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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 Influence of different levels of energy on growth performance of crossbred pigs(Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2001) Rekha, P; KAU; George, MathenAn experiment was conducted to assess •the influence of different levels of energy on the growth performance of crossbred (Large White Yorkshire x Desi) pigs. Fifteen male (castrated) and fifteen female weaned crossbred piglets with an average body weight of 12.9 kg were divided into three equal groups as uniformly as possible with regard to age, sex and body weight. The three groups of piglets were maintained on three rations with 16 per cent crude protein but differing in their energy content, viz., 2800 kcal (T1), 3000 kcal CT2) and 3200 kcal (TI) of digestible energy (DE) per kg. The average daily gains recorded for the three groups T1, T2 and TI were 262.9, 302.0 and 362.8 g respectively. The cumulative feed conversion efficiencies were 6.0, 5.2 and 4.1 for the groups T1, T2 and TI respectively. The values recorded for TI were higher (P<0.01) than those for T1 and T2. The digestibility coefficients of nutrients except that of crude fibre and crude protein were found to improve with increase in the energy content of the rations. Study of the carcass traits revealed that the body weight at slaughter and dressed weight without head improved as the energy content of the rations increased. However, dressing percentage, carcass length and back fat thickness were not significantly influenced by the energy content of the ration. The cost of feed per kg weight gain of animals was significantly lower (P<0.01) for the dietary treatment T3 compared to that of T2 and Tl, the values being Rs.49.90, 43.30 and 34.10 for Tl, T2 and T3 respectively. The above results indicate that crossbred pigs require 3200 kcal of DE/kg of the ration for better growth performance provided the crude protein level is maintained at 16 per cent.ThesisItem Open Access Investigations on etio-pathology of vomiting in dogs(Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2001) Muraly, P; KAU; Baby, P GThe study "INVESTIGATIONS ON ETIO-PATHOLOGY OF VOMITING IN DOGS" was conducted in 20 dogs to evaluate ultrasonography and radiography as diagnostic tools in vomiting dogs; to assess hydration status, electrolyte and acid-base balance in vomiting dogs and to correlate clinico-pathologic findings with radiographic and ultrasonographic changes. Various parameters such as history, physical examination, hydration status, ultrasonography, radiography-plain and contrast, haematology, serum biochemistry, and wherever possible histopathology were studied. Most of the dogs under study had bile stained watery vomitus but dogs with pyloric stenosis had frothy or watery white vomitus. The frequency of vomiting in dogs with gastritis and gastrointestinal (GI) obstruction was two to seven times per day, it was variable in dogs with hepatic and renal disorders, but was associated with food intake in dogs with pyloric stenosis. Physical examination was found useful in dogs with GI obstruction, while it was non-specific in dogs with gastritis and renal disorders. Capillary refill time (CRT) and degree of sunken eye balls were helpful to assess dehydration. Estimation of volume of packed red cells (VPRC) was found beneficial to assess dehydration unless the dogs are anemic. Ultrasonography could not identify any lesions in dogs with gastritis, but was useful to detect GI obstructions due to pyloric stenosis, intussusception and foreign body and to characterise lesions in the parenchymal organs like liver and kidney. While plain radiographs could give indication to possible non-radiopaque GI obstructions, contrast radiography was required to confirm. Radiography could not identify any lesions in dogs with gastritis, hepatic and chronic intestitial nephritis. Hypokalemia with metabolic alkalosis was the significant electrolyte and acid-base derangement in dogs with vomiting due to gastritis and GI obstructions.ThesisItem Open Access Immunodiagnosis of bovine gastrothylacosis using coproantigens(Department of parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2000) Kandasamy, A; KAU; Devada, KA study was conducted on the prevalence of paramphistomatidosis in Thrissur from June 1999 to May 2000, feasibility of coproantigen detection by ELlSA and comparison of sensitivity of ELlSA using coproantigens and ELlSA using serum antibodies in diagnosis of gastrothylacosis, caused by Gastrothy/ax crumenifer, in cattle. It was noted from the registers maintained at the University Veterinary Hospitals at Kokkalai and Mannuthy and that at the Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, that out of a total number of 1534 faecal samples from bovines examined, 253 (16.5 per cent) animals were found to be positive for amphistome eggs with the maximum prevalence (23 per cent) in June and July. Generally the infection was prevalent throughout the year. An indirect ELlSA using rabbit hyperimmune serum against somatic antigens of G. crumenifer was performed to detect coproantigens