Loading...
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.
Browse
23 results
Search Results
ThesisItem Open Access Chloral hydrate for general annaesthesia in goats(Department of Surgery, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 1981) Viswanathan, R; KAU; George, P OThirtysix apparently healthy alpins – malabari cross- bred bucks aged from 17 to 30 months and weighing from 22 to 39.5 kg were used for the present study. They were divided into two groups viz., Group I and II, consisting of 18 animals in each. Each of these groups was further divided into three subgroups viz. A, B and C, consisting of six animals in each. Freshly prepared chloral hydrate six per cent solution was administered intravenously at the rate of 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 ml per kg bodyweight, while triflupromazine hydrochloride (Siquil) at the rate of 0.2 mg per kg bodyweight was also administered intravenously as the premedicant , in group II. Following were the salient results obtained during the present study: When the dose of chloral hydrate was increased, 1) Disappearance of palpebral reflex was quicker and duration was longer, 2) Setting in of incoordination of movements was quicker and the time for assuming the normal gait was longer and 3) Recumbency was seen only in higher doses. Administration of triflupromazine hydrochloride (siquil) as premedicant , increased the efficiency of anaesthetic effect in these animals. Temperature variation consequent on the administration of chloral hydrate, with and without premedication , was not significant the variation being less than 10 P. There was an increase in the rate of respiration and pulse within five minutes of administration of the drug (s), which showed a gradual downward trend. There was reduction in the erythrocyte count, haemoglobin and packed cell volume, while there was slight increase in the leucocyte count. On the basis of the present study, intravenous administration of chloral hydrate, six per cent solution, at the rate of two ml per kg bodyweight, may be recommended in goats, for surgical procedures of about half an hour durations. Premedication with triflupromazine hydrochloride at the rate of 0.2 mg per kg bodyweight would give better results.,ThesisItem Open Access Utero-tubal insufflation technique for diagnosis of tubal impatency in cows(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1981) Athman, K V; KAU; Neelakanta Iyer, C PThe objective of the present study was to design an apparatus for utero-tubal insufflation test and to standardize its use in both excised genitalia and in live animals for the diagnosis and treatment of tubal impotency. Perfect obturation of the cervix was obstained using a stainless steel catheter with 22 FR. Neo Foley’s latex catheter sleeved over. Unilateral and bilateral impotency were recorded in 8.70 and 19.25 per cent of the excised genitalia. The incidence of unilateral and bilateral impotency in 37 infertile animals were found to be 2.70 and 13.52 per cent respectively. The mean pressure at which air escaped from both the tubes in excised genitalia was 128.12 mm. Hg. In cows and 148.93 mm. Hg. In heifers. On the contrary in experimental animals the corresponding pressure in cows and heifers were 116.38 mm. Hg. And 127.50 mm. Hg. Respectively. It was observed that a higher pressure was required to open both the tubes in heifers than in cows. Blown up condition of the uterus took place in excised genitalia of cows and heifers between 100-280 mm. Hg. And 100-260 mm. Hg. Respectively. The pressure range for producing “blown up” condition in experimental animal was found to be 120-220 mm. Hg. In cows and 195-200 mm. Hg. In heifers. Since the safety margin was estimated to be 60.00 mm. Hg. In experimental cows, the test is considered to be a safe diagnostic test for tubal impotency. Although uterus might be “blown up” in a very few cases at a pressure lower than the higher pressure for escape of air from normally patent tubes, the test will not endanger the life of the animal. Since 69.56 percentage of cows with bilateral patency of salpinx on testing conceived after insemination, utero-tubal insufflation test could also be exploited for the treatment of temporary tubal blockage.ThesisItem Open Access Study on the influence of cattle keeping on the bacteriological quality of domestic well water(Department of Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1981) George Oommen, T; KAU; Soman, MWells are the main sources of water supply in Indian villages and towns as elsewhere in any of the rural areas of the developing tropical countries. The shallow, open, dug wells are liable to contamination from the surrounding sources by various means. Faecal contamination of water is considered as one of the major causes of health hazards resulting in innumerable diseases among people throughout the world. Therefore, the bacteriological analysis of water is aimed at the detection and enumeration of