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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 Population dynamics and management of aphids in vegetable ecosystem(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2009) Thamilvel, D; KAU; Hebsy, BaiEight species of aphids viz., A. gossypii, A. craccivora, A. spiraecola, A. fabae, A. nerii, H. setariae, M. persicae and L. erysimi were recorded from 32 vegetables in a survey conducted in the four taluks of Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala. Occurrence of A. gossypii on C. grandis, M. oleifera and P. tetragonolobus; A. craccivora on C. gladiata, P. tetragonolobus and S. grandiflora ; A. spiraecola on A. tricolor, C. sativus, C. tetragonoloba, M. oleifera, M. charantia, M. koeingii, P. tetragonolobus and S. androgynus ; M. persicae on A. tricolor and R. sativu; A. nerii on C. annuum and C. frutescens was recorded for the first time from the State and H. setariae on A. tricolor and A. dubius from South India. One hundred and twenty two other plants were identified as host plants of the different aphids. A. gossypii was the dominant species noted, closely followed by A. craccivora, and A. spiraecola. Maximum species of aphids were recorded on amaranthus followed by winged bean. Among the vegetables surveyed, chilli and coccinia were highly susceptible to A. gossypii and winged bean and cowpea to A. craccivora. Mosaic disease incidence was noted in 10 vegetables. Predators were the predominant group of natural enemies associated with the aphids with the coccinellids constituting the major predatory fauna. Twenty species of coccinellids were recorded from different species of aphids on various host plants of which 13 species were new records from Kerala. M. sexmaculatus was the dominant species followed by C. transversalis, S. latemaculatus and C. septempunctata, Four species of syrphids were recorded of which I. scutellaris was predominant. P. yerburiensis and D. aegrota were recorded for the first time from Kerala. Leucopis sp. was the only Chamaemyiid species recorded from the vegetable fields. The chrysopids, C. carneae and A. octopunctata and the hemerobiid, Micromus sp. were the Neuropteran predators of the aphids recorded of which Micromus sp. was dominant. A. octopunctata was recorded for the first time from Kerala. Eleven species of spiders were observed in the vegetable fields among which, O. javanus, T.mandibulata, O. quadridentatus, O. shweta and Phidippus sp. were the frequently encountered species. Aphidius sp. was the most dominant parasitoid in the vegetable ecosystem. Aphelinus sp. and D. rapae were the other parasitoids recorded. Seven species of ants were observed attending the aphids. Studies on the population fluctuation of A. gossypii in chilli and A. craccivora in winged bean during a cropping season indicated that high population was seen during November and December. Correlation studies revealed a significant and positive correlation between the population of both the aphids with the insect predators, spiders and parasitoids. None of the climatic parameters had any significant influence on the aphid population. Excepting, maximum temperature which had a positive influence, all the other weather parameters viz., minimum temperature, relative humidity, rainfall and wind velocity had a negative influence on the population of the predators and parasitoids. Among the botanicals screened in the laboratory, only neem oil- garlic emulsion 2% and NeemAzal T/S 4 ml/l recorded more than 50 per cent mortality of A. gossypii and A. craccivora. Among the insecticides, the neonicotinoids viz., acetamiprid 0.002% imidacloprid, 0.003%, and dimethoate 0.05% proved superior to all other treatments. Dimethoate 0.05% was highly toxic to the coccinellids, syrphids and a hemerobiid (Micromus sp.) predator under laboratory condition. Between the two neonicotinods, acetamiprid 0.002% registered higher mortality than imidacloprid 0.003% whereas NeemAzal T/S 4 ml/l and neem oil + garlic emulsion 2% were safe to the predators. Foliar application of dimethoate 0.05%, acetamiprid 0.002% and imidacloprid 0.003% gave good control of A. gossypii, A. biguttula biguttula, S. dorsalis and A. dispersus in chilli and A. craccivora, A. dispersus, R. pedestris and M. vitrata in winged bean. NeemAzal T/S 4ml/l and neem oil garlic emulsion 2% too checked the population of the pests appreciably. Dimethoate 0.05% was highly toxic to the predators and parasitoids followed by acetamiprid 0.002% both in the chilli and winged bean fields. Comparatively, imidacloprid 0.003% was less toxic. The botanicals were safer to the natural enemies. Dimethoate 0.05% was highly toxic to soil fauna and flora whereas acetamiprid and imidacloprid were less toxic while NeemAzal T/S 4ml/l and neem oil + garlic emulsion 2% were non toxic. In both the trials, significantly higher yield was obtained from all the treatments. However, no significant difference was noted in the yields obtained from acetamiprid 0.002%, imidacloprid 0.003% and dimethoate 0.05% treated plots. Residues of imidacloprid were detected in chilli and winged