdominal umbilical infections were included. The calves in Group I were within the age group of eight weeks and had the history of swelling at the umbilicus for at least a period of eight days which varied in its type, consistency, and tenderness on palpation. The size of the swelling was maximum of 10.5 cm in diameter with no connection or extension into the abdominal cavity. The swelling was either draining to the exterior through a fistula or closed. The cavity of the swelling was from 3.4 cm to 15 cm in length containing pus which varied in its consistency, color and odour. The physiological parameters were all within normal range. The haemogram was also within physiological range except for an increase in the neutrophil count. Abdominal palpation and retrograde contrast radiography confirmed that the swelling is confined to the exterior of the abdomen. The causative organisms were detected and the calves were successfully treated by routine drainage and dressing. All the calves recovered completely except one, which had recurrence of the infection during the study period. In Group II, the calves were aged between one month to five months and the maximum duration of the illness five months was reported from the oldest calf in that group. They had history of recurrence or persistence of umbilical swelling after the treatment of the swelling. The swelling was either open or closed from which pus was obtained. The swellings were mostly hot and hard. The pus varied in its consistency, colour and odour. The swellings could be felt on abdominal palpation as an extension of the umbilicus towards the liver and bladder. The extent of the cavity was measured by a probe and was able to measure 20 cm long tract. The respiration rate, pulse rate and the rectal temperature were found to be within the normal range. The haemogram showed leucocytosis and an increase in the neutrophil count. The affected structures were identified as umbilical vein that was extending towards the liver and as urachus which was extending towards the bladder by retrograde contrast radiography. The causative organisms were identified and the calves were successfully treated by surgical excision of the affected structures along with the umbilicus.
Open Access
Evaluation and management of urolithiasis in dogs
(Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2004) Reshma, Damodaran; KAU; Sarada Amma, T
Ten clinical cases of canine urolithiasis were studied for age, breed and sex incidence, clinical signs, radiological evaluation, site of obstruction, effect of surgery and its complications, urine analysis, urolith composition and recurrence. The mean age of incidence was found to be 6.3 years. Incidence were more in German Shepherd Dog followed by Pomeranian and Labrador. There were nine males and one female in the study. Urethral obstruction was seen in all cases including one female. Out of ten animals one animal (D8) was dull and weak in appearance and all others were active. Difficulty in urination was reported in all the animals. Haematuria was present in five animals (D3, D5, D6, D7 and D10). Moderate abdominal distention was noticed in nine animals. Palpation of the abdomen revealed distended urinary bladder in all animals except in one animal (D8), where bladder could not be palpated and fluid thrill was felt on abdominal palpation indicating rupture of urinary bladder. Radiographic study revealed that the most common site of obstruction was in the groove of the os penis. The ten clinical cases of urolithiasis were subjected to fourteen operations viz., nine urethrotomy, two urethrotomy and cystotomy (four operations) and one cystotomy. The study revealed that relieving obstruction by surgical correction was effective, as it ensures immediate relief of obstruction and stress. Urethrotomy was found to be satisfactory in removing urethral calculi in males and compression and flushing of bladder enabled to remove small cystic calculi through the urethrotomy incision. Cystotomy was required to remove large cystic calculi. The surgical intervention adopted was found effective in relieving obstruction. The pH of the urine collected during surgery ranged from 6.5 to 8, colour varied from straw coloured to dark red. Consistency of the urine was turbid in all the animals. On microscopical examination of urine, sediments were present in all the animals. In one dog (D5) crystals were present and identified as triple phosphate and oxalate. In all animals urine samples showed growth of the microorganisms were more sensitive to ciprofloxacin followed by ampicillin and amoxycillin. Catheter tolerance was poor in all the animals. Catheter was found removed on the same day itself by all the animal. Healing of the surgical wound by granulation was good except in two animals where swelling and oedema of the scrotal sac was seen ( D1 and D8) which were subjected to post scrotal urethrotomy. In all these animals swelling subsided and healing was completed by 30th post operative day. Bleeding was noticed during and after completion of the surgery in two dogs D4 and D7. In dog D7, injury to cavernosus tissue during the removal of calculi was the cause and was controlled by suturing. In animal D4 bleeding was controlled by administering ethamsylate 1 ml intramuscular for two days. Recurrence was observed in two cases (20%). In these cases numerous cystic calculi were present when it was originally