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

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 9 of 174

Open Access
Influence of leaders in the development of rural areas
(Department Of Agricultural Extension, College Of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1981) Shilaja, S; KAU; Tampi, A M
Open Access
Investigations on intervarietal F2 hybrids in cowpea
(Department of Agricultural Botany, College of Horticulture Vellanikkara, Trichur, 1981) Sumathikutty Amma, B; KAU; Narayanan Namboodiri, K M
Ccwpea (Vlgna ungiculata) Is the major pulse crop cultivated in Kerala where the average yield of pulses in general and Cowpea in particular is very low even under modern agronomic practices* This low productivity is mainly due to the absence of high yielding varieties suited for the different agro-climatic conditions. The varietal requirements in Cowpea, in the state vary because of the highly contrasting system of cultivation and this compels Cowpea breeders to evolve varieties of different combinations of plant, pod and seed characters, This is possible by producing different varieties combining the desirable attributes required for the diverse situations by suitable means. One of the ways by which, this can be achieved is through combination breeding in which desirable genes are pooled frcra different sources* In a previous study conducted in the Department of Agricultural Botany, the 202 genotypes v/ere grouped into 17 distinct clusters. Representing 15 clusters, 15 varieties were chosen for intervarietal hybridisation and their F^'s evaluated during 1979-80, Seeds collected from the plants of the 16 Intervariota] crosses along with their parents were used for the study. Two families In each of the 16 crosses were studied along with their respective parents for the pattern of inheritance of 15 economic characters. Most of the characters were found to be inherited as quantitative characters controlled by either polygenes or by a few major genes with their action being suitably modified by minor genes. The crosses 5 x 15 (g p .p l s . 139 x p .118) and 6 X 8 (Red Seeded Selection X Kolingipayar) were identified as suitable ones for grain - production and also for using as dual purpose Cowpea culture since they might throw segregants best suited to those purposes. For the specialised system of Cot/pea culture practised in summer rice fallows exclusively for vegetable purpose, the crosses 14 X 16 (Pannithodan-early X Kolingipayarwhite), 17 X 16 (Mancheri-black X Kolingipayar^hite) and 10 X 6 (IC. 20729 X Red Seeded Selection) appeared to be the Ideal ones*
Open Access
Studies on certain gastro-intestinal nematodes with special reference to those found in goats
(Department of parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1980) Sathianesan, V; KAU; Kalyanasundaram, R
Life history of Triohuris globuloss has been elucidated for the fist time using kids !q as experimental animals. Both free living and parasitic stages have been described in detail with illustrations. The prepatent period of Triohuric globuloss was found to be 85-89 days. T.globulosa failed to develop in guniea pig on experimental transmission. Haematology and histopathology of trichuriacis in kids experimentally infected with T.globulosa have been studied for the first time and heavy infection with the worm was found to cause anaemia and pathology changes in cacum of the host. Prepatent period of Strongyloides napillosus in kids infected orally with 7000 larva has been determined for the first time to be 6-7 days. Neoasoais vitulorum of calves has been found to be not transferable to oat either transplacentally or orally. In gunia pigs M.Vitulorum failed to attain sexual maturity. Calves could not be infected with infected with M.vitulorum post-nataly. Oesphagostomum colubianum of goats has been found to be not transferable to calves. Prepatent period of O.colusbionum in kids infected experimentally was found to be 40 days. Comparative efficacy of 4 anthelminties viz., Oxibendazole, thiophanate, Albendazole and Parbendazole was increased by conducting treatment trials. Against monospecific infection of Trichuris globulosa in experimentally infected kids the efficacies of Oxibendazile, thiophanate, Albendazole and Parbendazole at the recommended doses of 10mg.50mg, 10mg and 30 mg/kg body weight respectively were found to be 48.6%, 41%,47.3% and 49.3% respectively. Even at double the recommended doses the anthelminations were found to be well tolerated by the kids. Oxibendazole and Albendazole at the rate of 10mg and 10mg/kg body weight respectively were found to be 100% found to be 100 % effective against colubriformise, effective against respectively were Haemonohus contortue, trichostrongylus .Thiopanate at the recommended dosage (59mg/kg body weight) was also 100% effective against all he nematodes mentioned above except Haemonous contortus against which it was only 97% effective at that dosage. Parbendazole at the recommended dosage shedule (30mg/kg body weight) was 100% effective against the nematodes with the exception of .against which only 86.6% efficacy was noticed. Against in nature nematodes in the gastro-intestinal tract Oxibendazole and Albendazole were 100% effective whereas the efficacies of P`arbendazole and thiophanate were 85% and 74% respectively at their recommended doses. In in vitro studies the anthelmintic efficacy of Oxibendasole against Haemonchus contortus was found to be superior to that of the remaining anthelminties. In ovicidal property also, Oxibendazole was better than all the others, since it was ovicidal in 6 hours after administration whereas albendazole, thiophanate and Parbendazole were ovicidal in 8 hours, 9 hour and 11 hours respectively. Albendazole was found to be superior to al the other 3 anthelmintion in their influences on the body weight gain of treated animals closely followed by Oxibendazole. Perbendazole and thiophanate were inferior to others Judging on the basis of over all efficacies Oxibendazole and Albendazole were found to be superior to thiophanate and Parbendasole. Treatment trials with Oxibendazole, Albendazole and thiophanate against gastro-intestinal nematodes of goats have not been attempted earlier than the present study.