bean fruits five days after spraying. While on the tenth day after spraying, residues of acetamiprid, and dimethoate were detected in chilli fruits, only residue of acetamiprid was recorded from winged bean pods. Imidacloprid was below detectable level (BDL). Residues of all the three insecticides were below detectable level when estimated fifteen days after spraying. Based on the results of the study, early detection of aphids on weeds and other host through regular monitoring, proper weed and ant management, conservation of the beneficials, application of neem oil + garlic emulsion 2% or NeemAzal T/S 4ml/l during the early stage of infestation and use of imidacloprid 0.003% when needed are suggested for aphid management in vegetables.ThesisItem Open Access Shelf life of irradiated rabbit meat underaerobic and vacuum packaging(Department of Livestock Products Technology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2009) Sonika, S; KAU; Kuttinarayanan, PPrevention of Food Adulteration Act (1954) as amended in 1998 has permitted irradiation at a dose rate of 2.5 to 4.5 kGy to control pathogenic microorganisms and to extend the shelf life of meat and meat products including poultry products. A study was conducted to evaluate the shelf life of irradiated rabbit meat under aerobic and vacuum packaging. The rabbit meat was prepared by slaughtering locally purchased rabbits under hygienic conditions and was packed in HDPE and PAPE packages at a rate of 120 g each. Half of the packets of aerobic and vacuum packaged samples were subjected to gamma radiation at 2.5 kGy at melting ice temperature and kept immediately at chiller temperature (1 to 4oC) and domestic refrigerator freezer (-6 to -8oC). Samples were analyzed for physical, physicochemical, microbiological, and organoleptic qualities on the day of preparation and on days 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 45, 50, 60, and 70 of storage or until spoilage, whichever was earlier. The samples were also analyzed for proximate composition on the day of preparation. The dressing percentage of the rabbits subjected to the study was 49.35 per cent. The keeping quality of the rabbit meat was 15 to 18, 17 to 19, 5 to 7 and 7 to 9 days in HDPE IR, PAPE IR, HDPE NR and PAPE NR respectively at chiller temperature. In freezer temperature it was significantly (P < 0.05) increased to 45 to 47, 47 to 49, 25 to 27 and 27 to 29 days in HDPE IR, PAPE IR, HDPE NR and PAPE NR respectively. Irradiation or packaging did not significantly (P < 0.05) affect fat, protein and ash composition but higher moisture percentage was observed in irradiated samples. Swelling of the collagen fibres was noticed in irradiated samples on histological examination. The physicochemical parameter, pH of irradiated and non-irradiated samples varied significantly (P < 0.05) on the day of preparation. On storage the pH values decreased uniformly. The WHC was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in irradiated samples. The ability of the rabbit meat to retain its water decreased gradually on storage and a reduction of about 40 per cent could be noticed from the initial level. Drip loss was not significantly (P < 0.05) different on the day of preparation. Irradiation had a significant (P < 0.05) effect in enhancing the cooking loss whereas packaging had little effect. Both drip loss and cooking loss was increased significantly (P < 0.05) due to storage under chiller and freezer temperature. Irradiation had a significant (P < 0.05) role in increasing the TBARS value of rabbit meat. As the days of storage enhanced, the TBARS values were increased. Irradiation had a significant (P < 0.05) effect in reducing the TV in both type of packaging. As storage period enhanced, TV increased with significant (P < 0.05) changes among treatments. Irradiation had a beneficial effect on microbiological qualities of rabbit meat. There was a significant (P < 0.05) reduction of nearly three log in APC of irradiated meat from that of control. The irradiation of the samples both in HDPE and PAPE packaging significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the PC of meat on the day of preparation where as storage had significant (P < 0.05) effect in enhancing the microbial load of meat. The colour score was non-significantly (P < 0.05) higher in irradiated samples. The juiciness, tenderness and overall acceptability scores were improved significantly (P < 0.05) due to irradiation, where as flavour score was reduced. The sensory attributes were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced due to storage in all the treatment groups. The keeping quality of rabbit meat was significantly (P < 0.05) increased by irradiation both in chiller and freezer under different packaging. In addition irradiation could effectively control food borne illness by destroying the major pathogenic organism without affecting the sensory and nutritional quality of the product. Considering these advantages it can be recommended that packaging the meat in PAPE packages followed by low dose gamma irradiation and maintaining the cold-chain contribute to extended