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
Assessment Of Bacteriological quality Of Raw Milk In Trichur And Its Public Health Importance
(Department of Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 1995) Anju Raghunathrao, Kapre; KAU; Nanu, E
In the present study an effort has been made to assess the bacteriological quality of raw milk obtained from three different sources in Trichur. A total of 21 individual and seven pooled samples were collected from each sources (S1, S2 and S3), over a period of five months. The samples were subjected to different bacterial counts and also for the isolation and identification of S. aureus and E. coli. The isolates were tested for their sensitivity to various chemotherapeutic agents. The average total viable count of individual milk samples from S1, S2 and S3 were 7.5 x 104, 1.4 x 105 and 2 x 105 CFU per ml respectively. Significant difference (P < 0.01) between the counts from S1 and S2; and S1 and S3 was noticed. The average coliform count for S1 was 2.4 x 10, for S2 was 4.8 x 104 and for S3 was 3.8 x 103 CFU per ml. There was significant difference (P < 0.01) between the counts from S1 and S2 ; S1 and S3 ; and S2 and S3. The average counts for thermotolerant coliforms in samples from S1, S2 and S3 were 2.2 x 10, 2.4 x 104 and 2.4 x 103 CFU per ml. The counts from S1 and S2 ; and S1 and S3 differed significantly (P < 0.01). The average faecal streptococcal counts for the sample from S1, S2 and S3 were 1.5 x 102 , 2.1 x 103 and 1.7 x 103 CFU per ml. Significant difference (P < 0.01) between the counts from S1 and S2 , and S1 and S3 was noticed. The staphylococcal counts in samples from S1, S2 and S3 averaged 5.7 x 102, 2.8 x 103 and 6.8 x 103 CFU per ml respectively. Significant differences (P < 0.01) between the counts from S1 and S2 , and S1 and S3 were noticed. The average S. aureus count in samples from S1 was 8.5 x 10, from S2 it was 1.8 x 102 and from S3 , 7.1 x 10 CFU per ml. The average E. coli counts in samples from S1, S2 and S3 were 2 x 102, 1.2 x 104 and 1.5 x 103 CFU per ml respectively. The counts in samples from S1 and S2 ; S1 and S3 ; and S2 and S3 differed significantly (P < 0.01). The average total viable count in pooled milk samples from S1 , S2 and S3 were 4 x 104 , 1.8 x 106 and 2.1 x 105 CFU per ml respectively. Significant difference (P < 0.01) between the counts from S1 and S2 and S1 and S3 was noticed. The average coliform counts at 370C of incubation in the pooled samples from S1, S2 and S3 were 5.5 x 10, 2 x 105 and 6.4 x 103 CFU per ml respectively. The counts from S1 and S2, S1 and S3 ; and S2 and S3 were found significantly different (P < 0.01). The average thermotolerent count in samples from S1, S2 and S3 were 2.8 x 10, 3.6 x 104 and 4.4 x 103 CFU per ml respectively. Significant difference (P < 0.01) in the counts of S1 and S2 ; and S1 and S3 was noticed. The average faecal streptococcal count in samples from S1, S2 and S3 were 2 x 102, 4.8 x 103 and 2.9 x 103 CFU per ml respectively. Significantly different (P < 0.01) counts were noticed between S1 and S2 ; and S1 and S3 was noticed. The average staphylococcal count in samples from S1 was 9.2 x 102 from S2 was 5.3 x 104 and from S3 was 1.3 x 104 CFU per ml. The counts in samples from S1 and S2 ; and S1 and S3 were significantly different (P < 0.01). The S. aureus counts in milk samples from S1, S2 and S3 averaged 1 x 102, 4.8 x 102 and 1.1 x 102 CFU per ml respectively. The average E. coli count in samples from S1, S2 and S3 were 2.7 x 102, 8.9 x 104 and 1.9 x 103 CFU per ml respectively. Significant difference (P < 0.01) between the counts of samples from S1 and S2 ; S1 and S3 ; and S2 and S3 was observed. All the