in faecal samples collected from 100 known G. crumenifer infected cattle. Seventy four samples were found to contain detectable levels of coproantigen indicating a sensitivity of 74 per cent. Serum samples collected from the same infected cattle were tested for antibodies to G. crumenifer by an indirect ELlSA using somatic antigens. Fifty one samples were found positive for antibodies indicating a sensitivity of 51 per cent. It was seen that when 43 cattle were positive for both coproantigens and serum antibodies, 18 cattle were negative for both of them. Although 31 cattle which were negative for serum antibodies were found positive for coproantigens, eight cattle negative for coproantigens were found positive for serum antibodies. The results showed that coproantigen detection, which revealed a higher sensitivity than the detection of serum antibodies by ELlSA, is feasible for the diagnosis of gastrothylacosis in bovines.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of probiotic supplementation on the performance of broiler chicken(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2001) Sabitha Mahaboob Kadari, A; KAU; Elizabeth, V KThe effects of different levels of pro biotic (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus faecium and Yeasacc 1026) supplementation• at 0.025 and 0.05 per cent of the ration on the performance of broiler chicken were evaluated using 144, one-day old, commercial broiler chicks for a period of eight weeks. The birds were divided into three dietary treatment groups viz., standard broiler ration (T 1), standard broiler ration with 0.025 per cent probiotic (T 2) and standard broiler ration with 0.05 per cent probiotic (T3). Standard broiler ration was formulated as per Bureau of Indian Standards (1992) specification for broiler chicken feed. The 0.025 per cent probiotic supplemented birds showed a significantly higher (P<0.05) body weight upto six weeks of age. At the end of eight weeks of age, the 0.05 per cent probiotic fed birds grew faster. The body weight gain was significantly higher in 0.025 per cent probiotic supplemented group upto six weeks of age but was statistically non-significant upto eight weeks of age. The feed intake was not statistically significant throughout the experimental period. Eventhough the feed efficiency was significantly (P<0.01) better in the group fed with 0.025 per cent probiotic at the end of second week, it was statistically non-significant at sixth and eighth weeks of age. The protein efficiency was not significantly different throughout the experimental period. The serum cholesterol levels were significantly (P<0.01) reduced in both the probiotic supplemented groups. The serum protein level was not affected by probiotic supplementation. The processing Yields did not show any significant difference among treatments. The mortality percentage was not affected by treatments. Cost of production of broilers in the 0.025 per cent probiotic group was lower when compared with other two groups at the end of six weeks of age, while it was lower in the 0.05 per cent probiotic supplemented group at the end of eight weeks of age. It can be concluded that probiotic supplementation in standard broiler ration at a lower level was beneficial in the early stages of growth.ThesisItem Open Access Analysis of animal husbandary information in the farm feature pages of leading malayalam dailies(Department of Extension, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2000) Sathumadhavan, T P; KAU; Subhadhra, M RStudy was a content analysis of animal husbandry information in farm . feature pages of four Malayalam dailies, namely Malayala Manorama, Mathrubhoorni,. Desabhimani and Deepika, for the period January to December 1999. Variables studied were space provided to different categories of animal husbandry news, modes of presentation, frequency of occurrence of news, seasonality, readability, relevancy and accuracy. Research findings revealed that the studied dailies provided less than one fourth space of farm feature pages for publishing animal husbandry information. Large animal category got more than 50 per cent coverage with three-fourth space occupied by articles on cows. Poultry articles occupied one-fourth space of animal husbandry information of farm feature pages. Where as small animals and pet animals occupied 17 per cent and seven per cent space respectively. News articles occupied maximum column length in all dailies studied. Frequency of occurrence of news articles, illustrations and question answers were found to be more when compared to other modes of presentation. Seasonality studies r.evealed that more than half the number of dairy articles and one eighth of poultry articles were seasonal. Average readability of dairy articles according to Fog index was 5.45 with more reading easiness. More than 50 per cent of dairy articles were found to be relevant. Just above two-third of scientific messages of dairy articles were accurate, whereas accuracy of general articles were found to be nearly 50 per cent.ThesisItem Open Access Nutritive evaluation of squilla (oratosquilla nepa) meal in broiler chicken