storage life of rabbit meat.ThesisItem Open Access Forecasting volatility of the indian stock market(Department of Rural Banking and Finance Management, College of Co-operation, Banking and Management, Vellanikkara, 2009) Khadilkar Guruprasad, Hari; KAU; Molly, JosephThe present study on ‘forecasting volatility of the Indian stock market’ was conducted with the main objectives of examining the volatility behaviour of the Indian stock market, to forecast the sector- wise volatility of the Indian stock market and to identify the most efficient volatility forecasting model among the different models used. For the study the biggest stock market in India in terms of total turnover and volume of transactions, ie, National Stock Exchange was selected. For analyzing the volatility behaviour of the Indian stock market as a whole, S&P CNX Nifty index was taken. Five companies representing five different sectors were selected for forecasting sector – wise volatility. The study used secondary data on daily close prices of individual stocks from November 1994 to October 2008, and for Nifty, daily close values, from November 1995 to October 2008 from the website of National Stock Exchange, www.nseindia.com. The study revealed presence of strong volatility in the Indian stock market. The histogram drawn for the volatility of all samples showed that the distribution of volatility was not normal. There was positive skewness and all the distribution of volatility was leptokurtic. This proved the presence of high peak values (squared returns) in the sample data, exposing the evidence of volatility clustering and the possibility for prediction of future volatility. While analysing sector -wise volatility, the diversified sector represented by Reliance Industries Limited showed the highest volatility compared to that of Nifty and the other sectors. In other words, Reliance is the most volatile stock among the samples selected for the study. Reliance and Infosys had good predictability of volatility in the stock market. The best identified model for forecasting the volatility of stock markets is the EWMA. Then comes AR (1) followed by MA (3), RWM and HMM. Random walk model was found suitable for the prediction of volatility of two sectors - IT (Infosys) and engineering heavy (BHEL) only. But the MAPE values of these were high. Historic mean model could not predict the volatility in the stock market with precision, for the index as well as for any of the five companies. Out of three, six, nine and twelve monthly moving averages taken for predicting the volatility three months moving average was found most suitable for all the samples. Prediction of volatility using the most efficient model of EWMA identified indicated decreasing trend of volatility for the next six months, except for Infosys. The confidence limits for the Nifty and the stocks of five companies based on volatility for the sample period found that for Infosys the distribution of volatilities for the out of sample period are coming within the prefixed UCL and LCL and it ensures that the volatility is under control and predictable with high degree of precision. The ever increasing market segments, advancement of technology, widening market reach and multi dimensions of stock market provide ample scope for further research in this area to the advantage of the investors and other market participants.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of seed treatments and shade on seedling growth dynamics of pongamia pinnata (Linn.) pierre in the nursery(Department of Forest Management and Utilisation, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2009) Gururaj Sankeshwar, B; KAU; Gopakumar, SThe present study entitled “Effect of seed treatments and shade on seedling growth dynamics of Pongamia pinnata (Linn.) Pierre in the nursery” was carried out in College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during the period of 2007-2009. In the first phase, seeds were subjected to six pre-sowing treatments. GA3 treated seeds recorded highest Germination percentage, Final Mean Daily Germination (FMDG), Germination Value (GV) and Peak Value (PV). The effect of seed treatments were observed on various biometric parameters like height, collar diameter, number of leaves and primary branch. GA3 treated seeds recorded better height and collar diameter during the initial stage of seedling growth. At the end of study cold water seed treatment was found to be effective in enhancing seedling growth. However, none of the pretreatments was observed to cast a significant effect on biomass production and root growth parameters in Pongamia pinnata seedlings. In the second phase, to evaluate seedling growth under different shade conditions, seedlings were placed under 25 per cent shade, 50 per cent shade, 75 per cent shade and full sunlight situations. Shade treatments did not significantly influence height and collar diameter growth of Pongamia pinnata seedlings in the nursery. The maximum leaf production and primary branch production was observed in seedlings kept under full sunlight and 50 per cent shade respectively. Under seventy