Loading...
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.
Browse
199 results
Search Results
ThesisItem Open Access Induction of parturition and evaluation of postpartum fertility in crossbred cows(Department of Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2010) Sheeja, S; KAU; Aravinda Ghosh, K NA preliminary study was conducted by collecting data regarding gestation length and details of calving among crossbred cattle of the University Livestock Farm and local breeds belonging to “ICAR Scheme on Conservation of Germplasm of Vechur Cattle”. The mean gestation length of crossbred cattle of ULF was 274 ± 0.48 days and that of Vechur scheme was 282 ± 0.98 days. The average birth weight of new born calf at ULF was 26.52 ± 0.39 kg and that of Vechur was 10.43 ± 0.12 kg. The sex ratio of male and female was 1: 0.9 and 1: 1.2 for ULF and Vechur scheme respectively The main experiment was undertaken to develop a suitable protocol for induction of parturition in crossbred cattle with prolonged gestation and to assess the postpartum fertility of these animals. The study was performed in 24 pregnant animals of the University Livestock Farm and private farms near by Mannuthy during the period from December 2008 to February 2010. In all animals in group I, II and III, the drug was administered for inducing parturition on 286th day of gestation. In group 1, 24 mg of dexamethsone, in group II 500µg of prostaglandin analogue (cloprostenol) and in group III, a combination of 12 mg of dexamehasone and 250 µg cloprostenol was administered intramuscularly and group IV acted as control. The mean time taken in hours for induction of parturition in group I to III was 39.50 ± 1.26, 30.50 ± 2.17 and 26.90 ± 1.80 respectively and the least time was recorded in combination group. The duration for first stage of labour in groups I to IV was 4.00 ± 0.16, 3.12 ± 0.15, 3.24 ± 0.02, 4.49 ± 0.12 hours respectively and for second stage was 1.27 ± 0.02, 1.12 ± 0.14, 1.21 ± 0.12, 1.53 ± 0.10 hours respectively. The mean time for the expulsion of placenta was 6.67 ± 0.33, 6.35 ± 1.87, 3.02 ± 0.13 2.74 ± 0.14 hours respectively. The mean weight of the placenta for the groups was 2.87 ± 0.43, 3.50 ± 0.54, 3.00 ± 0.28, 3.60 ± 0.25 kg and the mean number of cotyledons were 89.50 ± 0.76, 91.20 ± 0.60, 90.5 ± 0.84, and 91.50 ± 0.76 respectively. The incidence of dystocia in groups I to IV was 50, 0, 33.33 and 50 per cent respectively. The incidence of retention of foetal membranes in groups I to IV was 50, 33.33, 16.66 and 16.66 per cent respectively. In group I, the incidence of postpartum prolapse of genital organs, downer cow and mastitis were recorded as 16.66 per cent each. The sex ratio for the groups I to IV was 1:1, 0.57: 1, 1:1 and 1:1. The mean birth weight in kg for the male calves was 29.33 ± 1.2, 26.65 ±6.5, 31.5 ± 3.40, 34.66 ± 2.03 respectively. Similarly the birth weight of female calves were 30.00 ± 1.15, 27.25 ± 1.97, 23.33 ± 2.40, 32.33 ± 1.20 kg respectively. There was steady increase in body weight of calves as age advanced in experimental and control groups, however there was no significant difference between groups in mean body weight gain. The mean peak yield in the present lactation for the experimental and control animals was 9.57 ± 0.58, 11.33 ±1.17, 11.67 ±1.54 and 13.17± 0.75 liters respectively. The corresponding values in the previous lactation for the experimental and control groups were 11.48 ± 0.48, 11.60 ± 0.75, 12.70 ± 0.47 and 13.50 ± 0.65 liters respectively. The day of peak yield in the present lactation was 25.00 ± 0.63, 21.66 ± 0.61, 22.33 ± 1.05 and 19.16 ± 0.79 days and the corresponding values in previous lactation were 19.80 ± 0.95, 18.70 ± 0.67, 20.30 ± 1.28 and 19.30 ± 0.63 days respectively. The disappearance of lochial discharge for the experimental and control groups was 20.16 ± 1.04, 17.31 ± 1.13, 17.17 ± 0.87, 21.00 ± 1.26 days respectively. The first postpartum oestrus was observed at 33.20 ± 1.25, 30.70 ± 0.88, 29.50 ± 0.76 days for experimental animals and for control animals it was 31.60 ± 0.76 days. Similarly, the second postpartum oestrus was on 59.00 ± 1.22, 51.83 ± 0.83, 48.33 ± 1.99, 53.83 ± 0.94 days respectively. Conception rate for the first AI in group I to IV was 0, 50, 50, and 33.33 respectively where as the overall conception rate for these animals was 16.66, 66.66, 83.33, 66.66 per cent respectively. The highest conception rate was obtained in group III. The mean calving to conception interval for the experimental and control animals was 91.50 ± 15, 77.66 ± 9.38, 74.00 ± 7.00 and 82.00 ± 13.97 days respectively Premature induction of parturition was carried out in four downer cows presented at Veterinary College Hospital, Mannuthy which failed with routine medical treatment and having the gestation length of 253, 285, 270 and 275 days. In the first two animals parturition was induced with prostaglandin and the time taken for induction was 48.30 and 31.20 hours respectively. In dexamethasone treated animal calving occurred at 51 hours after administration of drug. Similarly the time taken for induction in animal which treated with combination of