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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 Preparation of mozzarella cheese using skim milk filled with coconut milk(Department of Dairy Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1994) Gnana Selva, Johnson; KAU; Mukundan, MA detailed study was carried out to determine the quality of coconut fat filled milk for the preparation of Mozzarella cheese and why drinks. Literatures based on filled milk products has been reviewed, apart from the preparation of cheese and why drinks. The control samples of Mozzarella cheese and whey drinks were prepared using cow’s milk. Experiment I products were prepared from milk in which 50 per cent of milk fat was replaced with coconut fat. Experiment II products were prepared from cheese milk in which 100 per cent of milk fat was replaced with coconut fat. All the samples of milk were standardized to 4 per cent fat. A total of 6 trials were carried out to obtain reliable data for statistical analysis. The acidity, pH, stretchbility and FDM content were found to be similar in control, experiment I and II Mozzarella cheese. Eventhough, the control Mozzarella cheese were found to have slightly higher yield protein, fat and lower moisture content, the experimental I and II. Mozzarella cheese also satisfied the requirements for good quality Mozzarella cheese. The control Mozzarella cheese got maximum score on sensory evaluation than the experiment I and II Mozzarella cheese. Pineapple and Lemon falvoured control, experiment I and II whey drinks were found to be equally acceptable with nodifference on storage studies ar 5 + loC. Total bacterial count on whey drinks were also made. The studies revealed that the cow milk in which the milk fat replaced to the extend of 50 per cent and 100 per cent with coconut fat can be effectively utilised for preparation of Mozzarella cheese. The quality of such cheese is comparable with that made from cow milk.ThesisItem Open Access Metabolic profile of downer cow syndrome(Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 1994) Mhachuvino Catherine, Khatsu; KAU; Alikutty, K MThe metabolic profile of ‘Downer Cow’ syndrome in field conditions was studied. Fourteen field cases of ‘Downers’ in crossbred dairy cows aged three to thirteen years, ranging from 250 to 300 kg body weight from Trichur district were selected at random and utilized for the study. Fourteen apparently healthy crossbred dairy cows of similar age group and body weight, maintained under similar conditions of feeding and management from the area from which the clinical cases studied were also selected at random and utilized as the healthy controls. Samples of blood for haematological and biochemical parameters, urine and dung from both healthy and diseased animals were collected and analysed using standard methods. Analyses of the data from fourteen diseased animals indicated a higher incidence in Jersey crossbred cows during summer season. Prominent clinical signs were sternal recumbency exhibiting hindquarter weakness and reduced feed and water intake. However, the affected animals remained bright and alert with no evidence of any systemic disturbances. The clinical data were within physiological limit. Highly significant increase in PCV and significant increase in Hb but no significant difference in ESR, RBC and WBC were observed. Lymphopenia, neutrophilia and eosinopenia were observed with no variation in basophils and monocytes counts. Biochemically, hypocalcaemia,hypophosphataemia, hypoproteinaemia and hypoalbuminaemia were obtained from ‘Downers’ with no significant variation in blood glucose, urea nitrogen, sodium, potassium, magnesium and albumin/globulin ratio. Urinalysis revealed no consistent result indicative of any systemic involvement and no parasitism on dung examination microscopically.ThesisItem 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, EIn 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%).ThesisItem 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, TAn 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.ThesisItem 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 AAn 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.