five per cent shade seedlings produce maximum shoot and root dry weight. The shoot: root ratio and total biomass was also maximum for seedlings kept under 75 per cent shade. Root length and spread were maximum under 50 per cent shade. However, shade did not significantly effect secondary root production. Shade levels also did not influence Pongamia pinnata seedlings with respect to relative growth rate and leaf area. However, Specific leaf area and Leaf area ratio was higher under 25 per cent shade. Highest Specific leaf weight was observed for seedlings under full sunlight. Shade had no significant effect on leaf weight ratio of seedlings. Maximum stomatal number was recorded under 25 per cent shade. In the nursery stage shade is casting an overriding influence with regards to various growth parameters of Pongamia pinnata.ThesisItem Open Access Influence of mating ratio on fertility and hatchability in Japanese quails(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 2009) Suraj Amrutkar, A; KAU; Leo JosephAn experiment was carried out to study the influence of mating ratio on fertility, hatchability and other productive traits in Japanese quails maintained at University Poultry Farm, Mannuthy. A total of 376 breeder Japanese quails at 6 weeks of age were allotted randomly to four groups with a male female ratio of 1: 3 (T1), 1: 4 (T2), 1: 5 (T3) and 1: 6 (T4) with four replicate each. The number of male and female breeders employed in the treatment groups T1, T2, T3 and T4 were 24 & 72, 20 & 80, 16 & 80 and 12 & 72, respectively. Standard managemental practices were followed uniformly. Quail breeder ration which contained 22.75 per cent crude protein and 2650 kcal metabolizable energy per kg feed was fed to all mating groups. The T1, T2 and T3 treatment groups were similar but a T4 group differed significantly from the other groups for 6 weeks and 16 weeks body weight. The age at first egg, 10 and 50 per cent production was similar (p < 0.05) in all the treatment groups. The results revealed that mean egg number and mean per cent production did not differ significantly in all the treatment groups. Statistical analysis of the mean data on egg weight revealed no significant difference between treatment means at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age. The overall mean fertility in the treatment groups T1, T2, T3 and T4 were 92.65, 90.45, 91.21 and 90.71 per cent, respectively and statistical analysis revealed no significant difference between treatment groups. The overall mean hatchability on total egg in the treatment groups T1, T2, T3 and T4 were 86.22, 84.71, 83.86 and 84.78 per cent, respectively and statistical analysis did not reveal any significant difference (p<0.05) between treatment groups. The overall mean hatchability on fertile egg in treatment groups T1, T2, T3 and T4 were 93.04, 93.62, 91.95 and 93.43 per cent, respectively and the means were statistically similar (P<0.05). The total number of chicks obtained from 9 to 16 weeks of age was similar in all treatment groups. Margin per quail housed in the treatment groups T1, T2, T3 and T4 were Rs. 113, 117, 125 and 132, respectively. The T4 treatment group had highest margin than other treatment groups. Cost of production per chick in the treatment groups T1, T2, T3 and T4 were Rs. 2.21, 2.19, 2.10 and 2.04, respectively. The T4 treatment group had lowest cost of production per chick as compared to other treatment groups. The critical evaluation of the result revealed that changing the mating ratio from 1: 3 to 1: 6 did not affect fertility, hatchability and other production traits. Therefore a sex ratio of 1: 6 is recommended in the quail line since it is more economical compared to other sex ratios of 1: 3, 4 & 5.ThesisItem Open Access Phytase supplementation on the availability of different minerals and their interactions in pigs(Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2009) Shyama, K; KAU; Mercy, A DTwo feeding experiments were conducted using 100 weaned piglets to study the effect of dietary supplementation of calcium, phosphorus and phytase in different levels and their interactions on growth, nutrient digestibility, mineral availability and blood and bone mineral profile. In experiment one, sixty four weaned Large White Yorkshire x Desi piglets (32 castrated male and 32 female) belonging to the Centre for Pig Production and Research, Mannuthy were used as experimental animals. All animals were dewormed before the start of the experiment. The piglets were divided into eight groups as uniformly as possible with regard to age, sex and weight. Piglets of each group were allotted randomly into four pens with two piglets in each pen. Piglets in each replicate were maintained under identical management conditions throughout the experimental period of 88 days. Restricted feeding was followed throughout the experimental period and daily feed intake was recorded. Clean drinking water was provided ad libitum in all the pens throughout the experimental period. The animals were fed with standard grower ration with 18 per cent CP and 3200 kcal of ME/kg of feed up to 50 kg body