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
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, Mathen
An 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.
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 G
The 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.
Open Access
Bionomics and ecological management of coconut eriophyid mite
(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2001) Vidya, CV; KAU; Ranjith, A M
The bionomics and ecological management of coconut eriophyid mite, Aceria guerreronis (Keifer) was studied under the Department of Entomology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara. The preference of mites to bunches of different maturity, symptoms of damage, population dynamics, relationship of mite population with weather factors and the distribution pattern of mites based on plant morphology were considered for the study. Some ecological management practices were also tried along with this. The experiment was laid out as completely randomised design. Mites were absent in male and female flowers and also on buttons of first bunch. Initiation of infestation starts from buttons of second bunch and population increases further and maximum population is noticed in buttons of third and fourth bunches and thereafter it decreases. This is because after fourth bunch, the meristematic tissue becomes necrotic due to feeding of mites and hence mites cannot feed further easily. Traces of population were noticed even on nuts of ninth bunch. Predatory mites were also seen along with eriophyid mites even though they are very negligible. Symptoms of damage were seen outside from second bunch onwards. The symptom initially appears as whitish streak or triangular patch and it increases further in length and breadth and becomes brownish and later necrotic. In some cases, cracks, cuts and gummosis can be seen on the husk. The relationship between surface damage and mite population was worked out. Maximum mite population was noticed when the surface damage was 1-3 and 3-6 cm2 before and after the removal of perianth respectively and the percentage of damage was 1-3 per cent. Mite population was found to vary with different weather parameters. Minimum temperature of current week, current, -1 and -2 fortnights and maximum temperature of -2 fortnight were positively related with mite population. Morning humidity is also positively related with mite population. Mite population was negatively related with wind speed of zero current, current, -I and -2 fortnights. There is no direct relation between mite population and rainfall, number of rainy days, evening humidity and sunshine hours. Mite infestation was irrespective of the height of the palm, crown shape and perianth arrangement. The intensity of infestation varies between each inner tepals. Maximum infestation was under fourth tepal followed by fifth and sixth tepa\. The preference of mites to different portions under each tepal also varies with maximum entry through the 'outer edge' of fourth tepal followed by 'outer edge' of fifth tepal, 'middle' portion of sixth tepal, 'middle' portion of fifth and fourth tepal, and 'inner edge' of sixth and fifth tepa\. Infestation was found to be less in round shaped nuts compared to oval and oblong nuts. Maximum incidence was in green coloured nuts followed by greenish yellow and orange coloured nuts. There was no reduction in mite damage by different water regimes (rainfed, channel and drip irrigated) fertilizer regimes (0.34:0.17:0.68 kg NPK/palm, 0.5:0.32:1.2 kg NPKlpalm and 0.25:0.32:1.2 kg NPKlpalm) micronutrients (MgS04, ZnS04, MnS04, Borax and Micronutrient mixture) and crown cleaning (once and twice in an year).
Open Access
Integrated nutrient management in hedge lucerne (Desmanthus virgatus(L.)willed) under rainfed condition
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2001) Kavitha, G V; KAU; Lakshmi, S
A field experiment was conducted at the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala State to find out an integrated nutrient management technique for Desmanthus virgatus (L.) Willd. under rainfed condition. The influence of chemical fertilizers and biofertilizers on growth parameters, fodder yield, quality of produce, uptake of nutrients, chemical properties of soil and economics was investigated. Three levels of nitrogen (0, 15, 30 kg N ha"), three levels of potassium (0, 20, 40 kg ha") and biofertilizers (Rhizobium, AMF and Rhizobium + AMF) were combined to form twenty seven treatment combinations. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. Results of the experiment revealed that the chemical fertilizers as well as bioinoculants had significant positive influence on improving the fodder production potential of Desmanthus virgatus. Application of inorganic fertilizers and eo- inoculation of hedge lucerne with Rhizobium and AMF significantly increased the growth parameters namely plant height, length of branches, number of branches and leaf: stem ratio. Highest dose of chemical fertilizers and dual inoculation with biofertilizers registered maximum green fodder yield in all four harvests. Similar results were obtained in the case of dry fodder yield also. Quality parameters of the forage significantly improved as a result of dual inoculation with biofertilizers. Maximum crude protein content was realized with application of highest dose of nitrogen and potassium. The nutrient uptake showed a significant increase with increase in doses of chemical fertilizers. Dual inoculation of biofertilizers significantly increased the uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Combined application of biofertilizers improved the nitrogen and phosphorus status of the soil after the experiment. Highest dose of nitrogen gave the highest soil nitrogen content. Similarly highest dose of potassium recorded highest soil potassium content after the experiment. The physical and economic optimum dose of nitrogen for Desmanthus virgatus was 32 kg ha-I and 31 kg ha-I respectively while that of potassium was 22 kg ha-I, The use of chemical fertilizers and dual inoculation with biofertilizers recorded highest net returns and benefit: cost ratio, emphasizing the need for an integrated approach in nutrient management.
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 K
The 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.