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 O
Thirtysix 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.,
Open Access
Postnatal development of testis and epididymis, semen characteristics and fertility of brown- swiss crossbred bulls
(Department of Animal Reproduction and Gyneacology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1981) Surendran Varma Raja, C K; KAU; Ramachandran Rao, A
A systematic investigation involving the use of 24 Brown Swiss crossbred bull calves and 7 adult bulls with 62.5% exotic inheritance varying in age from 0- 360 days and 22-40 months respectively, resred and maintained at Indo-Swiss Project, Mattupatty, Kerala, was carried out in order to (a) trace the postnatal growth and development of the testis and epididymis and (b) assess the semen characteristics such as volume, initial motility, sperm concentration, live sperm count and incidence of abnormal sperms; As a corrolary to and as an integral part of this comprehensive study, 6679 semen collection particulars from the records maintained at the Indo-Swiss Project, Mattupatty and 7586 insemination data at the Crossbreeding Research Centre, Muvathuphza werecritically scrutinised to deduce freezability/discard rate of the ejaculates and the fertility potenoy of the bulls, respectively. The materials used, the salient observations made and the valid inferences drawn aare given below: Twenty four pairs of testis and epididymis collected from the bull calves were processed to study the postnatal growth and development. The pattern of growth of testis and of the epididymis was found to be curvilinear. The testicularand epididymal weights were observed to be significantly (p<0.01) correlated with the age, and body weight of the animals. A highly significant (p<0.01) correlation between epididymal weight and testicular weight was also observed. The growth rate of the seminiferous tubules appeared to be of sigmoid type. Formation of lumen in the seminiferous cords was initiated at 150 days and completed, at 180 days of age. The transformation of gonocytes to spermatogonia occurred at 150 days of age. The formation of primary spermatocytes, spermatid and spermatozoa cocurred at the age of 150 days, 300 days and 300-360 days, respectively. The process of transformation of supporting cells was initiated at 120 days and completed at 180 days of age. The transformation of immature Leydig cells to mature cells was initiated at 150 days and completed, by 180 days of age. There were distinct regional differences between the caput, the corpus and the cauda epididymis in respect of the diameter of the tubules, height of the epithelium and the degree of transformation of Epithelial lining from simple columnar to pseudostratified type. The distal part of the ductus epididymis seemed to have attained the adult size at an earlier age than the proximal. Sperms were seen in all the three regions at about 300 days. The mean values of ejaculate volume, initial motility, sperm concentration, live sperm count, sperm head abnormalities, tail abnormalities and proximal protoplasmic droplets were found to be 2.65 ± 0.84 ml, 66.24 ± 0.87%, 1599.64 ± 55.371 milions per ml of semen, 72.55 ± 1.310%, 4.91 ± 0.439%, 0.65 ± 0.045%, 6.47 ± 0.775% and 1.20 ± 0.143%, respectively. Significant (p<0.01) variations between bulls were observed in respect of sperm head abnormalities, tail abnormalities and proximal protoplasmic droplets and between months, in respect of ejaculate volume, sperm head abnormalities, free loose head, tail abnormalities and proximal protoplasmic droplets. Seasonal variation (p<0.05), however, was evident only in the incidence of tail abnormalities. Variations due to age of bulls were found to be significant (p<0.01) in the casse of ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, free loose head, middle piece abnormalities and tail abnormalities. The freezability of sperms expressed in terms of per cent of post-thawing motility was found to be 36.86. There was no seasonal effect on the freezability of sperms. The freezability rate increased significantly (p<0.01) with advancement of age of bulls. The overall rejection rate of the ejaculates was noted to be 39.80%. Most of the rejection (71.75%) was done before freezing. The pre-freezing rejection was found to be 28.55% of the total ejaculate. The post-freezing discard to be 15.74% of the frozen samples. The rejection rates of the ejaculates differed significantly (p<0.01) between months/seasons/age of the bulls. The rate of rejection was found to decrease with advancing age. The overall fertility rate of the bulls was found to be 56.06%. There were significant (p<0.01) differences in the fertility rate between months/seasons of insemination and between age of the bulls. As between bulls also, there was a significant variation (p<0.01) in the fertility rate. The significance of the observations inferences indicated above and their relevance to the implementation of cross breeding programme in Kerala were discussed briefly.
Open Access
Pattern of growth in domestic fowl
(Department of Statistics, College of Veterinary,Mannuthy, 1981) Jacob Thomas, M; KAU; Surendran, P U