diets(Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2000) Kanakasabai, P; KAU; Kunjikutty, NAn experiment was designed and conducted to assess the nutritive value of squilla (Oratosquilla nepa) meal in broiler chicken diet as an animal protein source replacing fish meal protein at three levels viz. zero, 50 and 100 per cent with supplementation of lysine and methionine at 100 per cent level of replacement. One hundred and eighty one – day old straight – run commercial broiler chicks were divided into four groups each with three replicates of fifteen birds and were allotted to four dietary treatments viz. T1 containing 10 per cent unsalted dried fish (control), T2 in which 50 per cent crude protein from dried fish was replaced with squilla meal protein, T3 in which 100 per cent crude protein from dried fish was replaced with squilla meal protein and T4 in which T3 was supplemented with adequate lysine and methionine as per BIS (1992). The rations were made isoproteimic and iso – caloric. The chicks were reared under standard managemental conditions for a period of eight weeks. The birds fed on 100 per cent squilla meal protein dist in replacement of fish meal protein attained significantly lower body weight gain )P < 0.01) compared to those in the control ( T1) and 50 per cent squilla meal protein (T2) group at six and eight weeks. Lysine and methionine supplementation in the 100 per cent squilla meal protein diet improved the weight gain of birds to a level comparable to those on 50 per cent squilla meal protein diet. Feed intake and protein of birds on various dietary treatments at different ages did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). But the feed conversion efficiency of birds maintained on control diet was significantly higher (P < 0.05) at six weeks and eight weeks (P < 0.01) than those on 100 per cent squilla meal protein diet (2.437 vs 2.93). Protein efficiency ratio of birds differed significantly between different treatment groups and the values correlate well with the body weight gain at different ages. Slaughter studies revealed no significant difference (P > 0.05) between the different groups in dressed yield, giblet yield and length of duodenum. However, the abdominal fat was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in control group of birds, while the ready – t0 – cook yield was significantly less (P < 0.05) in 100 per cent squilla meal protein group. The apparent metabolisable energy content of different rations and daily protein retention of birds showed no significant difference between the different dietary treatments. The cost of production per kilogram of live weight gain of birds maintained on the four dietary treatments T1, T2, T3 and T4 were Rs. 26.42, 26.24, 27.25 and 27.79 respectively. Though there was a slight decrease in the cost of production of birds due to incorporation of squilla meal in place of unsalted dried fish at 50 per cent replacement, the difference was insignificant. However, 100 percent replacement of fish meal protein with squilla meal protein and amino acid supplementation to the same increased the cost of production (P < 0.01) with no corresponding increase in performance. From the results obtained in the present study it was inferred that squilla meal can be effectively included in broiler chicken diets to replace 50 per cent of fish meal protein without affecting growth, feed conversion efficiency and the cost of production.ThesisItem Open Access Cryosurgical treatment for experimentally induced cataract in dogs 260 ## - PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION, ETC. (IMPRINT)(Department of Surgery, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 2000) Neelakanta Praveen, Pillai; KAU; Ravindran Nair, SThis study was conducted with the objective of comparing the efficacy of cryo-coagulation and intra-capsular cryo-extraction of experimentally induced cataract in dogs. Twelve nondescript dogs aged approximately one year were used for the study in two groups, A and B, each consisting of six animals. Two clinical cases of cataract were included under the study as Group C. In all the animals of Group A and B, cataract was experimentally induced by injection of 0.5 ml of a 25% solution of calcium borogluconate into the anterior chamber of the eye, in strict aseptic conditionsand under general anaesthesia. In group A. cataract was treated by cryo-coagulation and in Groups Band C intra-capsular cryo-extraction of the cataractous lens was performed after pre-medicating and anaesthetising the animals. Surgery for cryo-coagulation (Group A) or intra-capsular cryo-extraction (Groups B and C) was performed under general anaesthesia with thiopentone sodium after premedication with xylazinc hydrochloride. The anaesthesia was found to be satisfactory at the time of induction and during cataract surgery. Extensive lateral canthotomy was found to be necessary in all the animals at surgery in order to ensure adequate exposure of the globe. Rectal temperature and respiration rate dropped slightly post-operatively, but returned to normal values by the second day after surgery. Pulse rate dropped markedly following