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of dried spleen as growth stimulator in kid rations(Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 1994) Shyama, K; KAU; James, C SAn investigation was carried out to assess the effect of dried spleen as a growth promotant in kid rations. Twenty four female Malabari kids with an average body weight of 8.5 kg were distributed randomly and as uniformly as possible into four groups (groups 1, 11, 111 and IV) of six animals each, with regard to age and weight. The four dietary treatments A, B, C and D were allotted to the kids in the groups 1, 11, 111 and IV respectively, ration A with a concentrate mixture containing 16 per cent crude protein supplemented with dried buffalo spleen at the rate of 0.1 per cent, ration B forming the control diet at 16 per cent protein level without incorporation of spleen, ration C with a concentrate mixture containing 12 per cent crude protein supplemented with dried buffalo spleen at the rate of 0.1 per cent, ration D forming the control diet at 12 per cent protein level. Jack leaves formed the sole source of roughage to the animals. The experimental duration was 120 days. The results indicated that incorporation of dried spleen in the ration enhanced the growth performance of animals, especially in animals maintained on low level of protein, as evidenced by the cumulative and average daily weight gain registered in that descending order being 7.52 kg and 62.64 g, 7.4 kg and 61.67 g, 6.88 kg and 57.36 g and 5.00 kg and 41.67 g for the animals maintained on rations C, A, B and D respectively. The efficiency of feed and protein utilisation also exhibited the same trend. It was also noticed that, a cost of production per kilogram gain of Rs.32.58 and 26.14 were registered for animals maintained on spleen incorporated rations (rations A and C) as against Rs.35.08 and 38.63 respectively for the animals maintained on corresponding control groups (ration B and D) indicating a better cost efficiency in spleen incorporated groups, especially in animals maintained on low level of crude protein in the ration. The haematological studies reveal that R.B.C., W. B. C., haemoglobin, plasma protein, plasma calcium, phosphorus and magnesium were within the normal range prescribed for the species. The animals maintained on ration C showed a significant increase (P < 0.01) in plasma calcium level when compared to that of the control. Digestibility studies reveal no significant difference in digestibility of dry matter and nitrogen free extract between the four groups. Animals maintained on the spleen incorporated rations (groups 1 and 111) showed better digestibility (P < 0.01) of crude protein and ether extract than the respective control groups (groups 11 and IV). Incorporation of dried spleen could not bringforth any influence on fibre digestion. The results of the balance experiment showed better retention of nitrogen, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium in the animals maintained on spleen incorporated diets. The higher retention of these parameters could be substantiated by the comparatively lower faecal and urinary excretion of these, in animals maintained on spleen incorporated rations (rations A and C). An overall assessment of the results, indicated that incorporation of dried buffalo spleen in the ration of goats, at the rate of 0.1 per cent, certainly augment the nutrient utilisation by increasing the digestibility and retention, and can be recommended as a harmless natural growth promotant with economic benefit.ThesisItem Open Access Antigens of pasteurella multocida isolates from rabbit and their immunologencity(Department of microbiology, College of veterinary and animal sciences, Mannuthy, 1994) Manoharan S; KAU; Jayaprakasan, VTwo rabbit strains viz. R9 S and R23 S and a bovine vaccine strain P – 52 which were maintained in virulent form, were used for the preparation of three forms of antigen viz., heat inactivated crude extract, KSCN extract and sonicated antigen. These antigens were chemically analysed for protein and carbohydrate contents and were found to be higher in the sonicated antigen preparation irrespective of the source. In SDS – PAGE analysis, the profiles discerned by heat inactivated crude extract, KSCN extract and sonicated antigens were four, five and six protein bands with molecular weights lesser than 68 kDa while the KSCN extract and sonicated antigen presented an additional protein band with molecular weight higher than 68 kDa. Three types of antigen of P. multocida were characterized and analysed for the inter relationship and the immunogenic potential in mice. Antiserum was raised against each antigenic preparation from the three strains in rabbits and used for serological study. In AGPT and immunoelectrophoresis the serum developed multiple precipitin lines and arcs respectively when reacted against the three homologous and two heterologous antigens in which a few were identical to the heterologous antigens. The results revealed stronger serological relationship between the two rabbit strains than with the cattle strain and the heterogeneity of the