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Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur
The history of agricultural education in Kerala can be traced back to the year 1896 when a scheme was evolved in the erstwhile Travancore State to train a few young men in scientific agriculture at the Demonstration Farm, Karamana, Thiruvananthapuram, presently, the Cropping Systems Research Centre under Kerala Agricultural University. Agriculture was introduced as an optional subject in the middle school classes in the State in 1922 when an Agricultural Middle School was started at Aluva, Ernakulam District. The popularity and usefulness of this school led to the starting of similar institutions at Kottarakkara and Konni in 1928 and 1931 respectively.
Agriculture was later introduced as an optional subject for Intermediate Course in 1953. In 1955, the erstwhile Government of Travancore-Cochin started the Agricultural College and Research Institute at Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram and the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at Mannuthy, Thrissur for imparting higher education in agricultural and veterinary sciences, respectively. These institutions were brought under the direct administrative control of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Animal Husbandry, respectively. With the formation of Kerala State in 1956, these two colleges were affiliated to the University of Kerala. The post-graduate programmes leading to M.Sc. (Ag), M.V.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees were started in 1961, 1962 and 1965 respectively.
On the recommendation of the Second National Education Commission (1964-66) headed by Dr. D.S. Kothari, the then Chairman of the University Grants Commission, one Agricultural University in each State was established. The State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) were established in India as an integral part of the National Agricultural Research System to give the much needed impetus to Agriculture Education and Research in the Country. As a result the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) was established on 24th February 1971 by virtue of the Act 33 of 1971 and started functioning on 1st February 1972. The Kerala Agricultural University is the 15th in the series of the SAUs.
In accordance with the provisions of KAU Act of 1971, the Agricultural College and Research Institute at Vellayani, and the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, were brought under the Kerala Agricultural University. In addition, twenty one agricultural and animal husbandry research stations were also transferred to the KAU for taking up research and extension programmes on various crops, animals, birds, etc.
During 2011, Kerala Agricultural University was trifurcated into Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU), Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) and Kerala Agricultural University (KAU).
Now the University has seven colleges (four Agriculture, one Agricultural Engineering, one Forestry, one Co-operation Banking & Management), six RARSs, seven KVKs, 15 Research Stations and 16 Research and Extension Units under the faculties of Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering and Forestry. In addition, one Academy on Climate Change Adaptation and one Institute of Agricultural Technology offering M.Sc. (Integrated) Climate Change Adaptation and Diploma in Agricultural Sciences respectively are also functioning in Kerala Agricultural University.
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ThesisItem Open Access Trematodes of Paramphistomatidae Infecting Domestic Ruminants(Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 1987) Tarun Shankar, Nath; KAU; George Varghese, CThe thesis embodied the results of an investigation on the prevalence of amphistome infection and their specific identity in different domestic ruminants (cattle, buffaloes, sheep and goats) of Kerala state. A total of 1490 faecal samples from domestic ruminants were collected from different places of Kerala State during a period from April 1985 to March 1986. These samples were examined by sedimentation technique to detect infection with amphistomes and their prevalence. Viscera of 780 slaughtered/ dead ruminants from different parts of Kerala were examined in addition and the available amphistomes were collected for the study and specific identification. The flukes were studied alive, flattened and stained and in certain cases by microtomy sections. Result of the study indicated that the prevalence of infection was far more in cattle and buffaloes than in sheep and goats. The rate of prevalence in cattle, buffaloes and goats was 20.16%, 28.57% and 3.22% respectively. In slaughtered/dead animals the prevalence was 33.09%, 34.67%, 4.17% and 5.81% respectively in cattle, buffaloes, sheep and goats. The highest prevalence was recorded during the rainy season and lowest in dry/summer season. Prevalence during south west monsoon was 38.08% and 20.73% during North East monsoon. The seasonal prevalence hardly varied between cattle and buffaloes but it was consistently low in sheep and goats. Most of the prevalence in all animals were of mixed origin. A total number of 17 species belonging to eight