surgery, but returned to normal by the sixth day after surgery. Total leukocyte count increased slightly 24 hours after surgery. but then decreased and remained within normal ranges thereafter. There was increase in neutrophil. eosinophil and monocyte count had increased upto 24 hours after surgery. but was normal thereafter. Lymphocyte eount decreased upto 24 hours post-operatively. All the animals .remained in good condition throughout the observation period, except for one animal. Conjunctivitis persisted only in one upto the 11 th day. Corneal oedema persisted throughout the period of observation in four animals. One animal had complete corneal clarity by day seven. In the other animal the cornea cleared on day 23. Uveitis persisted for varymg periods in the animals Photophobia and blepharospasm resolved by day six in all animals. One animal had no posterior or anterior synechiae following surgery and its vitreous body was clear, allowing easy exam ination of the retina. Aqueous flare, indicative of increased protein in the aqueous humour, could not be determined in any animal. Functional vision was not returned in any animal except A4. In Group B, vitreous prolapse occurred during surgical removal of the lens by intra-capsular cryo-extraction. This prolapsed vitreous was excised and did not cause complications. Rectal temperature increased slightly 24 hours after surgery, but had returned to normal values by the 15th post-operative day. Pulse rate decreased slightly 24 hours after surgery, but attained normal values by the second post-operative day and stayed so thereafter. Respiration rate decreased markedly for 24 hours following surgery, but reached normal values two days post-operatively. There was no change in the colour of the mucous membrane of the contralateral eye (used as control) at any time during the period of : observation. The total leukocyte count increased slightly following surgery and continued to be so till 24 hours after surgery and thereafter it decreased and was within normal limits thereafter. The neutrophil count increased till 24 hours post-operatively and returned to normal range thereafter. Lymphocyte count decreased slightly 24 hours after surgery, but returned to normal range by the i s" post-operative day. Eosinophil count increased 24 hours after surgery, but had reached normal values by the i s" post-operative day. Monocyte count became zero after surgery, but then increased slightly and continued so thereafter. All the animals remained in good general condition until the end of the observation period, with no evidence of infection in the operated eye. Intra-ocular pressure decreased slightly following surgery, but had returned to normal ranges by the end of the observation period. Animals B 1, B2 and B4 had persistent conjunctivitis and corneal oedema throughout the period of observation and were unable to negotiate an obstacle course or locate and track mobile or stationary objects even in conditions ofbright ambient light. All other animals in this group were able to perform satisfactorily in the tests of visual function by the end of the observation period. In Group C, treatment of cataract was by intra-capsular cryo- extraction, as in Group B. The results obtained were similar to those for Group B. Animal C2, however. took 52 hours to recover from anaesthesia and died on the sixth day following surgery. The death could not be attributed to complications of cataract surgery. Rectal temperature decreased slightly following surgery, and then increased slightly but returned to normal values at the end of the observation period. Pulse rate decreased immediately after surgery and then returned to normal ranges by the eighth day after surgery. Respiration rate decreased markedly immediately after surgery. but returned to the normal range within 24 hours after surgery. Colour of mucous membrane of the contralateral eye did not show any change at any time during the period of observation. Total leukocytc count increased slightly upto 24 hours after surgery but returned to normal ranges thereafter. The neutrophil and eosinophil and monocyte counts increased after surgery but returned to normal ranges thereafter. The lymphocyte count was markedly decreased at 24 hours after surgery, but then returned to normal ranges thereafter. The surviving animal in Group C showed low grade corneal oedema until day 31 following surgery, but it had blink reflexes and the iris was visible. Conjunctivitis had cleared by day six following surgery. The animals were monitored for visual capability following surgery. The tests were conducted by evaluating the animals' ability to negotiate an obstacle course under photopic and scotopic light conditions, after blind folding the left eye with an eye shield. The animals were also tested for their ability to locate a stationary object and to track a moving object under varying conditions of ambient lighting. Tests of ocular functional integrity were conducted by evaluating menace and photomotor pupillary reflexes. Animal Cl was able to locate or track stationary objects In dim light. It could track moving ohjects in all light