individual samples from S1 were either of very good or good grades (95.24 and 4.76%) respectively. All the pooled milk samples from this source was of very good grade. Most of the individual samples from S2 were of very good or good grades ( 76.20 and 23.80%) respectively, but the pooled milk samples from S2 were of very good, good, fair and poor grades (42.84, 28.60, 14.28 and 14.28%) respectively. Among the individual samples from S3 source all were of either very good or good grades (80.95 and 19.05%) respectively. Pooled milk samples from the same source had very good and good grade (57.14 and 42.86%) respectively. None of the samples from this source were of fair or poor grades. Of the 60 suspected colonies isolated, 54 were identified as S. aureus. Antibiogram of S. aureus isolates showed highest sensitivity to cloxacillin (100%) and gentamicin (100%) followed by amoxicillin (87.03%), chloramphenicol (77.80%) and penicillin – G (35.20%). Of the 70 suspected colonies isolated 66 were identified as E. coli. The E. Coli. Isolates were most sensitive to gentamicin (96.96%) followed by amplicillin (93.92%), furazolidone (80.30%) and carbenicillin (15.155). Doxycycline was least effective drug with no sensitivity and high resistance (90.90%).
Open Access
Pathology of hypothyroidism in pigs
(Centre of Excellence in Pathology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 1995) Prasanna, K S; KAU; Sreekumaran, T
An experimental model of hypothyroid state was induced in piglets, using thiourea with the objectives of studying the sequence of clinico pathological changes and its influence on the animal health and growth. Tweleve Large White Yorkshire male piglets of 2 – 3 months age were selected for the study. The animals were divided into control group of six animals and experimental group of six animals. Experimental hypothyroidism was induced by feeding thiourea daily for a period of three months at the dose level of 50 mg per kg body weight. Haemogram, body weight, plasma proteins, serum cholesterol and serum thyroxine values were estimated at periodic intervals. The piglets were subjected to detailed autopsy after sacrifice. Gross lesions were recorded and detailed histopathological examination of tissues was carried out. During the course of experiment all the experimental animals recorded stunted growth and appreciable reduction in feed intake and alopecia of neck and shoulder regions. There was significant increase in blood cholesterol values and plasma protein level in thiourea fed group. A significant reduction in serum thyroxine level was also recorded. There was significant increase in the relative weight of thyroid, adrenal and pituitary glands of experimental animals. Gelatinisation of subcutaneous fat and dilatation of right ventricles were common findings at autopsy. Histologically the thyroid glands exhibited varying degree of hyperplastic changes and depletion of colloid in the follicles. Hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the lining epithelium was also observed. Predominant histological changes in the pituitary was hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the basophil cells and degranulation of the acidophil cells. Adrenal glands showed diffuse hyperplasia of zonafasiculata and accessory cortical nodule formation. Skin revealed acanthosis, hyperkeratosis and keratinisation of harifollicles. In all the hypothyroid animals testis showed varying degree of tubular degeneration. A random survey study was conducted to assess the thyroid status of pigs from different parts of Kerala using serum thyroxine as the marker. This concluded that most of the animals had the normal range of serum thyroxine levels.