Open Access
Genetic evaluation of F2 generation of intervarietal crosses in greengram (vigna radiata (L.) wilczek
(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2001) Leenamol, M A; KAU; Kamalam, N
A research programme was carried out at the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2000-2001 with the objective of assessing the potential of F2 progenies of greengram in terms of variability and correlation with respect to yield, yield attributes and shade tolerance. Fifteen F 2 progenies derived from intervarietal crosses were evaluated under the partial shade of coconut garden adopting a randomised block design with three replications. Data collected for seventeen characters were subjected to statistical analysis. Coefficient of variation, heritability, genetic advance, correlation and path coefficients were estimated. The 15 F 2 progenies revealed significant difference for all the characters. However, measurement of periodical shade intensity did not show significant difference among the plots indicating the prevalence of uniform shade. Phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation were high for grain yield, leaf area index, number of pods per plant, photosynthetic efficiency, harvest index and 100 seed weight. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for harvest index, grain yield, number of pods per plant, 100 seed weight and photosynthetic efficiency. Correlation studies indicated that the characters leaf area index, . photosynthetic efficiency, number of seeds per pod, 100 seed weight and harvest index exhibited significant positive correlation with grain yield whereas days to 50 per cent flowering and days to maturity recorded significant negative correlation. Among yield components, photosynthetic efficiency and harvest index exhibited significant positive correlation with number of seeds per pod and 100 seed weight. Photosynthetic efficiency exhibited the highest positive direct effect on grain yield followed by harvest index. Negative direct effect on grain yield was recorded for number of seeds per pod, days to maturity and days to 50 per cent flowering. It can be concluded from the present study that under partially shaded condition, photosynthetic efficiency and harvest index are the most important yield components which can serve as selection criteria for better yield in greengram. Accordingly the genotypes T 7 (Ganga 4 x Pusa Baisakhi), T 5 (LGG 460 x Philippines), T I (IIPRM 3 x Philippines), T 2 (Ganga 4 x Philippines) and TI4 (RMG 353 x CO-2) and Tlo (LGG 460 x Pusa Baisakhi) may be selected for further work.
Open Access
Suitability of read palm oil and its blends for culinary purposes
(Department of Home Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2001) Smitha, Sreekumar; KAU; Soffie, Cherian
The study entitled' "Suitability of RPO and its blends for culinary purposes" is a comprehensive study carried out with an objective to formulate blends of red palm oil with other oils/fats and to evaluate a culinary performance of RPO and blends in selective preparation. The study also envisages the physico-chemical and organoleptic changes during storage of RPO and blends. A shop survey was conducted in Thiruvananthapuram district to identify the popular cooking oils/fat. Maintaining the PIS ratio between 0.8-1, ten blends were formulated using RPO and popular culinary oils. These blends were subjected to hedonic rating to select five blends that indicated higher acceptability. The oil samples thus selected for the study were RPO and sunflower oil blend (60:40), RPO and sesame oil blend (40:60), RPO and groundnut oil blend (30:70), RPO-safflower oil and coconut oil blend (60:35:5), RPO-sunflower oil and coconut oil blend (50:45:5) and RPO alone. Physico-chemical characteristics' of fresh oil (RPO and blends) viz., specific gravity, smoke point, moisture content, iodine value, saponification value and p-carotene were ascertained. Specific gravity was lowest in RPO- safflower oil and coconut oil blend and highest smoke point was observed in RPO-sunflower oil and coconut oil blend. Moisture content was lowest in RPO and groundnut oil blend. Meanwhile RPO was found to be the richest in ~ carotene. Storage studies to assess the change in physico-chemical parameters and organoleptic qualities of RPO and blends were taken up for a period of lIb three months. The physico-chemical analysis were conducted fortnightly for three months. During storage, specific gravity remained almost steady whereas smoke point decreased. Moisture content of the oil samples showed a visible I increase while a fluctuation was noted in the iodine value and saponification value with stored oil samples. ~ carotene content was found to decrease during storage. Study on cooking qualities of RPO and blends were conducted by preparing three products viz., cake, potato patties and tapioca chips. Monthly evaluation of products prepared using the stored RPO and blends revealed that cakes and potato patties, made using stored RPO and sunflower oil blend was found to be .the most preferred. Tapioca chips fried in stored RPO was proved to be the most acceptable. Results also revealed that products prepared using stored oil samples were found to have better acceptability than those with fresh samples. Results of the study indicated that RPO and its blends are acceptable for different food uses and it is. feasible to promote its consumption in domestic kitchen as well as in the industry. Present trials also evidenced that these oils are best as frying fats especially shallow frying. Among the different oil. samples studied, RPO and sunflower oil blend was found to be the most appropriate, followed by RPO, for culinary purposes.
