Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

The history of agricultural education in Kerala can be traced back to the year 1896 when a scheme was evolved in the erstwhile Travancore State to train a few young men in scientific agriculture at the Demonstration Farm, Karamana, Thiruvananthapuram, presently, the Cropping Systems Research Centre under Kerala Agricultural University. Agriculture was introduced as an optional subject in the middle school classes in the State in 1922 when an Agricultural Middle School was started at Aluva, Ernakulam District. The popularity and usefulness of this school led to the starting of similar institutions at Kottarakkara and Konni in 1928 and 1931 respectively. Agriculture was later introduced as an optional subject for Intermediate Course in 1953. In 1955, the erstwhile Government of Travancore-Cochin started the Agricultural College and Research Institute at Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram and the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at Mannuthy, Thrissur for imparting higher education in agricultural and veterinary sciences, respectively. These institutions were brought under the direct administrative control of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Animal Husbandry, respectively. With the formation of Kerala State in 1956, these two colleges were affiliated to the University of Kerala. The post-graduate programmes leading to M.Sc. (Ag), M.V.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees were started in 1961, 1962 and 1965 respectively. On the recommendation of the Second National Education Commission (1964-66) headed by Dr. D.S. Kothari, the then Chairman of the University Grants Commission, one Agricultural University in each State was established. The State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) were established in India as an integral part of the National Agricultural Research System to give the much needed impetus to Agriculture Education and Research in the Country. As a result the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) was established on 24th February 1971 by virtue of the Act 33 of 1971 and started functioning on 1st February 1972. The Kerala Agricultural University is the 15th in the series of the SAUs. In accordance with the provisions of KAU Act of 1971, the Agricultural College and Research Institute at Vellayani, and the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, were brought under the Kerala Agricultural University. In addition, twenty one agricultural and animal husbandry research stations were also transferred to the KAU for taking up research and extension programmes on various crops, animals, birds, etc. During 2011, Kerala Agricultural University was trifurcated into Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU), Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) and Kerala Agricultural University (KAU). Now the University has seven colleges (four Agriculture, one Agricultural Engineering, one Forestry, one Co-operation Banking & Management), six RARSs, seven KVKs, 15 Research Stations and 16 Research and Extension Units under the faculties of Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering and Forestry. In addition, one Academy on Climate Change Adaptation and one Institute of Agricultural Technology offering M.Sc. (Integrated) Climate Change Adaptation and Diploma in Agricultural Sciences respectively are also functioning in Kerala Agricultural University.

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Open Access
Trematodes of Paramphistomatidae Infecting Domestic Ruminants
(Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 1987) Tarun Shankar, Nath; KAU; George Varghese, C
The 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.
Open Access
Comparative study of genotype environment interactions in sesame
(Department of Statistics, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1989) Mini, C J; KAU; George, K C
The present study has been conducted to choose a consistent variety for all the regions and all seasons in the light of genotype-environment interaction with the following objectives. (i) to evaluate the existing techniques available for studying GE interaction in sesame (ii) to develop new concepts and methods to solve some problems peculiar to crop sesame like non-linearity of interactions, non-orthogonality of data and different patterns of genotype-environment (GE) interactions that are encountered while studying the stability of varieties simultaneously for several traits.
Open Access
Studies on Capon Production
(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary Science, Mannuthy, 1986) Jyotirmoy, Chakraborty; KAU; Sabarinathan Nair, R
The 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.
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 N
The 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.