Open Access
Microbial degradation of mimosine in goats
(Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 1995) Prabhakaran, P; KAU; Devasia, P A
An investigation was carried out to find out the extent of in vitro microbial degradation of pure mimosine (T1) and that of immature leaves (T2), mature leaves (T3), tender stems (T4) and seeds (T5) of L. leucocephala using strained rumen liquor obtained from three rumen fistulated Saanen – Malabari crossbred goats maintained under standard conditions of feeding and management. The proximate chemical composition and mimosine content of different edible parts of leucaena during the months of May, June and July were determined. While immature leaves and seeds had higher crude protein content, seeds had higher crude fat, tender stems had higher crude fibre and mature leaves had higher ash content compared to other edible parts of subabul. The average mimosine concentrations of T2, T3, T4 and T5 were 12.11 + 0.05, 4.89 + 0.02, 3.90 + 0.04 and 10.70 + 0.08 per cent respectively during May; 11.66 + 0.06, 5.23 + 0.03, 3.62 + 0.03 and 10.44 + 0.05 per cent respectively during June and 9.96 + 0.05, 4.92 + 0.03, 3.73 + 0.02 and 9.51 + 0.04 per cent respectively during July on a dry matter basis. The average mimosine concentrations of strained goat rumen liquor incubated with 37.50 mg/100 ml of added mimosine in pure form or as immature leaves, mature leaves, tender stems and seeds showed significant reduction at every 12 hr intervals from 0 to 48 hr of incubation, the final average concentrations being 23.98 + 0.37, 23.14 + 0.37, 22.20 + 0.28, 23.12 + 0.52, 23.35 + 0.37 mg/100 ml of SRL. The percentage of in vitro degradation in respect of T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 increased significantly at every 12 hr intervals of incubation from 0 to 48 hr, even though the degradation was incomplete with all treatments, the average percentage degradation at 48 hr of incubation being 31.69 + 1.02, 34.49 + 1.18, 37.12 + 0.99, 34.54 + 1.50 and 33.41 + 1.03 respectively. The overall average rate of disappearance of mimosine in µg.ml-1 . h-1 in respect of T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 for the entire period of 48 hr of incubation were 2.33, 2.54, 2.74, 2.54 and 2.44 respectively with highest rates during 0 to 12 hr, lower rates during 24 to 36 hr and least rates during 36 to 48 hr. The production of ammonia and VFA coincided with the active degradation of mimosine, there being faster degradation upto 12 hr of incubation with highest concentrations of ammonia and VFA at 12 hr of incubation. The overall results indicated that the rumen microorganisms of crossbred goats degrade mimosine to DPH, ammonia and VFA and that mimosine does not inhibit the microbial activity, even though the possible role of leucaena endogenous enzymes in the partial degradation of mimosine recorded in the present study cannot be ruled out.
Open Access
Tracheal reconstruction in dogs under acepromazine - thiopental anaesthesia
(Department of Surgery, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1995) Angamuthu, Jayasudha; KAU; Ravindran Nayar, S
The experiment was conducted on twelve, apparently healthy, adult, nondescript dogs of either sex, divided into two groups, viz., Group 1 and Group 11, each consisting of six animals. Circumferential resection of two adjacent tracheal rings of the cervical trachea was performed and the trachea was reconstructed by end – to – end anastomosis in the animals of Group 1 and with Marlex mesh prosthesis in the animals of Group 11. All the animals were premedicated with acepromazine maleate IM, and anaesthesia was induced by 2.5 per cent solution of thiopentone sodium IV. Induction of anaesthesia was complete by 3.26 + 0.10 minutes, duration of surgical anaesthesia was 65.00 + 3.29 minutes and time for recovery was 192.91 + 13.68 minutes. Variation in the physiological and haematological parameters during anaesthesia were not significant. In Group 1, all the animals had normal respiratory function throughout the period of observation, following surgery. In Group 11, all the animals, except one, developed severe complications and died within one to four weeks postoperatively. Only one dog survived in this group and was sacrificed on the 45th postoperative day. During the postoperative period, the rectal temperature did not show marked variations in both the groups. The pulse and respiration rates showed an initial increase in Group 1. However in Group 11, marked decrease in pulse rate and increase in respiration rate was noticed. Hemogram on the different postoperative days showed an increase in the total leucocyte count in both the groups, and increase in monocyte and eosinophil count in Group 11. Radiography on different postoperative days in Group 1 demonstrated that there was no reduction in the size of the tracheal lumen at the site of anastomosis in five of the six animals. In Group 11, radiography revealed a progressive reduction in the size of the tracheal lumen at the site of reconstruction in four animals, and only slight reduction in one dog on the 45th postoperative day. At autopsy, gross examination of the trachea at the site of anastomosis in Group 1 showed mild to moderate adhesions to the adjacent tissue and there was no reduction in the size of the tracheal lumen in five of the six dogs of this group. In animals of Group 11, dense adhesion between the site of reconstruction and adjacent tissue was observed. The mesh was fully incorporated at the site of reconstruction in five of the six animals. One animal had shown anastomotic dehiscence. Almost complete occlusion of the trachea by overgrowth of tissue was observed in four animals and slight reduction in the tracheal lumen in one animal. Histopathology at the site of anastomosis in Group 1 revealed complete healing of all the layers of the trachea by the 30th postoperative day. In Group 11, tracheal stenosis was associated with ingrowth of granulation tissue in four animals. The mesh was infiltrated by fibrous tissue in five of the six animals. Epithelium was seen lining the prosthesis on the 45th postoperative day.