genera of amphistomes were identified. Cevlonocotyle spinicephalus (Tandon, 1955) was recorded from new hosts i.e, cattle and goats, cotylophoron chauhani from goats, in addition to the already reported hosts, buffaloes and sheep respectively. The following conclusions are drawn on the basis of the results of this study: Amphistomes are most prevalent in cattle and buffaloes. Though the infection with amphistomes exists throughout the year, it is definitely more in monsoon seasons. Ceylonocotyle spinicephalus (Tandon, 1955) occurs in cattle and goats and cotylophoron chauhani (Gupta and Gupta, 1972 ) in goats also.ThesisItem Open Access Studies on Capon Production(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary Science, Mannuthy, 1986) Jyotirmoy, Chakraborty; KAU; Sabarinathan Nair, RThe thesis incorporates the results of a feasibility study on economic utilization of Austra-White and White Leghorn surplus cockerels for capon production in the existing Indian conditions. Production performances of surgically caponized Austra-White and White Leghorn males were compared with their respective intacts at three stages, namely, 20th 24th and 28th week of age. A total number of 192 cockerels were involved in the study. Each treatment group comprised 12 birds and replicated four times. Caponization was carried out at 8 weeks of age. The production straits evaluated were body weight gain, feed efficiency, processing losses and yield, percentage ‘slips’, taste panel evaluation, proximate composition of meat and economics of production. Recordings of thermal data, weekly body weight and weekly feed consumption were made. At the 20th 24th and 28th weeks 16 birds randomly selected from each group were subjected to slaughter studies. The results indicated significantly (p<0.05) higher body weight gain for the capons over intact controls at 20 weeks. Austra-White capons were significantly (p<0.05) higher gain at the 24th week but White Leghorn capons did not differ significantly from their intacts at this stage. Capons and intacts did not differ significantly at 28 weeks of age. Feed efficiency was significantly (p<0.05) better for capons during all the periods under tests. The capon registered significantly (p<0.05) higher dressing loss than intacts whereas intacts registered significantly (p<0.05) higher loss due to head and shanks. Ready to cook yield did not differ significantly between treatments. Capons registered increased percentages of moisture, protein and other extract. Five per cent of capons were registered as ‘slips’. Austra-White capon meat top scored in tenderness, juiciness, and personal preference. Economic evaluation registered profitable returns for capons at 20th week, based on culled/spent hen meat value at university farm rates. Significantly higher returns were indicated when economic evaluations were made on market rates. From the results of the study it was concluded that Austra-White surplus cockerels can be effectively utilized for capon production and White Leghorn cockerels form small sized capons. Capons production can be an economic practical feasibility in Indian conditions and also capon meat is preferred over roaster meat. Surgical caponization can be effectively employed as a routine managemental procedure for economic utilization of surplus cockerels. It was also indicated that the optimum economic stage for marketing capons is 20 weeks of age.ThesisItem Open Access Biology of neoplastic cells of ethmoid carcinoma(Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1985) Madan Sing, Karki; KAU; Rajan, AAttempts were made to propagate the ethmoid carcinoma cells in vitro to study the biological behaviour of the neoplastic cells and their relationship with the host. Efforts were also made to transplant the neoplastic cells in laboratory animals and tumour bearing natural hosts so as to lay out a model system for further investigation. In vitro propagation was tried by obtaining the tumour tissues from nine cows and three goats. Cells were grown in Hank’s balanced salt solution (HBSS). TC – 199 and Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium with 10 to 20 per cent calf serum. The cell suspension was seeded into tissue culture bottles, milk diluting bottles and test tubes and incubated at 370 C. No growth was observed in the cultures made from the tumour tissue of cows. The tumour cells from two goats grew in monolyerand were maintained for nine days. There was no difference in growth of cells in different media employed. Insulin supplementation in the media did not cause any difference in the growth of the cells. Subsequently the cells died even after subculturing and changing of the media. Absence of certain unknown factors required by the neoplastic cells for growth was considered responsible for failure of the growth. Transplantation studies were carried out in autologous, homologous and heterologous species of animals using the tumour tissue framgments, homogenate, filtrate and cell suspension. No autograft or heterotransplant were successful. Homologous transplantation resulted in a firm painless growth at the site of injection. The growth initiated a cell – mediated immune response at the site of implantation. Failure of neoplastic cells to grow in the other hosts was considered to be