conditions. From the results obtained in thc present study. it was found that only one out of the six animals showed restoration of functional vision following treatment of cataract by cryo-coagulation of the lens. In the case of the treatment by intra-capsular cryo-extraction. four out of eight animals showed restoration of functional vision thus showing a success rate of 50% for intra-capsular cryo-extraction of cataract. From the results it can be concluded that: 2. Cataract could be effectively induced using 0.5 ml of calcium borogluconate solution (25%) injected into the anterior chamber of the eye. 3. Pre-medication USing xylazine hydrochloride followed by general anaesthesia USing thiopentone sodium IV was satisfactory for the induction of cataract and the treatment of the cataractous lens. 4. Intra-capsular cryo-extraction IS a better method In treating cataractous lenses in dogs.ThesisItem Open Access Evaluation of boar semen extended in belt`s ville thaw solution(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 2001) Kantharaj, S; KAU; Athman, K VAn experiment was conducted to study the effect of natural service and artificial insemination on reproductive performance of pigs and to assess the fertility and preservability of boar semen extended in Belt's ville thaw solution. Twenty-four Large White Yorkshire (LWY) gilts, twenty-four sows and six LWY boars were selected for the study. Out of six boars, three boars were used for natural service and the other three maintained for artificial insemination purpose. A total of 52 ejaculates were collected from boars maintained for artificial insemination purpose at weekly intervals by the gloved hand technique. Among these boars, no significant differences were found for most of the semen characteristics except proximal and distal protoplasmic droplets , which were significantly different between boars (PThesisItem Open Access Draught Efficiency of Elephants in Timber Mills(Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 2001) Prasad, A; KAU; Saseendran, P CSix elephants working in four different private timber mills in Trichur district were selected for the present study. Average weight of elephants estimated using formula was 4627.80 + 114.15 kg. Elephants consumed 213.00 + 3.338 kg roughages and 7.50 + 0.475 kg of concentrate. They obtained 9.721 + 0.837 kg dry matter, 3.613 + 0.075 kg DCP and 31.517 + 0.754 kg of TDN over and above maintenance requirement, which may be the amount of nutrient utilized for work performance. Elephants were engaged for three types of work in timber mills, carrying, moving/stalking and hauling timber logs. Mean draught developed during carrying was 445.095 + 22.448 kg. Elephant could be made to carry weights upto 20 per cent of their body weight on their tusk during carrying and stalking/moving timber. A new instrument called Elephant Draught Power Monitor was fabricated to measure the draught developed during hauling timber. A regression, Y = 0.7787 x – 100.69 (where Y is the draught developed and X is the weight of the log hauled) was developed from the measurements. The draught power estimated this equation was compared with the values obtained by the formula draught = load x CosƟ. It was assumed that the formula draught = load x CosƟ was not suitable for elephant draught power measurement. The average draught developed during hauling was 1779.391 + 130.386 kg. Highest maximum of weight that an elephant could be made to haul during instantaneous force development was 188 per cent of the body weight. Maximum limit of weight that an elephant could be made to haul during continuous work was 38 per cent of its body weight. Speed of work of elephants during carrying, moving and hauling was 1.333 + 0.075, 0.630 + 0.014 and 0.701 + 0.014 m/s respectively. Speed of work of elephants decreased with increase in weight of the log transported. The average horse power developed during carrying, moving and hauling were 7.116 + 0.106, 2,566 + 0.048 and 7.138 + 0.280 respectively. The average work output per day during carrying, moving and hauling were 1819.004 + 92.619 KJ, 179.718 + 5.955 KJ, 3375.373 + 16.885 KJ respectively. Maximum work output from elephant was obtained during hauling. Maximum work output (34 per cent) occurred during 8.30 am to 9.30 am in timber mills. Elephants were made to work minimum during 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm. Rectal temperature was identified as the most reliable physiological parameter which can be used as an indicator of fatigue. Maximum body temperature recorded during work was 1000 F. Maximum frequency of spraying of saliva during the entire study period was two/minute and maximum frequency of fanning of ears was 45/min. The value of rectal temperature when the elephants were fatigued was 98.60 F. Work may be stopped and elephant should be given rest before reaching this body temperature to avoid undue fatigue. Mechanised power which replaces elephant power in many timber mills has certain advantages. But use of elephant has got the advantage of utilization of renewable resources environmental friendliness and greater maneuverability during work.