weight and finisher ration with 16 per cent CP and 3200 kcal of ME /kg of feed from 50 kg body weight. Eight dietary treatments with two levels of calcium (0.6 and 1 per cent) and two levels of phosphorus (0.3 and 0.6 per cent) were used with phytase (750 units /kg) and without phytase in a 2x2x2 factorial completely randomized design. The pigs were weighed at the beginning of the experiment and later on at fortnightly intervals. Blood samples were collected at the beginning and on 85th day of the experiment and a digestibility trial was conducted at the end of the experiment to determine the digestibility of nutrients and percentage availability of minerals of the experimental diets by total collection method. The results of the first experiment indicated that the levels of Ca, P and phytase had no effect on average daily gain, feed efficiency and DM intake among pigs reared under the eight dietary treatments, while there was significant interaction between Ca x P (P<0.05) and Ca x phytase (P<0.01) on DM intake. The level of Ca and P and Ca x P x phytase interactions were significant for DM digestibility which resulted in lower DM digestibility for rations T3, T5 and T7 than that of other rations. Dietary levels of P and interaction between Ca x P (P<0.01) and Ca x phytase (P<0.05) were significant for EE digestibility. Hence rations T7 and T8 had lower (P<0.01) EE digestibility than the rest of the experimental rations. Crude fibre digestibility was affected by phytase and P x phytase interaction. Calcium availability was higher (P<0.01) in all phytase supplemented rations. Significant interactions between dietary Ca x phytase (P<0.01) and dietary P x phytase (P<0.05) were observed for Ca availability. Interactions between dietary levels of Ca x P (P<0.05) and Ca x phytase (P< 0.05) were found significant for availability of Cu and Mn respectively. Data on blood samples collected on 85th day revealed that phytase supplementation had significant effect (P< 0.01) on the plasma Ca levels of the animals fed the eight dietary treatments. The interaction between dietary Ca x P levels was also found significant (P< 0.01) for plasma Ca. Dietary levels of both Ca (P< 0.01) and P and interaction between Ca x P (P< 0.01), Ca x phytase and P x phytase (P<0.01) were found to affect plasma P significantly. In case of plasma Zn dietary Ca was having significant (P< 0.01) effect and the interactions between dietary Ca x P (P<0.01), Ca x phytase (P<0.05) and P x phytase (P<0.01) were also found significant. Dietary Ca, P and phytase levels had significant (P<0.05) effect on the plasma ALP activity. Cost of feed per kg body weight gain of pigs was lowest for ration T1. Ration T1 with low Ca, low P and without phytase gave similar growth and feed efficiency with lowest cost of production compared to the other rations and thus T1 was taken as the control ration for the second experiment. The second feeding experiment was conducted for 114 days using 36 weaned Large White Yorkshire x Desi weaned piglets (18 castrated males and 18 females) belonging to the Centre for Pig Production and Research, Mannuthy and the animals were randomly allotted to the three dietary treatments, T1- Control ration containing 0.6 per cent calcium and 0.3 per cent phosphorus, T2 -Control ration without any mineral supplements and with 750 units of phytase/kg feed and T3 - Control ration without phytase and mineral supplementation. A digestibility experiment was conducted to determine the digestibility of nutrients and availability of minerals. Blood samples were collected before the start of the experiment and on 16th week. Radiological examination of femur and mandibles of the representative animals of three groups at the end of the study were done. All the male animals were slaughtered on attaining slaughter weight of 70 kg and the data on dressing percentage, loin eye area, back fat thickness, weight of internal organs were collected. Photograph of rib bone was taken during slaughter and bone ash percentage, bone calcium and bone phosphorus were estimated. Kidney samples were examined histologically to assess pathological changes, if any, due to the experimental rations. Body weight of pigs belonging to T2 (phytase supplemented ration) was significantly higher (P<0.05) than that of T3 in fortnights 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9, while the difference between that of T1 and T2 were non significant in all the fortnights. There was no difference in feed efficiency and digestibility of nutrients among pigs reared under the three dietary treatments. The availability of Ca, P and Mn for T2 ration was higher than that of the control ration while the Mg availability was lower for T2 and T3 than that of T1. Zinc availability was lower for T3 than that of T1 ration. Dressing percentage was lower (P<0.01) for T2 and T3 than that of control and loin eye area was lower (P<0.05) for T3 than that of T1 and T2. There was no gross abnormality of femur and mandible on x-ray examination of pigs reared on three experimental rations. Histopathological examinations of kidney samples also were normal