presented for treatment which might be due to migration of cystic calculi. The haematological examination showed low haemoglobin content, erythrocyte count, volume of packed red cell in all cases before surgery which increased significantly and reached towards normal by 30th post operative day. There was leucocytosis with shift to left and increase in erythrocyte sedimentation rate which decreased significantly and were normal by 30th post operative day. The biochemical examination showed elevated blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, phosphorus, serum calcium and potassium levels in all the cases before surgery and lowered significantly by 30th day. The fall in serum sodium level seen before surgery showed rise by 30th day and attained near normal value. Composition of the urolith were analysed by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, calcium formed the major component of the calculi followed by phosphorus and magnesium. Histopathological study of the urinary bladder revealed inflammation and haemorrhage in the submucosa indicating chronic irritation and injury produced by the calculi to the bladder wall. Electron microscopic study of one of the calculi (D9) was conducted which revealed deposition of concretions around the nidus in concentric rings of varying density and the outer surface showed porosity of varying diameter
Open Access
Evaluation of partial thickness suturing technique for the repair of aural haematoma in dogs
(Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2004) Asha Latha, A; KAU; Rajan Kutty, K
The study was carried out in twelve selected clinical cases of aural haematoma in dogs of different breeds of either sex presented to the College Veterinary Hospitals at Mannuthy and Kokkalai. The animals were divided into two groups viz., Group I and Group II, each consisting of six animals. In Group I, surgical drainage was carried out and the dead space was obliterated by applying a series of through and through (full thickness) interrupted mattness suture. In Group Il, surgical drainage was carried out and the dead space was obliterated by applying a series of partial thickness interrupted mattress suture. In Group I, the dogs were aged three to eight years and the duration of illness varied from three to fourteen days. Shaking of the head, scratching and drooping of the affected pinna were observed in all the dogs, except scratching in one dog. Length of the ear and haematoma varied from 7.4 cm to 13.7 cm and 7 cm to 12 cm respectively. Width of ear and haematoma varied from 4.7 cm to 9.2 cm and 3.6 cm to 7.4 cm respectively. Thickness of haematoma varied from 2.1 cm to 5.5 cm. The physiological parameters like rectal temperature, pulse rate and respiratory rate was found to be within normal range. The haematological values such as, packed cell volume, total erythrocyte count, haemoglobin concentration, total leucocyte count and differential leucocyte count were also within normal physiological range. Post-operatively self mutilation of wound, scratching and shaking of the head were reported in a few animals and carriage of affected ear was drooped in all the animals. There was no accumulation of blood or exudates in any of the animals. Most of the animals retained bandage. Photographs of the affected ear was taken before surgery, immediately after operation and thereafter on third, sixth, ninth and thirtieth day and were observed for evaluating the post-operative cosmetic appearance of the pmna. Puckering of the affected pinna was noticed in four dogs by the ninth day and it was marked in all the dogs by one month. In Group II, the dogs were aged three to six years and the duration of illness varied from two to 14 days. Shaking of the head, scratching and drooping of pinna were observed in all the dogs. Length of the ear and haematoma varied from 6.8 cm to 12.3 cm and 5.9 cm to 11.2 cm respectively. Width of ear and haematoma varied from 4.5 cm to 7.3 cm and 2.9 cm to 6.5 cm respectively. Thickness of haematoma varied from 1.2 cm to 2.9 cm. The physiological parameters like rectal temperature, pulse rate and respiratory rate was found to be within the normal range. The haematological values such as packed cell volume, total erythrocyte count, haemoglobin concentration, total leucocyte count and differential leucocyte count were also within the normal physiological range. Post-operatively shaking of the head, scratching and self mutilation of wound were reported in a few animals and carriage of affected ear was drooped in all the animals. There was no accumulation of blood or exudates in any of the animals. Most of the animals did not retain bandage. Photographs of the affected ear was taken before surgery, immediately after operation and thereafter on third, sixth, ninth and thirtieth day and were observed for evaluating the post-operative cosmetic appearance of the pinna. After one month of examination of the ear, which was affected with haematoma, revealed perfect healing without any puckering or distortion of pinna. Histopathological examination of the collected specimen from the affected ears revealed irregular separation of the perichondrium, necrosis of the perichondrial connective tissue, diffuse inflammatory cell infiltration in the damaged perichondrial zone along with subchondral accumulation of blood cells. The cartilage appeared distorted and showed loss of chondrocytes at certain areas.