Open Access
Glycemic response to selected rice- pulse combinations in diabetics
(Department of Home Science, College of Agriculture,Vellayani, 2001) Suni, K; KAU; Mary Ukkuru, P
A study was conducted to assess the glycemic response of various rice- pulse combination served as breakfast to twenty (non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus) NIDDM subjects. The selected subjects were adult males in the age group of 40 to 51 years, having a fasting blood sugar level of 140 mg/dl to 200 mg/dl at 2 hour after the consumption of food and who were using only oral hypoglycemic agents. Personal characteristics of the selected subjects revealed that majority were in the age group of 46-51 years, of which 60 per cent belonged to urban population. 35 per cent respondents were found to adopt small family norms. The economic status of the subjects showed, half of the subjects had a family monthly income ranging from Rs. 1000 to 5000. The anthropometric measurements of the subjects assessed indicated that 15 per cent respondents were found to obese and 40 per cent depicted hereditary predisposition in the disease occurrence. Majority of the families were found to have more than one member as diabetic. All of them depend on sulphonyl urea and biguanides or a combination of these two drugs as oral hypoglycemic agents. An Oral Glucose Tolerance test was conducted among the respondents indicated that a fasting blood sugar level ranged between 143 to 184 mg Idl with a mean blood sugar level of 158.3 mg/dl. Five experimental breakfast preparations were administered to the subjects understudy which supplied 75g carbohydrate in the form of staple foods such as rice along with green gram/ bengalgraml blackgram/ redgram and soyabean. Impact of experimental breakfast on plasma glucose response was studied in detail. The breakfast preparation consisting rice + green gram served as Kanji and green gram poriyal showed the highest mean glucose value of 291.21 mg/dl in the first half an hour. While during the second half an hour, rice + bengal gram combination served as puttu and bengal gram curry had the highest mean glucose value of 358.26 mg/dl. The combination of rice with blackgram showed the highest mean plasma glucose value (392.19 mg/dl) at one and half an hour compared to other combinations and this combination depicted the low peak rise over the fasting level. Combination of rice + blackgram + redgram which was served as iddli and dhal curry depicted the least glucose value throughout the different time intervals. Among the five experimental breakfast items majority of the subjects reached the peak at 1 ~ hour post prandially or more accurately 81.79 minutes for rice + greengram, 89.17 minutes for rice + bengalgram, 98.39 minutes for rice + bengalgram, 98.8 minutes for rice+ blackgram + red gram and 106.28 minutes for rice + soyabean. From the results the area under 2 hour glucose stimulation curve, it was found that rice + blackgram + red gram combination had the least area under the curve while the rice + soyabean had the highest area under the curve. Glycemic Index of test meals computed based on area under curve indicated that rice + blackgram + redgram combination depicted the lowest glycemic response (0.81) indicating this combination was ideal for diabetics- followed by rice + blackgram (1.09) while the maximum glycernic response was depicted by rice + soya bean combination (1.125).
Open Access
Standardisation of techniques for cashew apple wine production and development of wine based products
(Department of Processing Technology, College of Horticulture,Vellanikkara, 2001) Maria Glenda Rose, Carvalho; KAU; Raju, V K
The present study on the 'Standardization of techniques for cashew apple wine production and development of wine based products' was conducted in the Department of Processing Technology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 1999-2001. The evaluation of the efficiency of three strains of wine yeast in the preparation of cashew apple wine revealed that strain MICC 180 was superior to the other strains. It produced wine of high alcohol content and low acidity. Jaggery proved to be a better ameliorant than cane sugar in case of all three strains, as the musts resulted in wines of high alcohol and high TSS and total sugar content. Gelatin (1%) was found to be superior to the other clarifying agents, viz., PVP, pectin and rice gruel, as it produced wine of good quality with regard to all the sensory attributes. Rice gruel and PVP (0.4%) also served as good clarifying agents, but due the high cost of PVP, its use may not be economical. The cost of gelatin being considerably low and rice gruel, available in all house-holds of Kerala in plenty, these two could be used for clarification of cashew apple juice to produce good quality wine. The varietal evaluation of cashew apples for wine making revealed that the varieties, Madakkathara-l and Dhana were superior to the other varieties studied. Wine from Madakkathara-I had high alcohol content, good flavour and overall acceptability, while that from Dhana recorded low astringency and possessed a favourable sugar-acid blend. Wines kept for a storage period of six months showed a general improvement in its quality and acceptability over the fresh wines. Plain as well as coloured glass bottles and steel containers were found to be superior to pet jars and china clay jar, for storage of wines. Bamboo containers and clay pots, due to their highly porous nature were not suited for wine storage. Storage of wines in dark, rather than open or refrigerated condition was found superior in terms of quality and acceptablity. Cashew apple wine blended with wines from that of grape, banana and pineapple was found to result in products of better acceptability. Similarly, cashew apple wine mixed with fresh fruit juices like those of orange, pineapple, tomato, grape and cashew apple as well as tender coconut water produced wine coolers of high consumer acceptance. Hence, preparation of these two products from cashew apple wine can be recommended to increase the consumption of the wine. Besides, wine coolers due to its constituents also possess several nutritional as well as medicinal properties and can be popularised as a health drink. These wine based products, viz., blended, wines and wine coolers can bring additional income to farmers through utilization of the otherwise wasted cashew apple.

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

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