indicators of faecal pollution. The movement of animal excreta into surface and ground water is considered a major factor contributing to the bacteriological pollution of available water in many regions. In order to assess the influence of cattle keeping on the bacteriological quality of domestic well water in Mannuthy area, the present study was undertaken. Forty wells from households randomly selected, with and without cattle keeping, for the study spreading over for a period of six months covering the summer and south-west monsoon during 1981. Water samples were collected aseptically, once in each season. They were bacteriologically analysed for SPC, MPN of coliforms and the detection and enumeration of E.coli. FS and C1 perfringens. Bacterial counts in water from all wells far exceeded the standards recommended for open, shallow wells. Although an apparently higher SPC in water from households with cattle keeping than from those without was observed, it was not statistically significant. The seasonal variation in the counts showed a hundred-fold increase in the case of SPC during monsoon than summer. But the similar increase in the MPN was negligible. The indicator bacteria, especially E.Coli and C1.perfringens showed a significant reduction during monsoon. The sanitary survey of the wells conducted with the help of a ready made performa revealed that none of the wells could be considered satisfactory either in construction or maintenance. The SPC and FS counts were found to have a positive correlation with the depth of wells. The SPC was positively correlated with the type of latrine also. The MPN of coliform and the depth of lining and distance of cattle shed from well were negatively correlated; so also a negative correlation was observed in the case of FS count and the distance between latrine and well. The various characteristics of wells, cattle keeping and latrines were found to have a significant correlation with the SPC and MPN of coliforms. When these of wells and latrines were alone considered, they showed significant correlation only with FS count. But it was observed that the characteristics of wells and latrines alone could explain for the considerable variations in the SPC and MPN than those of cattle keeping, as a source of pollution. It is concluded that the type of construction of well do not have any direct bearing on the bacteriological quality of well water except in the case of Cl. perfringens counts. Cattle keeping has also no significant influence on the bacteriological quality of domestic well water in Mannuthy area though all wells under study showed evidence of recent or past faecal contamination.ThesisItem Open Access Growth and carcass characteristics of pigs maintained on rations containing different levels of dried tapioca chips(Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 1981) Sasikala Devi, K A; KAU; Thomas, C TAn investigation was carried out to assess the growth rate, feed efficiency, carcass quality and economics of production in swine with isoproteimic rations containing dried tapioca chips in partial or complete replacement of maize. Eighteen large White Yorkshire weanling pigs were divided into three groups (Group 1, 11 and 111) of six animals each as uniformly as possible in regard to litter, sex, age and weight and maintained on three isoproteimic diets A, B and C containing 0, 20 and 40 per cent levels respectively of dried tapioca chips in partial and complete replacement of maize. Records of feed intake, fortnightly body weights and body measurements were maintained throughout the course of the experiment. Digestibility coefficients of nutrients in the rations were determined. Two males and two females each from all the three groups were slaughtered when they attained the body weight of 70 kg for collecting data on carcass characteristics. Haematological studies were also carried out to assess the nutritional status of the animals. The animals under all the three dietary treatments recorded almost similar growth rates, the overall average daily gains being 385.9, 368.0 and 380.2 g respectively for the three groups 1, 11 and 111. The total food intake of the animals were similar indicating that the three rations, in addition to being isoproteimic, were also isocaloric and of almost equal palatability. The animals also showed similar feed conversion efficiency, the overall average values being 3.59, 3.62 and 3.57 respectively for the groups 1, 11 and 111. The digestibility coefficients of nutrients in the three rations were similar indicating that dried tapioca chips was as efficiently utilised as maize. The normal and similar values for blood constituents indicated that all the animals maintained normal nutritional status and inclusion of tapioca at levels as used in the present study did not exert any deleterious effect on the health of the animals. Results of studies on carcass characteristics revealed that the dressing percentage without head, carcass