Open Access
Evaluation of polyvinyl chloride splints for the treatment of long bone fractures in dogs
(Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2003) Divya Balan; KAU; Devanand, C B
The present study was undertaken with the objective to evaluate the efficacy of PVC splints and its immobilizing effects in managing long bone fractures in dogs. The study was carried out in twelve clinical cases of fracture of radius and ulna in dogs of either sex presented to the clinics of College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy. The animals were randomly divided into two groups (Group I and Group 11) consisting of six animals each. After clinical examination of the animals, the fracture was reduced by closed method under sedation by administering atropine sulphate followed by xylazine hydrochloride intramuscularly and in certain cases, thiopentone sodium was also administered 'to effect' general anaesthesia. The affected limb was immobilized by application of plaster of Paris cast in Group I and application of PVC splint in Group II. All the animals were kept under observation for a period of 30 days after the treatment in both the groups. A marginal decrease in respiration rate and pulse rate and a normal range of rectal temperature were observed during the early post-treatment period in all the animals of both the groups. Fifty per cent of animals in each group started bearing weight on the affected limb by the end of 15th post-treatment day. Symptoms like soft tissue trauma, oedema, instability, pain, loosening and mutilation of the immobilization devise were relatively more in animals of Group II, but these complications could be attended readily in animals of this group. By the end of 30th post-treatment day, all the animals in Group I could bear weight and able to walk on the affected limb, but pain at the fracture site persisted in three animals. In Group II three animals were able to use the limb actively while other animals exhibited a little difficulty in walking but the gait became normal after some days. A marginal increase in packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration and total leucocyte count were observed on 15th post-treatment day in haemogram. Differential leucocyte count revealed neutrophilia and decrease in lymphocyte count on 15th post-treatment day. Eosinophil, basophil and monocyte counts exhibited marginal variation during the post-treatment period. By the end of 15th post-treatment day, periosteal reaction started I developing at the site of fracture in majority of animals in each group. Perfect apposition of the bone fragment was observed In one animal in Group 11. Obliteration of medullary canal was noticed in all the animals of both the groups. By 30th post-treatment day all animals in Group I and two animals in Group II exhibited moderate amount of periosteal callus. Complete bridging of fracture gap was noticed in two animals in Group I and four animals in Group II. In all other animals gap between the bone fragments was evident partially. An increase in serum alkaline phosphatase and serum acid phosphatase level was observed in the immediate post-treatment period in all the animals.
Open Access
Radiographic evaluation of otitis in dogs
(Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Mannuthy, 2004) Sachin, J Shenoy; KAU; Devanand, C B
The study was carried out in twelve clinical cases of dogs of either sex with history of affection of ear canal of different breeds and age groups presented to the Veterinary Hospitals of College of Veterinary & Animal Sciences at Mannuthy and Kokkalai to evaluate the radiographic changes associated with otitis. The animals were subjected to detailed clinical examination to study the type and extent of lesions present. Based on the lesion and the nature of the otic discharge the animals were subjected to radiography of the ear canal to assess the extent of affection to the auditory system. The study revealed a higher incidence of otitis in German Shepherd Dogs The incidence was more in male dogs than females with the majority of animals below four years of age. The symptoms observed included discharge from the affected ears, pawing and rubbing of the affected ear, shaking of the head, pain on palpation at the base of the ear, tilting of the head to the side of affection, drooping of the affected ear, drooping of the upper lip of affected side and Horner’s syndrome depending upon the severity of the condition. Physiological values of all the animals were within the normal range. Haematological studies revealed elevation in neutrophil count with corresponding decrease in lymphocyte count. Gram positive cocci, gram negative bacilli and yeasts were isolated from the otic discharge. Majority of the isolates were gram-positive cocci sensitive to ciprofloxacin. Otoscopic examination revealed ulceration and erythema of the external ear canal and the state of the tympanic membrane in cases of otitis. Radiographic changes noticed on dorso-ventral view were opacification of the horizontal and vertical canals and sclerosis of petrous temporal bone. The changes noticed on lateral-oblique view were thickening and lysis of the wall of tympanic bulla. Rostro-caudal open mouth view showed increased radio opacity of tympanic bulla in otitis media. Positive contrast ear canalogram showed reduction in lumen diameter of the horizontal canals indicating obliteration and stenosis suggestive of end stage otitis. Also rupture of tympanic membrane was diagnosed when the contrast medium was evident in the tympanic bulla. In cases where there was involvement of middle ear or extensive calcification of the external ear canal, the recovery with medical management was difficult or slow necessitating surgical management.

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

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