Open Access
Influence of buprenorphine , pentazocine and xylazine analgesia on ketamine anaesthesia in dogs
(Department of Pharmacology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1989) Usha, P T A; KAU; Rajagopalan, N K
The experiments were conducted in three different parts. In the first part of the experiment the ED50 of the three drugs namely buprenorphine, pentazocine and xylazine was determined using the analgesiometer (tail flick method) in rats and tail clip method in mice. The ED50 of buprenorphine in rats and mice was 0.25 + 0.084 mg/kg and 0.9827 + 0.0751 mg/kg intraperitoneally. The ED50 of pentazocine in rats was 32.60 + 0.071 mg/kg and in mice 48.50 + 0.323 mg/kg. The ED50 of xylazine for analgesia in rats and mice was 1.424 +0.229 mg/kg and 7.523 + 0.47 mg/kg respectively. In the second part of the experiment the influence of buprenorphine, pentazocine and xylazine analgesia on ketamine anaesthesia in dogs were studied. Twenty – four animals divided into four groups (A(K), B(X-K), C(B-K) and D(P-K) were administered with ketamine (20 mg/kg), xylazine (2 mg/kg) plus ketamine (15 mg/kg), buprencrphine (0.03 mg/kg) plus ketamine (15 mg/kg) and pentazocine (2 mg/kg) plus ketamine (15 mg/kg) respectively. The sternal recumbency time, clinical signs, duration of anaesthesia, regaining of sternal recumbency time, mean standing time, total recovery time and haemogram were studied. The sternal recumbency time was minimum in xylazine administered group. Untoward reactions like salivation and rigidity of the muscles were observed in groups A(K) and D(P-K). There was significant reduction in rectal temperature in all the groups. The pulse rate was elevated in group A(K) and depressed in group B(X-K), while a transient increase followed by decrease showed in group C(B-K) and D(P-K) . Respiratory depression was observed in groups C(B-K) and D(P-K). Average duration of anaesthesia was maximum in group B(X-K) while all other groups showed almost similar durations of anaesthesia. The time for regaining of sternal recumbency was also maximum in group B(X-K), then the groups A(K), C(B-K) and D(P-K) respectively. Mean standing time was maximum in group B(X-K). The rest of the groups followed the same pattern as above. The total recovery time was maximum in group C(B-K), then group B(X-K), A(K) and D(P-K) respectively. The study of haemogram showed that, the haemoglobin, packed cell volume and erythrocyte counts decreased at 30 min. after drug administration in groups A(K) and B(X-K) while there was no significant variation in group C(B-K) and D(P-K). The group D(P-K) showed a significant reduction in leucocyte count, while there were no variations in other groups observed. In the third part of the experiment the reversal of anaesthesia using the 2 blocker yohimbine was studied. Twenty-four animals divided into four groups (E,F, G and H) were administered with the same drugs as in the second part of the experiment. Along with that yohimbine (0.25 mg/kg in group E, G and H and 2 mg/kg in group F) was administered 15 min. later. The groups E, F, G and H were designated as K-Y, X-K-Y, B-K-Y and P-K-Y respectively. Uptoward effects exhibited after yohimbine administration were salivation, panting and hyperaesthesia during recovery. Rectal temperature, pulse and respiration were increased in all the groups. The duration of anaesthesia, regaining of sternal recumbency time, mean standing time and total recovery time were significantly reduced in group F(X-K-Y), while there was no variation in the above parameters in group E(K-Y). Only the total recovery time significantly reduced in group G(B-K-Y) and prolongation of standing time and total recovery time was observed in group H(P-K-Y). The haematological changes noticed in the second part of the experiment were completely reversed by yohimbine.
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, G
A 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.
Open Access
Experimental selenosis in cattle
(Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 1989) Jayakumar, K M; KAU; Aleyas, N M
Experimental studies were conducted on six calves keeping two as control by oral administration of sodium selenite at the rate of 1.0 mg/kg body weight thrice a week over a period of 24 weeks. Visible signs of toxicity were noticed only from week 13 onwards in experimental animals. The clinical toxicologic signs recorded were anorexia, cachexia, incoordination of gait, increased pulse and respiratory rates, pale and watery mucous membrane, subnormal temperature, cold and clammy skin, lacrimation and respiratory distress followed by recumbency and death. Laboratory evaluation of plasma protein, plasma vitamin A, haemoglobin (Hb), volume of packed red cells (VPRC), total erythrocyte count (TEC), total leucocyte count (TLC) and ascorbic acid level in the blood were carried out at weekely intervals. Since visible signs of toxicity were observed from week 13 onwards, the parameters studied were divided into 2 sets; Ist to 12the weeks (first half) and 13th to 24th weeks (second half) for statistical evaluation of data. In experimental animals, significant