Open Access
Influence of feed enzymes on nutrient availability and production performance of laying hens
(Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1995) Satyamoorthy, B; KAU; Maggie Menachery, D
The influence of feed enzymes, viz., cellulose or protease supplemented at levels of 0.06 or 0.02 per cent respectively, on nutrient availability and on production performance was evaluated in a standard and a less dense layer ration using one hundred IWN strain of Single Comb White Leghorn pullets of 20 weeks of age for an experimental period of 20 weeks. A standard layer ration was formulated as per BIS, 1993. With 18 per cent crude protein and 2600 kcal of ME per kg of feed and a less dense layer ration with 16 per cent crude protein and 2500 kcal of ME per kg of feed. A few feed ingredients such as jowar, deoiled rice bran, wheat bran and undecorticated sunflower cake were included in both rations. A numerical improvement was noticed in percentage hen – housed and hen – day egg production in enzyme treated groups, however, the increase in egg number was not statistically significant. Egg weight and egg quality characteristics such as yolk and albumen indexes, Haugh unit scores and shell thickness were not affected by enzyme treatment. A positive influence of the enzymes on feed intake by birds was observed in as much as the feed intake with less dense ration supplemented with enzymes was not different statistically from those with the control ration. There was positive enzyme effect on feed per egg in treatment groups on standard layer ration with both enzymes and in less dense ration with protease. Feed efficiency for egg production (egg number) was significantly higher in birds fed standard layer ration with cellulose and protease than those on other treatments (P < 0.05). There was improvement in digestibility of crude protein and utilisation of energy, even though the differences noted were not significant statistically. The enzyme treatment of rations reduced moisture content of excreta. The microbial load on the surface of eggs was comparatively low in enzyme treated groups. The intestinal viscosity was reduced with enzyme addition in feed mixtures. The cost – benefit analysis indicated that but for the prohibitive enzyme cost, the feed enzymes were nutritionally beneficial. Based on the present investigation it is concluded that there is tremendous scope for enzymes in feed industry, especially at the present context of feed shortages and the emphasis for the utilisation of alternative feed resources in poultry rations.