due to rejection of the transplants by the host’s immune system.ThesisItem Open Access Regional anaesthesia of the hind-limbs in oats using lignocaine hydrochloride(Department of Surgery, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1985) Prahlad, Sapkota; KAU; Raveendran, SA study on intravenous regional anaesthesia (IVRA) of the hind – limbs was conducted in 18 bucks, weighing 15 to 25 kg body – weight (in four groups). Lignocaine hydrochloride 2% colution was used as the anaesthetic. Four dose levels viz., 4 – 5 mg; 5 - 6 mg; 6 – 7 mg and 7 – 9 mg/kg body – weight were employed. A tourniquet was applied around the limb above the stifle joint. After a 10 min period of pre – injection tourniquet ischaemic, the anaesthetic was administered through saphenous vein following exsanguination. Anaesthetic effect was ascertained by pin – pricking and pinching the interdigital space. In nine animals the effect of IVRA on wound healing was studies. The onset and duration of anaesthesia and the time for waning away of anaesthesia were also recorded. Onset of anaesthesia was noticed in 2.50 + 0.84; 2.0 + 0.82; 2.86 + 1.34 and 2.43 + 1.40 min. Duration of anaesthesia in the four groups was 25.0 + 7.77; 24.86 + 3.80 ; 21.43 + 6.08 and 30.71 + 4.92 min respectively including a short duration after the release of tourniquet. The complete disappearance of anaesthetic effect was noticed by 6.17 + 4.54; 4.28 + 1.38 ; 5.43 + 2.07 and 3.86 + 1.21 min after the release of tourniquet. The anaesthetic effects were first apparent at the phalangeal region and progressed gradually upwards to the level of tourniquet and waned away in the reverse order. The healing of wound was uneventful and the histological study revealed that there was no variation in the healing process between the experimental and control groups.ThesisItem Open Access Bacteriological quality of goat milk(Department of Dairy Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1985) Chakhesang, Kevesiei; KAU; Sukumaran, M VA total of 376 aseptically – drawn milk and 46 farm pooled milk samples were collected from the AICRP on Goats for Milk, Mannuthy and subjected to various tests to determine the bacteriological quality. An increase of over 59 and 188 – fold in bacterial number from aseptically – drawn milk to production – and milk for the morning and the evening milkings respectively was noticed. In aseptically – drawn milk samples 61.17% and 64.83% gave a SPC of below 100/ml in the morning and evening respectively. In farm pooled milk samples the SPC exceeded 105/ml in 39.13% of the morning and 65.22% of the evening samples. No psychrophilic bacteria was detected in any of the aseptically – drawn or farm pooled milk samples. The mean thermophilic counts of aseptically – drawn as well as farm pooled milk samples was less than one/ml. Though the mean coliform count of aseptically – drawn milk was found to be less than one/ml, the farm pooled milk samples showed 3,413 and 2734/ml for the morning and the evening samples respectively. The mean MBRT of the morning and the evening samples was 14.91 and 8.93 h for aseptically – drawn milk and 4.57 and 3.83 h for farm pooled milk samples respectively. The correlation coefficient between MBR time and SPC of farm pooled milk of the morning and evening samples was not significant (- 0.21 and - 0.27). The keeping quality of the morning and the evening milk samples (280 C) obtained was respectively 50.48 and 44.70 h for aseptically – drawn milk and 12.87 and 12.04 h for farm pooled milk samples respectively. The correlation coefficient between SPC and keeping quality of farm pooled milk samples was significant (- 0.46) for morning sample while that of evening milk was not significant (+ 0.28). The correlation coefficient between MBRT and keeping quality of farm pooled milk samples was also not significant in both the morning and the evening (+ 0.31 and + 0.13).ThesisItem Open Access Influence of glyceryl guaiacol ether on anaesthesia in goats(Department of Surgery, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1986) Balagopalan, T P; KAU; Muraleedharan Nayar, K NThe present study was undertaken with the object of finding out the influence of GGE and its combinations on anaesthesia in goats. Eighteen apparently healthy cross – bred male kids, aged 5 – 9 months, weighing 11 – 16 kg were used for the study in three groups of six animals each. GGE, five per cent solution alone at the rate of 100 mg/kg was administered intravenously in group A. Triflupromazine hydrochloride at the rate of 0.2 mg/kg and GGE solution at the rate of 100 mg/kg were administered in group B. Triflupromazine hydrochloride, GGE and five per cent Thiopentone sodium solutions were administered in group C. An average of 28.00 + 0.10 ml GGE solution was administered in group A, 0.12 + 0.003 ml Triflupromazine hydrochloride followed by 24.33 + 0.67 ml GGE solution in group B and 0.12 + 0.003 ml Triflupromazine hydrochloride, 28.83 + 0.54 ml GGE and 2.97 + 0.19 ml Thiopentone sodium solutions were administered in group C. There were no untoward symptoms at the time of administration of the drugs. The induction time was 3.42 + 0.20 min. in group A, 2.08 + 0.08 min. in group B and 2.40 + 0.24 min. in group C. The induction was smooth in all the groups. On induction