length, back fat thickness, loin – eye area and percentages of prime cuts against live weight were all found to be similar with both tapioca and maize based diets. The diets used did not seem to markedly influence the melting point of body fat though there was significant difference between subcutaneous and leaf fat indicating a greater unsaturation of subcutaneous fat. Saponification values were found to be similar with all the three diets. With respect to both subcutaneous and leaf fat, iodine number was higher on maize based diets though there was significant difference only in regard to subcutaneous fat. Cost of production per kg live weight of the animals in the three groups 1, 11 and 111 were shown to be Rs.8.20, 8.19 and 7.99 respectively. An overall evaluation of results clearly indicated that dried tapioca chips can be safely and profitably incorporated in swine rations at a level of 40 per cent in place of conventional cereal grains like maize.ThesisItem Open Access Optimum level of protein in concentrate mixtures of kids for growth(Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 1981) Ganga Devi, P; KAU; Kunjikutty, NAn investigation spread over a period of 4 ½ months was carried out to establish the optimum level of protein in concentrate mixtures of kids for growth. Twenty four cross – bred kids (Saanen x Malabari and Alpine x Malabari) of 3 – 4 months of age, divided into four identical groups formed the experimental subjects. The kids in group 1, 11, 111 and IV was maintained on concentrate mixtures containing 16, 18, 20 and 22 per cent respectively of crude protein along with jack leaves fed ad libitum as the sole roughage. Increase in body weight and body measurements, feed conversion efficiency, digestibility of nutrients, nitrogen retention and haematological values of the kids were the criteria employed for the evaluation. The average daily gain in body weight recorded for the kids of the four groups were almost similar and were not influenced by the level of dietary protein fed. The body measurements did not reveal any significant differences between the groups except body length which showed increase with increase in level of dietary protein. Highest feed efficiency was shown by kids of group IV followed by group 111, 11 and 1 the values being 6.2, 6.9, 7.0 and 7.2 respectively for the four groups. The digestibility of nutrients especially that of crude protein and the average daily nitrogen retention were directly proportional to the level of dietary protein fed. All the animals maintained a sound nutritional status throughout the experimental period as evidenced from the normal haematological values recorded for them. Kids fed 22 per cent crude protein in the concentrate mixture showed maximum economic gain.ThesisItem Open Access Observation on gestation and parturition in goat-Capra hircus(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 1981) Kuriakose, K K; KAU; Neelakanta Iyer, C PA systematic study involving the use of 85 does comprising 27 Malabari, 35 Alpine x Malabari and 23 Saanen x Malabari crosses reared and maintained at Mannuthy, Kerala, under All India Co – ordinated Research Project on Goats for Milk was carried out in order to ascertain the gestation length, process of parturition and placental details. In addition 583 breeding particulars gathered from the registers maintained at the Project also utilized for assessing the gestation length and frequency of occurrence of multiple births. The salient observations made and the valid inferences drawn are indicated below. The average gestation length of different genetic groups of goats was found to be 146.66 + 0.53 days. There was no significant variation in the gestation period of does of different genetic groups both in single and multiple births. Parity had no influence on the gestation length in does. The variation in gestation length due to difference in the sex of kid was also not significant. Gestation period was not found to vary between seasons. The frequency of occurrence of single, twin and multiple births was found to be 50.75 per cent, 45.05 per cent and 4.19 per cent respectively. Signs of approaching parturition was assessed based on the degree of manifestation of such symptoms as tumefaction of the vulva, udder engorgement and relaxation of the pelvic ligaments. The symptoms exhibited by the does were only moderate in the beginning but on nearing parturition there was conspicuous increase in the intensity of these changes. Colostrum was present in all the animals two days prior to parturition. Visible flow of cervical mucus was evident in 75 does two days prior to kidding and in all, 24 hours before parturition. There was no significant fluctuation of body temperature of does during prepartum period. The total duration of parturition was 360.91 + 30.85, 358.20 + 16.67 and 395.42 + 40.09 minutes in single births and 359.12 + 26.15, 357.20 + 32.23 and 368.73 + 24.03 minutes in multiple births in Malabari, Alpine