Open Access
Comparison of crushing and modified gambee techniques for intestinal anastomosis in dogs under xylazine anaesthesia
(Department of Surgery, College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Mannuthy, 1995) Venkatesan, C; KAU; Abraham Varkey, C
The study was conducted on 12 apparently healthy, adult mongrel dogs of either sex, dived in to two groups viz, group I and group II, each consisting of 6 dogs. All the animals were pre-mediacated with diazepam at the rate of 1 mg/kg bodyweight intravenous and anaesthetized with intramascular administration of xylazine hydrochloride at the rate of 2 mg/kg bodyweight. In the animals of group I and to end intestinal anaestomosis was performed with crushing pattern of suturing and in the animals of group II end to end intestinal anastomosis was performed with modified Gambee pattern of suturing. The anesthetic technique was satisfactory for the surgical procedure in all the animals . The induction tome for anaesthesia was 15.50 + 1.00 minutes. THe anaesthetic effect persisted for about 48.25-1.10 minutes. The abdominal muscle relaxation and analgesic effect were found satisfactory. The recovery period was 30.00 + 1.50 minutes and was smooth and uneventful. The time required to perform anastomosis using crushing and modified gambee techniques were 26.30 + 1.40 and 35.70 + 0.87 respectively. The average number of sutures used in both techniques were 15. In both groups, animals well tolerated food in the immediate post-operative days. However, one animal in group I and three animals from group II, had vomition immediately after consumption of milk at 12 hours post – operatively. Physiological and haemotological parameters did not reveal any significant variation. In both the groups , post operative lateral and ventrodorsal radiographs showed free passage of contrast medium (Barium Sulphate) upto the terminal colon. There was no evidence of anastomotic leakage and proximal distension in both the groups. Autopsy findings revealed that all the animals had adhesion at the anastomotic site with omentum. Adhesion to adjacent intestinal serosal surface were observed in one animal in each group . Gross evaluation of the adominal cavity revealed a low-grade peritonitis in one animal of group I on 3rd post surgical day. The Luminal stenosis of the anastomotic site revealed, maximum luminal stenosis (47.83%) at 7th post –operative days and minimum (21.74%) at 28th day following crushing pattern. In modified Gambee pattern, the maximum luminal stenosis (42.85%) was noticed at 5th and 7th post –operative days and minimum stenosis (7.32%) at 28th day. The luminal stenosis did not produce any clinical symptom in any of the dogs in both the groups. Angiograms of early post – operative day (5th day) showed diffused, avascular zone at the anastomotic site in both the techniques. Eventhourgh, there was commencement of proliferation of vessels and its invasion into anastomotic site by 14th day in the crushing anastomosis, normal vascularity and its crossing over could not be observed till 28th day, where as the modified gambee anastomosis showed proliferation and crossing over of fine arterioles by 28th day. Histological examination demonstrated that in crushing anastomosis comparatively moderate inflammatory reaction with predominance of mononuclears and few polymorphs on the 3rd day, but from 14th day there was only mild inflammatory reaction which which persisted upto 28th day. In modified Gambee technique, only mild reaction was seen on the early post opestive days and it subsided by 21st day. Rapid regeneration of epithelium was noticed in the modified Gambee (7th day) than the crushing technique. On the 28th day, in both the techniques all layers appeared in good apposition with proliferation of connective tissue on the muscular, subserosal and submucosal layers.
Open Access
Prevalence of yeast and yeast like fungi in bovine mastitis and their in vitro drug sensitivity
(Department of Microbiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1995) Sukumar, K; KAU; James, P C
The present investigation was undertaken to identify the the biochemical polymorphism at serum alkaline phospha tase (SAP) loci and to study the heterogenity of SAP variation in crossbred cattle It was also envisaged to analyse the association of SAP variation and traits of economic importance such as milk production and composition of milk One hundred and ten animals belonging to two different crosses of local nondescript cattle viz Crossbred Holstein Friesian (57) and Crossbred Brown Swiss (53) were typed for SAP variance by standardising Horizontal Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (PAGE) Two genotypes FS and SS were determined The highest frequency of FS genotype was in Holstein Friesian crossbred than in Brown Swiss crossbred The genotype FF was absent in both the crossbreds The highest frequency of SS genotype was in Brown Swiss crossbred than in Holstein Friesian crossbreds Two alleles namely pF and P$ with two phenotypes FS and SS were identified as SAP locus pT allele had the frequency of 0 20 and pS allele had the frequency of 0 80 in the pooled crossbreds Both the Holstein Friesian crossbreds and Brown Swiss crossbred are in genetic equilibrium at the SAP loci No association could be established between milk yield (305 days) and serum alkaline phosphatase level A non significant negative correlation existed between milk fat percentage and SAP level whereas a significant positive correlation existed between milk SNF percentage and SAP level The correlation between SAP level and milk total solids were found to be negative and non significant in Brown Swiss crossbreds whereas a non significant positive correlation existed between the SAP level and milk total solids in Holstein Friesian crossbreds Animals belonging to the FS genotype are better milk producers compared to the SS genotype For higher fat percentages the performance of SS genotype was compara tively better The performance of SS genotype is better for producing milk with more than 8 5 percentage of SNF FS genotype performed better for producing milk having higher percentage of total solids