reduction was observed only in respect of plasma vitamin A (P < 0.01), ascorbic acid level in blood (P < 0.01) and TEC (P < 0.05) during the first half, whereas all the parameters studied showed significant fall (P < 0.01) in the second half. The mean values of plasma protein, plasma vitamin A, haemoglobin, VPRC, TEC, TLC and ascorbic acid level in the blood in experimental animals were 7.53 + 0.09 g/dl, 30.07 + 0.59 µg/dl, 10.28 + 0.11 g/dl. 29.68 + 0.34 %, 5.16 + 0.4 mill.,/cmm, 7243.06 + 66.2 cells/cmm and 223.12 + 3.46 µg/dl respectively. The corresponding values in the control group were 7.77 + 0.07 g/dl, 32.29 + 0.48 µg/dl, 10.08 + 0.06 g/dl, 30.58 + 0.38 %, 5.42 + 0.09 mill./cmm, 7000 + 168.52 cells/ cmm and 274.38 + 1.41 µg/dl. During the second half, the mean values of the above parameters in experimental group were 6.30 + 0.13 g/dl, 22.56 + 0.38 µg/dl, 8.31 + 0.16 g/dl, 25.09 + 0.49%, 4.82 + 0.03 mill./cmm, 5905.62 + 94.14 cells/cmm and 162.32 + 4.8 µg/dl and in the control group were 7.29 + 0.04 g/dl, 32.29 + 0.48 µg/dl, 10.43 + 0.09 g/dl, 31.08 + 0.54 %, 5.58 + 0.09 mill./cmm and 7066.69 + 124.67 cells/cmm and 275.21 + 1.17 µg/dl. The gross and microscopic pathology of internal organs in experimental animals revealed that liver is the primary organ affected followed by kidneys, heart, gastrointestinal tract and brain. The pathological lesions noticed in the liver were focal haemorrhages, fatty degeneration, centrilobular necrosis and varying degree of fragmention of hepatic cells with congestion and dialatation of capillaries. The lesions in the kidney were focal areas of degeneration, medullary haemorrhages, tubular necrosis, cloudy swelling and fatty changes. Varying degree of degeneration, necrosis and lymphocytic infiltration and replacement fibrosis were observed in the cardiac muscle. Changes noticed in the gastrointestinal tract were oedema, focal areas of haemorrhage and necrosis of the mucosal and submucosal layers.
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 V
A 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.
Open Access
Experimently induced torsion of spleen and its treatment in canines
(Department of Surgery, College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Mannuthy, 1988) Mohindar Sing, Bhadwal; KAU; Jalaluddin, Am
Eighteen apparently healthy dogs of either sex, aged one to five years and weighing 10-15 kg were used for the study. All the dogs were dewormed and examined for the presence of blood parasites if any. They were housed separately in cages under identical conditions of feeding and management and kept under observation for 10 days before the experiments. The animals were divided into two groups as detailed below: Group A: Consisting of six animals numbered serially, viz. A(1), A(2), A(3), A(4), A(5) and A(6) and Group B: Consisting of 12 animals divided into two subgroups of six animals each and numbered serially, viz. B1(1), B1(2), B1(3), B1(4), B1(5) and B1(6) and B2(1), B2(2), B2(3), B2(4), B2(5) and B2(6). In the animals of group A, laparotomy was performed and torsion of the spleen was brought about. The observations made in this group served (i) to assess the clinic-pathological changes and (ii) to arrive at appropriate time for the commencement of treatment in group B. In the animals of group B, effectiveness of treatment, following experimently induced torsion of the spleen was studied. In the subgroup B1, detorsion of the spleen was done while in subgroup B2, splenectomy was performed. The animals became dull and recumbent by six hours after experimentally induced torsion of the spleen and remained recumbent till death. The mucous membrane was pale and the capillary refilling time was prolonged. A significant increase in the heart rate, band cell count and serum potassium and a significant decrease in blood pressure, central venous pressure, lymphocyte count and eosinophil count was observed by the ninth hour after torsion. It could be seen that the period from sixth to the ninth hour after torsion of the spleen would be critical and hence the appropriate time to commence the treatment was fixed at six hours after torsion. In group B, where effectiveness of the treatment was studied, only one animal survived after detorsion in subgroup B1 whereas all the animals survived after splenectomy in sub group B2. In subgroup B1, after detorsion most of the animals were recumbent, the extremities were cold and they did not take food and water, whereas in subgroup B2, after splenectomy all the animals were able to stand and they took food and water. The heart rate showed a decreasing trend in both the subgroups. Blood pressure showed a decrease at sixth hour followed by an increase in both the subgroups. Central venous pressure showed an increase at sixth hour followed by a decrease upto 18 hous and then an increase at 24 hours in subgroup B1, whereas in subgroup B2, it increased gradually. Packed cell volume and haemoglobin content decreased in both the subgroups. The serum potassium level remained high in both the subgroups.

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

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