Under uniform feed formula and identical management practices, 30 Australorp (ALP) males, 26 (ALP) females, 25 white Leghorn(WL) males and 31 (WL) females, were reared for 24 weeks in Kerala Agricultural University Poultry Farm, Mannuthy to study their growth patterns. The initial mean body weights of chicks were 35g. for ALPmales, 34.4615g. for ALP females, 33.04g for WL males, 32.0645g. for WL females. Throughout the experiment males in each genetic group had a higher mean weight than females. A plateau on the body weight was reached by the end of 23 weeks in almost all birds, indicating that 24 weeks completely covered the growth period. By the end of the experiment the mean body weight was 1858g for ALP males, 1488.4615g. for ALP females, 1556.8g. for WL males, 1306.1290g for WL females. Though there was no significant difference between the groups at the end of the fourth week, significant differences between pairs were observed after 16 weeks. Exponential (y =aebx), Gompertz (y = abcx) and Logestic (105/y = a + bcx) curves were found to be suitable for fitting body weights for 24 weeks. The first two gave extremely good fit. Modified exponential was good only for data of twelve weeks. When growth rates for twenty four weeks were compared on the basis of the fitted curves for all birds the conclusion arrived at was the same for exponential and Gompertz curves. The rates of growth for ALP males, WL males, ALP females WL females and were in the descending order of magnitude; they were significantly different. Same was the inference obtained when Rao’s method of comparing rates of growth was adopted. The result obtained for comparing the rates of growth by fitting Exponential and Modified exponential for the body weights of birds for 12 weeks were similar. Both the curves gave very satisfactory fit to the data. The coefficient of correlation between the observed and expected body weights was nearly unity in almost all cases.
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 P
The 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.
Open Access
Studies on the common ticks affecting live-stock in Kerala
(Department of parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1980) Rajamohan, K; KAU; Kalyanasundaram, R
An investigation was conducted for a period of 5 years from 1974 to 1979 in to the incidence of ticks on domestic animals in Kerala, the biology of the most common species, and their susceptibility to four commonly available organo phosphorus compounds.. Nine different species of ticks belonging to 5 genera were collected from cattle, buffaloes, goats and dogs in different localities of the eleven districts of Kerala. The species of ticks identified were boophilus annulatus, rhipicephalus sanguineus, R.haemaphusaloides, R.turanicus, haemaphysalis bispinosa, H. turturis, H.spinigera, Hyalomma anatolicum and Amblyomma integrum. The commonest among them was boophilus annulatus, which was found mainly on cattle. The incidence of this tick was very high in the hilly areas and in the western ghat regions. The other common ticks found on cattle were Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides and Haemaphysalis bispinosa. Tick infestation was found to be rare in buffaloes and goats and the common species found on them were Haemaphysalis bispinosa and B. annulatus. IN dogs the species recorded in the present study were Rhipicephalus sanguienus and R. turanicus. Variations in incidence was evidenced from the present study. The maximum incidence was found in the months of July, August, September, October and November. The life-cycle of B.annulatus was completed experimentally in a period 44 days. The maximum number of eggs produced by one tick was 1420 and minimum 680. The incubation period was dependent on the room temperature and variation in humidity had little influence. The larvae were found to prefer hairy areas of the body for attachment, and they did not attach at the hairless and exposed areas. The engorged females were found to drop off quickly when green grass was spread on the floor of the experimental animal’s shed. The life-cycle patter could be summarised as: Pre-oviposition : 1 to 6 days Oviposition : 5 to 9 days Incubation period : 16 to 30 days Larval fasting : 2 to 5 days Larval feeding : 4 to 7 days Larval moulting : 8th to 12th day of infection Nymphal feeding : 3 to 6 days Moulting of Nymph : 15 to 19th day of infection Adult feeding : 5 to 10 days Detatchment of female : From 20th day of infection onwards Four organophosphorous compounds viz. Malathion, Fenitrothion, Dichlorvos and Phosalone were tested for their action on ticks. The ovicidal and larvicidal actions and the lethal effects on nymphas and engorged females of B. annulatus, R sanguinius and H. bispinosa were studied in the laboratory. Cythion (malathion 50%) 0.5 to 1%, Sumithion (Fenitrothion 50 %) 0.5 to 1%, Dichlorvos (Nuvan) 0.1 to 0.2%, and Zolone (Phosalone 35 %) 0.2 to 0.3% were found effective at different degrees. The efficacy was directly proportional to the concentration of compound and the duration of treatment. Phosalone showed maximum efficacy followed by Dichlorvos. In field trials, all the four compounds gave satisfactory results. But phosalone showed maximum efficacy and least toxicity to animals. Nuvan was also effective but was the most toxic among the four compounds. Thus the acaricide of choice for routine use in Kerala was determined to be Phosalone (35%) at a concentration of 0.3% to be used as a spray or wash.
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, M
Wells 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.

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

Browse

Thesis Type

Type

Author

Date

Subject

Search Results