Open Access
Analysis of management systems in homestead dairy production units
(Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1995) Sudheer, S; KAU; Rajagopalan, T G
The present study was carried out with a view of estimating objectively the existing practices of management components of inputs and cost of milk production in the rural unorganised and organised areas The study was carried out in Kalady panchayat of Ernakulam district The required data was collected from the households by direct observation and personal interview using a pre tested schedule Cattle buffalo and goats were the livestock species mainly reared by farmers Most of the dairymen had a single cow unit A reduction m herd strength was noticed in all the holdings during the last five years Majority of farmers raised their own replacement stock Regarding purchase of animals farmers generally preferred adult cows than heifers or calves Farmers considered attributes like milk production appearance and confirmation colour temperament and age of animals price and also his financial position before purchasing animals Majority of households had pucca cattle sheds and the remaining had kutcha sheds Lean to type houses were more in number than independent houses as it was easier to construct and incurred low construction cost Most of the sheds had feeding mangers The standing space provided for cows in the sheds were more than the space recommended and the width of manger was less than the space recommended by both KAU and ICAR The types of feed fed to livestock are compounded feed concentrate cakes roughages and crop by products and residues The feed stuffs were mainly purchased from private shops markets or co operative societies None of the farmers purchased green fodder they mainly depended on fodder collected from field bunds and other agricultural lands The study revealed the allocation of feed stuff It was higher for animals m milk followed by pregnant and dry cows and heifers It was observed that dairymen of both organised and unorganised sectors fed DCP and TDN m excess of NRC recommendations More attention was bestowed on the feeding of female calves than male calves as majority of farmers were interested m raising replacements In the study area AI was the predominant practise in breeding The study revealed that a large proportion of dairymen were not aware of heat signs and the right time for inseminating their animals The longer calving interval was due to poor heat detection conception failure and deliberate skipping of heat by farmers
Open Access
Effect of dried spleen as a growth promoter in the ration of crossbred calves
(Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1995) Sagathevan, S; KAU; George Mathen
An investigation was carried out to assess the effect of dried spleen as a growth promoter m the ration of crossbred calves Twenty crossbred heifer calves of six to nine months of age were distributed randomly into four groups (group I II III and IV) as uniformly as possible with regard to age and body weight The animals m groups I II III and IV were maintained on concentrate ration A containing 20 per cent crude protein concentrate ration B containing 20 per cent crude protein and 0 1 per cent dried buffalo spleen concentrate ration C containing 15 per cent crude protein and concentrate ration D containing 15 per cent crude protein and 0 1 per cent dried buffalo spleen respectively The animals in groups I II III and IV showed average daily weight gain of 633 667 572 and 594 gramsrespectively The animals m group I and II showed higher weight gain than those m group III and IV but on statistical analysis there was no significant difference among the four groups The dried buffalo spleen biostimulator did not have any effect on change m body measurements viz height at withers body length and chest girth biostimulator treated group and control The animals in group I and II had higher digestibility coefficients for crude fibre neutral detergent fibre hemicellulose and cellulose than the animals m group III and IV The digestibility coefficient for crude protein was higher in group III and IV A critical assessment of the overall results obtained during the course of the present study indicates that addition of dried spleen biostimulator at a rate of 0 1 per cent m the ration did not have any effect on growth feed efficiency haematological value rumen fermentation and nutrient digestibility m crossbred calves with an average daily gain of 600 grams per day

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

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