x Malabari and Saanen x Malabari goats respectively. The duration of parturition was not variance between genetic groups both in single and multiple births. The weight of kid was positively correlated to the weight of placenta, total number of cotyledone and to the number of large and medium sized cotyledons. There was negative correlation between weight of kid and the number of small sized cotyledons. The number of cotyledons in the gravid horn was significantly higher than that in non gravid horn in all the genetic groups. Weight of the placenta as well as the total number of cotyledone was found to be more in multiple pregnancy than in single pregnancy.ThesisItem Open Access Susceptibility of ducks to newcastle disease virus (NDV) and their role in the transmission of the disease to chicken(Department of veterinary and Animal Sciences, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1981) Sudharma, D; KAU; Sulochana, SThe susceptibility of ducks to Newcastle disease virus and their possible role in the epizootiology of this disease were investigated. Cloacal and throat swabs and sera were collected from clinically normal as well as diseased ducks from different parts of Kerala. The swabs were tested for virus excertion by inoculating into the allantoic cavity of 10 day embryonated chicken eggs and the sera were examined for the presence of haemagglutination inhibition antibodies. Eight and one week – old ducklings were infected experimentally by different routes or methods to find out their susceptibility to this virus. A virulent strain of the virus received from Veterinary Biological Institute, Palode was employed for all experimental infection studies. Two week – old chickens were used for determining contact transmission. Inoculation of processed cloacal and throat swabs into the allantoic cavity of 10 day embryonated eggs resulted in the isolation of eleven haemagglutinating viruses from a total of 151 samples. The agglutination produced by these viruses were inhibited by specific ND antiserum, thereby confirming their identity as Newcastle disease virus. Out of a total of 226 serum samples collected from ducks, 34 showed HI antibodies ranging from 1:20 to 1:160 in the titre. Eight week – old ducklings infected intranasally and intraocularly showed symptoms of ND by third day of infection but recovered by the seventh day. All of them excreted the virus either through trachea, cloaca or by both the routes. Haemagglutination inhibition antibodies were demonstrable within two weeks of infection. The chickens kept in contact with the infected ducklings died after showing specific symptoms of newcastle disease. Postmortem examination revealed specific lesions and virus could be isolated from pooled tissue samples. Week – old ducklings could successfully be infected by intranasal/intraocular, subcutaneous, intramuscular or by contact infection. All the ducklings exposed to infection died after showing symptoms of pneumoencephalitis and diarrhoea. Virus was isolated from seventeen out of twenty five cases. Chickens placed in contact with subcutaneously infected ducklings died showing specific symptoms and lesions in ND and virus could be isolated from all the cases. The eight week – old ducklings although showed a clinical infection they could eventually recover following the development of antibodies in the system. Hence ducklings of eight weeks and above could be considered as resistant to newcastle disease virus infection. On the contrary week – old ducklings readily succumbed to the infection indicating their grater susceptibility. Contact transmission to chickens was possible from both age group of ducklings. The isolation of virus from clinically normal and diseased ducks showed that ducks excrete the virus without showing any clinical symptoms. It is also possible that some ducklings may show symptoms of the disease, but the development of antibody in the system leads to complete elimination of the virus. The results and the observation of the present study indicate that ducks can play an important role in the epizootiology of Newcastle disease by contracting infection from infected chicken or from other susceptible species and transmitting it to the incontact susceptible chicken.ThesisItem Open Access Studies on epidural anaesthesia in goats(Department of Surgery, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1981) Sarada Amma, T; KAU; George, P BThe present study was under taken with the object of finding out the effects of epidural administration of varying doses of lidocaine hydrocaine hydrochloride two per cent solution with and without the addition of hyaluronidase in goates. Epidural injection was given at the lumbosacral site using the Brooks’ epidural needle directed perpendicularly downwards. Thirty – six apparently healthy Alpine – Malabari crossbred bucks aged six to fifteen months and weighing seven to twenty – two kilograms were used for the study. The animals were divided