sonicated antigen. The antibody titre in each antiserum was measured by IHA using the sensitized GA – SRBC/T – GA – SRBC and the titres were more in the homologous antiserum and high titre for the heterologous serum was seen with the sonicated antigen. The LD50 determined for the three strains R9 S, R23 S and P- 52 was found to be 3 x 104 , 3 x 103 and 3 x 105 bacteria. Immunogenic potential of the three antigens and an adjuvanted sonicated antigen were tested in mice by giving two doses of vaccine at 14 days interval and challenging on 21st day with homologous and heterologous strains. A higher percentage of protection was conferred by homologous strains and it was cent per cent (100%) with sonicated antigen. The percentage of protection against challenge with heterologous strains was low. An elaborated study on immunity trials with these immunogens is needed before recommending the R23 S as a candidate vaccine strain.ThesisItem Open Access Milk protein polymorphism and milk composition in Vechur cattle(Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1996) Thirupathy Venkatachalapathy; KAU; Sosama, IypeThe native cattle of Kerala have been evolved through several generations of natural selection against high humidity, heavy rainfall and hot climate. They have been considered as non – descript animals, but there has been variety with characters distinguishing from others and known as Vechur Cattle of Kerala. The Vechur cattle had their origin in Vechur near Vaikom of Kottayam district of Kerala. They were very popular four decades back for their relatively higher milk production compared to other local cows. The extremely small size of the cow, good adaptation and high disease resistance are the traits very much favoured by the farmers. Farmers preferred Vechur cattle for ploughing in marshy lands because of the small size and light weight. The emergence of crossbreeding led to the gradual reduction in traditionally reared Vechur cattle. Under this circumstances, the present work was undertaken to characterise the Vechur cattle of Kerala by studying (a) certain genetic markers in milk (b) milk components like fat, total solids and solids not fat percentage (c) fat globule size and distribution and (d) iodine value. The Vechur cows maintained under the scheme on “Conservation of germplasm of Vechur cattle” formed the material for the study. Milk proteins such as casein and whey proteins were studied by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in horizontal dimension (Thompson and kiddy, 1963). The fat, total solids, solids not fat percentage of milk and iodine value of milk fat were estimated as prescribed by Indian Institution Standards. The fat globule size was measured under microscope by fitting an eye piece micrometer to the eye piece of the microscope. The statistical analysis were done as suggested by Snedecor and Cochran (1967). The influence of stage and time of milking were worked out using least squares analysis of variance as described by Harvey (1986). Three proteins α, β and k – casein were identified in casein system. At αsl – casein locus three phenotypes viz. BB, and CC determined by two allele B and C were observed. Frequency of CC phenotype (0.64) was highest a followed by BC (0.22) and BB (0.14). Frequency of B and C allele were 0.25 and 0.75. The β – casein locus consisted three phenotypes viz. AA, AB and BB with A and B allele. The frequency of AB phenotype was highest (0.57) followed by AA (0.29) and BB (0.14). Frequency of A allele was 0.57. At k – casein locus two phenotypes AA and AB with A and B allele were identified. The frequency of AB was (0.83) and frequency of A allele was 0.59. Two whey proteins α – lactalbumin and β – lactoglobulin were identified. At α – lactalbumin locus two phenotypes AA and AB with two allele A and B were observed. The frequency of AA and AB phenotypes were 0.57 and 0.43. The frequency of A and B allele were 0.78 and 0.22 respectively. The β – lactoglobulin locus consisted of three phenotypes viz. AA, AB and BB with A and B allele with frequency of 0.57, 0.29 and 0.14 respectively were identified. The frequency of A allele was 0.71. The frequency of C allele at αsl – casein locus was lower than the other Indian breeds like Sahiwal, Tharparkar, Red Sindhi and Rathi, but higher than exotic breeds like Jersey and Holstein and crossbred cattle of Kerala. The A variant at β and k – casein locus had frequency lower to other Indian breeds, exotic breeds of cattle and crossbred cattle of Kerala. The A variant at α – lactalbumin and β – lactoglobulin locus had much higher frequency than other Indian, exotic breeds of cattle of cattle and crossbred cattle of Kerala. B