for pigs of T1 and T2 and T3. However ricketty beads were seen on ends of ribs on carcass evaluation, in pigs reared under T3. The bone ash content was also lower (P<0.01) for animals fed ration T3 than that of T1 and T2. Thus feeding ration without any mineral supplementation showed deleterious effects on growth, mineral availability and bone ash content, but supplementation of phytase improved utilization of nutrients and minerals than that of T3 during the period of 114 days of the experiment. Feed cost /kg gain of T1 pigs was higher than that of T2 (P< 0.01) and T3 (P< 0.05). But the difference in the cost of production between T2 and T3 were non significant (P>0.05). It can be concluded that phytase supplementation of rations resulted in decreased feed cost / kg gain.ThesisItem Open Access Exploitation of invitro cultures of Indian Madder(Rubia cordifolia.Linn) for anticancerous compounds(Centre for Plant Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2009) Labade, Dinesh Sitaram; KAU; Asha Sankar, MThe present investigation on “Exploitation of in vitro cultures of Indian Madder (Rubia cordifolia L.) for anticancerous compounds” was carried out at the Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory of the Centre for Plant Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara and Amala Cancer Research Centre, Thrissur during the period 2006-2008. The study was undertaken with the objective to standardize the in vitro techniques for initiation and proliferation of static and suspension cultures of Rubia cordifolia and to screen the in vitro cultures for synthesis of naphthoquinone and quantify it. It was also envisaged to enhance the level of product synthesis in in vitro cultures and to assess the anticancerous activity of in vitro and in vivo extracts in terms of cytotoxicity, antioxidant and prooxidant activities in vitro. Leaf, nodal and root derived callus cultures of Rubia cordifolia were established in vitro. Explants were pre treated with the fungicide, Bavistin 2.5 per cent for 15 minutes. Surface sterilization with mercuric chloride (HgCl2) at 0.1 per cent for 1 min and 30 sec was effective for yielding healthy, contamination free cultures from nodal segments and leaves, respectively. MS medium at full strength, supplemented with NAA at 2 mg l-1 along with BA at 0.5 mg l-1 was observed ideal for initiation and proliferation of calli. The auxin synergist phloroglucinol, when supplemented to the medium, did not not yield encouraging results, with respect to callusing in the experimental species. Root derived cultures were inferior with respect to callus initiation and proliferation, registering low values for all the parameters studied. Incubating in vitro cultures under illuminated condition at 26 ± 2 C was superior to dark incubation, with respect to callus initiation and proliferation. Chloroform – methanol at 8.5 :1.5 ratio was indentified as the appropriate solvent system for detection of naphthoquinone on thin layer chromatograms in the test extracts of the experimental species, with alcoholic KOH (10 per cent) as the spray reagent. Ms medium at full strength, fortified with NAA and BA at 2.0 mg l-1 and 0.5 mg l-1 respectively, which recorded maximum naphthoquinone synthesis, was standardized as the production medium. Enhancing concentration of sucrose to 5 per cent in the production medium, did not elicit a positive response on naphthoquinone production in vitro. Reducing nitrate concentration of the production medium, to half and one fourth the original concentration, resulted in enhanced in vitro synthesis of the target compound. Supplementing the production medium with yeast extract (1 per cent and 2 per cent) as well as precursor feeding with phenyl alanine and tyrosine each at levels of 50 mg l-1, 100 mg l-1 and 150 mg l-1 exerted a favourable influence on synthesis of naphthoquonines, in vitro. Incubation in dark resulted in marginal increase in in vitro production of naphthoquinones. Incorporation of autoclaved mycelia of Pythium aphanidermeatum at levels of 2.0 per cent and 5.0 per cent resulted in enhanced in vitro production of naphthoquinone. The abiotic elicitor, salicylic acid at concentration of 10 μM and 100 μM resulted in maximum synthesis of naphthoquinones in in vitro root cultures (8.76 units g -1 calli) of Rubia cordifolia. Immobilization of test calli with sodium alginate – calcium chloride complex as well as subjecting the in vitro cultures to stress conditions, as imposed by sorbitol failed to bring about an enhancement in the in vitro production of naphthoquinones. None of the explants employed in the study induced hairy roots, when co- cultured with the Agrobacterium rhizogenes strains, MTCC 2364 and MTCC 532. Based on cell count, subculturing intervals of leafs, nodal and root derived suspension were fixed as 24, 27 and 27 days respectively with the respective packed cell volume as 0.93 per cent, 0.83 per cent and 0.80 per cent. Naphthoquinone was detected, in ex vitro and in vitro test extracts at all levels of maturity tested. Both ex vitro and in vitro root extracts exihibited maximum cytotoxicity, as