into two groups viz., Group 1 and Group 11, each consisting of 18 animals. In Group 1, lidocaine hydrochloride at the rate of 4 mg, 8 mg and 16 mg/kg body – weight was administered as two per cent solution in three Subgroups each consisting of six animals. Similarly in Group 11, lidocaine hydrochloride was administered as two per cent solution along with hyaluronidase (150 I.U./100 ml of lidocaine hydrochloride solution) in three Subgroup each consisting of six animals. Significant positive correlation was noticed between the depth of insertion of the epidural needle and body – weight of the animals. When the dose of lidocaine hydrochloride was increased, there was proportionate decrease in the time of onset and increase in the duration of anaesthesia. In the same dose level when hyaluronidase was added there was further reduction in the time of onset, but the duration of anaesthesia was decreased. On statistical analysis of the data, no significant difference could be seen between 1) the time of onset of flaccidity of tail and relaxation of anal sphincter 2) the duration of flaccidity of tail and relaxation of anal sphincter and 3) the time taken for assuming sternal recumbency and complete relaxation of the muscles of hind – limbs. At a dose of 4 mg/kg body – weight in both the groups, the extent of analgesia was found to be the same, irrespective of addition of hyaluronidase. At higher doses (8 mg and 16 mg/kg body – weight), the extent of analgesia was found to be more. But when hyaluronidase was added, the extent of analgesia was still further increased. ‘Dog sitting posture’ was observed during the onset of anaesthesia only at a dose of 4 mg/kg body – weight. The animals got up only when flaccidity of tail and relaxation of anal sphincter disappeared. At the dose of 4 mg and 8 mg/kg body – weight there were no untoward reactions. But at the dose of 16 mg/kg body – weight lacrimation, salivation, protrusion of tongue, locked jaw, stiffness of head and neck, pedalling movements with the fore – limbs, opisthotonos and dyspnoea were observed in some of the animals during the onset of anaesthesia. Recovery phase was uneventful in all the animals, at all the dose levels. Transient unilateral or bilateral hind – leg lameness, dullness and anorexia were noticed in some of the animals as a post – anaesthetic complication. Epidural injection of lidocaine hydrochloride, two per cent solution at the rate of 4 mg/kg body – weight is recommended for surgical operations of the hind – quarters and inguinal region, while 8 mg/kg body – weight is recommended for operations on the flank region. Hyaluronidase may be added for getting quicker onset and greater extent of analgesia.ThesisItem Open Access Keeping Quality of Shell Eggs During Summer(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary Science,Mannuthy, 1981) Radhakrishnan Nair, R; KAU; Venugopalan, C KA study was conducted to asses the keeping quality of shell eggs during summer months of March, April and May. Quality deterioration on 3rd, 5th, 7th, 10th and 15th days of storage of eggs held at room temperature was measured. Simulteniuosly lime treated eggs at room temperature and eggs held in cooler at 10 to 130 C were also evaluated similarly. A total of 432 tables eggs were used for the study, 144 eggs under each treatment. The traits measured for quality assessment were weight loss, albumen index, yolk index, haugh unit score, per cent thick albumen and albumen pH. Following observations were made from the study: 1. The average temperature and humidity during the three months of study did not vary greatly and were 310 C and 61.3 per cent relative humidity respectively. 2. Irrespective of the mode of storage deterioration in quality with respect to all the traits increased with the increase in the period of storage. 3. Based on Haugh unit score it was observed that eggs stored at room temperature without any treatment maintained reasonable quality only upto 10 days while those stored under both the treatments were reasonably good even on the 15th day of storage. 4. At all stages of storage upto 15 days eggs held at room temperature without any treatment were decidedly inferior to those stored in cooler or after lime treatment with regard to all quality factors. 5. Both lime treatment and holding in cooler were found equally effective in maintaining egg quality upto 15 days of storage. The following conclusions are drawn based on the results of the study. I. It is not advisable to keep shell eggs at room temperature in summer for more than ten days before consumption. II. Eggs can be stored safely for 15 days without loosing market quality greatly if preserved after lime treatment or in cooler at 10 to 130 C. III. Even though both the methods of preservation employed in the study was found to be more or less equally effective, lime sealing appeared a simple economic and suitable technique of preservation for small scale producers.
- «
- 1 (current)
- 2
- 3
- »