variant in vechur cattle was lower in frequency compared to other Indian breeds. The average milk fat percentage for 1 – 44 weeks of lactation was 5.95 + 0.12, 6.62 + 0.13 in the morning and evening respectively and the mean milk fat percentage for morning and evening milk was 6.23 + 0.19. The mean milk fat percentage at first week was 4.05 + 0.19, 4.65 + 0.17 and by 20th week of lactation was 5.92 + 0.08, 6.55 + 0.07 in the morning and evening milk respectively. The evening milk had uniformly higher fat percentage than morning milk. The fat percentage showed an increasing trend with advancing stage of lactation. The least squares means for morning and evening milk were 5.99 + 0.03 and 6.62 + 0.03 respectively and overall mean was 6.13 + 0.04. The mean total solids percentage of milk at first week was 12.64 + 0.17 and 13.57 + 0.19 in the morning and evening milk and it steadily increased to 14.75 + 0.13 and 15.31 + 0.18 in the morning and evening milk by 20th week of lactation. The average total solids percentage in milk from 1 – 44 weeks of lactation was 14.79 + 0.13 and 15.53 + 0.13 in the morning and evening respectively and the average for morning and evening together was 15.16 + 0.11 per cent. An increasing trend was noticed in total solids percentage as the lactation advanced. The evening milk showed uniformly higher total solids percentage compared to morning. The least squares mean was 15.02 and the adjusted mean for morning and evening was 14.85 + 0.05 and 15.55 + 0.05 percent. Least squares analysis of variance showed a significant effect of time of milking and stage of lactation on milk fat and total solids percentage of milk. The average solids not fat percentage from 1 – 44 weeks of lactation was 8.84 + 0.12 and 8.92 + 0.14 in the morning and evening milk respectively. The average for morning and evening milk was 8.88 + 0.13 and least squares mean was 8.90. The mean solids not fat percentage of milk at first week was 8.60 + 0.24 and 8.93 + 0.22. It was 8.83 + 0.11 and 8.76 + 0.15 percent at 20th week of lactation in the morning and evening milk respectively. No trend of increase was noticed in the solids not fat percentage in relation to the stage of lactation. The least squares analysis of variance showed no significant effect of time of miling and stage of lactation on solids not fat percentage. Total solids and solids not fat did not have strong association in general. The positive correlation between total solids and fat percentage were not significant. The negative correlation between fat and solids not fat percentage were also not significant. The milk fat and total solids percentage were higher than other Indian breeds of cattle, but lower to buffalo. The solids not fat percentage of milk was similar to other Indian breeds of cattle. The mean size of fat globule was 3.21 µ and the range was 2.54 to 4.07 µ. The mean diameter of fat globules was found to be 3.02 + 0.05 µ in the morning and 3.40 + 0.05 µ in the evening milk. The mean size of fat globules estimated in goat (Malabari and their crosses), crossbred cattle and Murrah buffalo were 2.60 µ, 4.87 µ and 5.81 µ respectively. The average fat globule size was found to be decreasing as the lactation advanced. The proportion of small size fat globules were found to be increased and the larger size of fat globules decreased towards the end of lactation. No correlation was noticed between fat globules size and fat percentage. The iodine value ranged from 28.61 to 30.29 and the average iodine value was 29.60 + 2.20. Based on available reports this appeared to be similar to buffalo, higher than goat and lower than cows. The size of fat globule (3.21 µ) was higher than the goat and lower to the other breeds of cattle and buffalo. Since the milk fat has higher production of smaller size fat globules and saturated fatty acids, it would be therapeutically useful in malabsorption syndromes due to its easy digestability. The larger proportion of small size fat globule is associated with high phospholipid content because of greater surface area. Phospholipids are important in the development of nervous system in babies. Thus Vechur cow milk appear to be suitable for infants and even sick. Studies on more number of cows are required for confirmation of results. It can be concluded that Vechur cattle of Kerala has unique characteristics of its own and have separate identity from other breeds of cattle not only by its small size but also due to its milk protein variants, composition of milk, size of fat globules and level of saturated fatty acids.ThesisItem 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, SThe 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.