revealed by the percentage of cell death on DLA and EAC cell lines as well as their IC50 values. As compared to whole plant extract, in vitro systems of the experimental species exhibited least antioxidant action. Extent of pro-oxidant activity was higher in in vitro root extract of the experimental species.ThesisItem Open Access Changing scenario of Kerala agriculture- an overview(Department of Agricultural Statistics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2009) Unnikrishnan, T; KAU; Ajitha T KThe present investigations on “Changing scenario of Kerala agriculture – an overview” was carried out in the Department of Agricultural Statistics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2006 – ’09. The secondary data on area, production, productivity and price of major crops of Kerala viz; coconut, rubber, paddy(season wise), pepper, cashew, arecanut, coffee, tapioca and banana collected from the Directorate of Economics and Statistics for the period from 1952-53 to 2006-07 were used for the analysis. The main objectives of the study included assessment of trend and growth rates of area, production, productivity and price, testing of the cointegrated movement of price and respective area of each crop, identification of the best ARIMA(Auto Regressive Integrated Moving Average) model for prediction of area, production, productivity and price and comparison of predictability of forecasting models developed by different techniques. Modified P-Gan’s method helped to understand whether the growth rate in crop production was mainly due to area or productivity. The series of prices and areas of respective crops could be co-integrated and the regression models evolved through this technique resulted in moderately high values of predictability. ARIMA models were superior to other models developed achieving a maximum value of R2 = 99.8% for the prediction of area of rubber with a very low value of MAFPE = 1.23%. Excellent parsimonious forecasting equations could be generated using the ARIMA technique for all the crops studied. The general findings of the study showed that there was a shift in area from food crops to non-food crops. The production of major food crops, rice and tapioca reached at negative growth rates due to the declining trend of their areas. But production rate of banana has increased due to increase in both area and yield. Among cash crops, both area and productivity growths influenced the production rates. The major cash crops coconut, arecanut and pepper showed positive growth rates. Compared to food crops, cash crops in general showed better growth trends in production. Negative growth rate in the production of cashewnut was due to the decline in area. Among plantation crops, rubber and coffee attained a high production growth rate due to the combined growth of area and productivity. The highest production growth rate and area growth rate were recorded by rubber among all the crops studied.ThesisItem Open Access Waste management system evaluation in commercial dairy farms(Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2009) Sany Thomas; KAU; Joseph MathewThe present study on “Waste management system evaluation in commercial dairy farms” was conducted to assess the usefulness of the different waste management methods adopted in dairy farms of Kerala. Study area comprised of Thrissur, Malappuram and Ernakulam districts and adjoining area of central and northern Kerala. Forty five dairy farms were identified and visited in and their profile of the study area .Data regarding general outlay of the farms selected management practices in the farm, livestock details and existing waste management methods in the farms were collected and studied. The dairy farms under study were classified based on the animal holding capacity as those with less than six animals (class 1), 6-20 animals (class 2), 21-50 animals (class 3)and 51-100 animals (class 4), and above 100 animals (class 5). Among the 45 farms under study, four per cent belonged to class 1, forty nine per cent belonged to class 2, thirty five belonged to class 3, six per cent farms came under the classes 4 and 5.There was no commercialization of waste management methods adopted by the farms. The majority farms had dung pit as waste disposal method and no regularity in dung removal from pit, it was upon demand. Regarding the soil quality, there was no significant difference in the soil nutrients quantity between different groups of farms. Regarding water quality, the water samples collected from the nearby water bodies were inferior in quality in terms of microbiology and BOD. Air quality stands below the permitted standards in all groups of farms. Intervention by the government, local bodies and scientific institutions must be made in this area supporting the farmers to develop awareness in this serious issue and also providing necessary technical and financial support for the farmers to construct proper waste management systems such as compost unit as well as biogas plants because they provide a support for the most efficient waste management system in a dairy farm proving that waste is wealth