pedal, corneal, cutaneous and palpebral reflexes disappeared in all the groups, while palpebral reflex alone persisted in group A. Dilation of pupil with complete relaxation of jaws, anus, penis and abdomen was noticed in all the animals as the anaesthetic effect deepened. Flaccidity of tail was pronounced in group C. All the animals were found to be weak and dull and did not take feed and water upto 12 hours in group A and upto 24 hours in group B and C. They were apparently normal by 24, 36 and 60 hours in group A, B and C respectively. Reduction in rectal temperature was noted in all the groups. Initial reduction followed by an increase in heart rate was seen in group B and C. In group A there was increase in heart rate from the beginning. Tachycardia was observed at the time of recovery in all the groups. The variations in respiration rate were within the normal limits. The duration of anaesthesia was 28.83 + 2.27 min., 44.83 + 1.74 min. and 52.60 + 3.57 min. in group A, B and C respectively. The period of recovery was 18.00 + 0.89 min., 17.33 + 1.05 min. and 34.40 + 1.69 min. in group A, B and C respectively. Recovery was smooth and uneventful. There was a significant fall in the blood pressure (systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressure) in all the groups, but pulse pressure showed marginal variation. Variations in central venous pressure was not significant. The electrocardiogram revealed a depression of S – T segment in all the groups and depression of P wave in group B and C. Tachycardia was seen at recovery. There was reduction in total erythrocyte count while the leukocyte count showed an initial decrease followed by an increase at 24 hours. The lymphocyte count decreased and the neutrophil count increased. Variation in the eosinophil and monocyte count was not significant. A reduction in the haemoglobin content and packed cell volume was observed in all the groups. The erythrocyte sedimentation was observed in all the groups. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate showed an increase during anaesthesia. Significant increase in blood glucose was noticed in all the groups during anaesthesia and the serum protein values decreased. The serum sodium values showed marginal variations but the serum potassium values showed decrease upto 120 min. There was an increase in the serum chloride values followed by a decrease in all the groups. In all the three groups of animals, variation in serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase level was within normal limits. Gross lesions were not seen in any of the animals sacrificed on 4th or 10th day. But microscopic examination, early degenerative changes were noticed in the liver and kidney of all the animals sacrificed on the 4th day. Evidence of regeneration could be observed by the 10th day.ThesisItem Open Access Status of broiler production In Kerala with special reference to Trichur(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary, Mannuthy, 1988) Aboobacker, M; KAU; Regunathan Nair, GA survey was undertaken to assess the present status of broiler farming in Thrissur, a major broiler producing district in Kerala. Thirtytwo farms were selected for the survey based on holding strength and frequency of intake. Following are some of the salient points that emerged from the survey. All the farmers were literate and had taken up broiler farming for generating additional income to sustain the family. Majority of the farmers were raising 300 birds per crop with fortnightly intake and were adopting scientific management practices. Organized marketing channel was absent and the birds were disposed off at the farm site itself in retail or wholesale. Dressing of birds in large scale was not being practiced. Results indicated that the mortality rate, body weight at marketing and feed conversion ratio were 6.69 per cent, 1.48 kg and 2.49 respectively. The major portion of production cost was attributed to feed (56.26%) followed by chick (28.56%) and labour (4.31%). Seasons of the year had no appreciable effect on broiler productivity except slight higher mortality due to heat stress during hot seasons. Study also revealed that increasing the stock intake reduces the cost of production with increase in net return. The productivity both in terms of market body weight and livability were adversely affected in farms where hired labour was used resulting in much lower net income. Low profit farms (less than Rs.2.00 per bird sold) showed higher mortality (13.56%) and low body weight at disposal. The survey revealed that better productivity could be achieved by improving efficiency of production particularly reduction in feed cost, increasing livability and adoption of a tangible marketing system so as to obtain remunerative price even during lean seasons.ThesisItem Open Access Immunogenicity of an indigenous isolate of newcastle disease virus and Its usefulness as a vaccine strain(Department of microbiology, College of veterinary and animal sciences, Mannuthy, 1983) Murugan, M R; KAU; Suloohana, SThe newly isolated mesogenic strain of Newcastle disease virus (NT) from an ailing mynah was studied in detail with particular reference to its biological characteristics, pathogenicity and immunogenicity. The results of various studies were compared with that of Komorov strain, a known mesogenic strain. The titer attained in developing chick embryos, mean death time of inoculated chick embryos at terminal dilutions, neuropathogenicity index in day old chicks and intravenous pathogenicity index were 109.5 /0.2 ml, 87 hours 0.63 and 0.00 respectively for the MT strain. The above values in order were 1010.5/0.2 ML, 76.5 hours, 1.16 and 0.000 for the Komorov strain. The infectivity of MT strain was labile at 560C for 10 minutes and the haemagglutinin was completely lost within five minutes. On the other hand the infectivity and haemagglutinin of K strain were comparatively resistant. Strain MT was pathogenic to day old chicks in which 26.6% mortality was noticed. In recovered chicks sufficient HI antibodies were seen and all of them withstood challenge. Although comparable results were obtained for Komarov strain, it was less pathogenic to day old chicks. Though 23.3% of chicks manifested clinical symptom only 3.3% died and the remaining birds recovered. In three weeks old chicks MT and K strain were found to be nonpathogenic either by S/C or oculonasal route. The inoculated chicks were immune when challenged six weeks later. Even in six weeks old chicks having no base immunity no post-inoculation reactions could be detected. All the chicks showed a rise in antibody titer reaching the peak level by the end of the third week and were resistant to challenge after six weeks. In chicks aged six weeks having a base immunity with strain were also free from any post infection reaction either by I/M or S/C route or inoculation. Chicks in both the groups produced HI antibodies and was always higher in those received infection by I/M route. The peak titers were obtained at the end of the third week and then declined. Though the titers were low by the end of the 6th week all the chicks were resistant to ND when exposed to a virulent virus. 2.9% of the chicks that received K strain by I/M route showed post inoculation reaction and died of ND. The remaining chicks and those in the S/C group behaved the same way as those received NT strain. Though the antibody response of chicken to MT and K were not statistically significant in all the three experiments, MWU test revealed that MT has a significantly higher immunogenic effect than K as the former always had a higher means than the latter. The ability to infect in contact chicks was also investigated. Strain MT was less efficient in this property giving only 25% to 28% transmission. On the other hand K strain revealed significantly higher transmissibility as it could spread to 62.5 to 75% of the inoculated in contact chicks. The mesogenic strain MT is quite safe in chicks of three weeks of age and above. It is also a good immunogen producing HI antibodies which protected the chicks from challenge even after six weeks. However the strain can be recommended as a vaccine strain only after further field trials and its effects on egg production are worked out.ThesisItem Open Access Pathology of the reproductive system in ducks(Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1986) Jayakumar, P M; KAU; Valsala, K VA study was conducted on the pathology of the reproductive system in ducks. A survey conducted on the prevalence of diseases based on the data for a period of 11 years at the Government Duck Farm, Niranam revealed the incidence of hepatosis (64.58%), hepatitis (9.07%), enteritis (8.58%), tuberculosis (2.61%) and miscellaneous disorders (15.13%). The latter category included pulmonary edema, omphalitis and transport stress. In a separate study, the reproductive organs of 194 female ducks and 26 male ducks were examined systematically and gross and histopathological lesions encountered were studied. The diseases encountered in females were hypoplasia of left ovary and oviduct (20%), impaction of oviduct (5.45%), haemorrhagic cyst in the ovary (7.27%), salpingoperitonitis (10.9%), oophoritis (49.09%), cystic right oviduct (1.82%), mycotic salpingitis (1.82%) and tuberculous salpingitis (3.63%). In males atrophic testis (66.3%) and seminoma (33.3%) were the diseases recorded. Experimentally, pure aflatoxin B1 and ochratoxin A were administered to six ducks each, at the rate of 25 µg per duck daily for a period of three months. Clinically all the experimental ducks showed unthriftiness. But it was more pronounced in aflatoxin group. In both aflatoxin and ochratoxin group, the birds showed reduced weight gain and decreased feed intake. There was reduction in the weight of the testis in both aflatoxin and ochratoxin groups. Histologically, in the aflatoxin group, marked disruption in the organisation of germinal epithelium, absence of sperm bundles and edema of the interstitial tissue were the lesions observed. In the ochratoxin group, the basement membrane was found to be unaffected. Both aflatoxin and ochratoxin were found to cause degenerative changes in the testicular tissue. However, aflatoxin was found to cause more pronounced changes than ochratoxin. From the studies made, it was concluded that both aflatoxin and ochratoxin can induce degenerative changes in the testis and it was surmised that this would lead to subfertility and infertility. The need for feeding a diet free of mycotoxins to ensure profitable duck farming was stressed.