dexamethasone and prostaglandin was 29.45 hours. All the three animals in which prostaglandin and its combination with dexamethasone, recovered from recumbent stage after delivery and had regained normal feeding habits. The animal treated with dexamethasone had not regained the normal condition and was advised disposal. But all the four calves survived in this experiment. The present study revealed that induction of parturition with prostaglandin alone in normal dose and its combination with dexamethasone at a lower dose were equally useful for successful induction of parturition in animals with prolonged gestation with least reproductive complications. When parturition was induced with dexamethasone milk yield was found to be reduced during early stages of lactation while when prostaglandin and its combination with dexamethasone were used reduction in milk yield was negligible. In animals in which parturition was induced with prostaglandin and its combination had normal disappearance of lochial discharge, early involution of uterus and had early normal postpartum oestrus and had fairly good overall conception rate. Further it is recommended that premature induction of parturition in downer cows when all other medical treatments have failed, prostaglandin or its combination with dexamethasone could ideally be used to induce premature induction of parturition to save the life of mother and new born.ThesisItem Open Access Clinico-therapeutic studies on bacterial mastitis in goats(Department of Veterinery Epidmiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Science,Mannuthy, 2005) Sreeja, S; KAU; Vijayakumar, KThe lactating does in the University goat and sheep farm were screened for subclinical mastitis once in three months using the California mastitis test. The occurrence of subclinical mastitis was found to be 30.2 per cent. Statistical analysis showed no significant association between occurrence of subclinical mastitis and teat length whereas there was significant association between distance from teat tip to floor. Among 642 samples screened 194 samples were found to be positive by CMT. The arithmetic mean cell counts for each CMT score ranged between 0.736 ± 0.033 x106 and 20.417 ± 0.851 x106 cells/ml. Among CMT positive samples MWST and MAMP detected 62.89 per cent and 43.29 per cent as positive for subclinical mastitis. Comparison of screening tests revealed that significant positive correlation existed among the four tests namely CMT, MWST, MAMP and SCC. Comparison with culture results showed that score ‘3’ of CMT score ‘3+’ of MWST and grade 3 of MAMP reaction detected the maximum positive cases. CMT scores and SCC in bacteriologicaly positive samples showed significant association. Among the TIST positive milk samples 20 (44.44 per cent) were culture positive. Staphylococcus aureus was the most predominant isolate in both clinical and subclinical caprine mastitis. In vitro antibiotic sensitivity pattern revealed that chloramphenicol was the most sensitive antibiotic followed by ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin. The isolated pathogens showed maximum resistance to sulpha. Comparison of treatment trials in 24 clinical goat mastitis cases using ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin with 12 animals in each group revealed that clinical and bacteriological cure was better in the case of ciprofloxacin. Clinical and bacteriological cure was comparatively less in gangrenous mastitis cases. Eighteen Staphylococcus isolates from clinical mastitis cases and 23 Staphylococcus isolates from subclinical cases were typed by RAPD fingerprinting. Twelve different genotypes were obtained among which genotype c predominated in clinical mastitis whereas in subclinical cases b and i were the common Staphylococcal genotypes. Clinical and bacteriological cure rates were 100 per cent for RAPD type l in the ceftriaxone treated group and genotypes c and i in the ciprofloxacin treated group of animals. A possible relationship regarding the genetic make up of the different Staphylococcal isolates was elucidated from the phylogenetic tree generated from the RAPD fingerprints.ThesisItem Open Access Immunoprophylaxis against common dog tick using gut antigen(Department of Veterinary Parasitology,College of Veterinary and Animal Science,Mannuthy, 2005) Ajithkumar, K G; KAU; Subramanian, HThe occurrence of tick infestation in dogs in the Corporation of Thrissur, Kerala, India, was studied in 1200 dogs during a period of one year from July 2004 to June 2005. Four hard tick species viz Rhipicephalus sanguineus, R. haemaphysaloides, Haemaphysalis bispinosa, H. bispinosa var. intermedia were identified. Significant difference in species wise prevalence was found on 124 tick positive dogs. The most prevalent species of tick infesting dogs was found to be R. sanguineus (8.58 per cent) followed by H. bispinosa (1.33 per cent), R. haemaphysaloides (0.33 per cent) and H. bispinosa var. intermedia (0.08 per cent). Three species of ticks namely R. haemaphysaloides, H. bispinosa, and H. bispinosa var. intermedia have been recorded in dogs for the first time from Kerala. The influence of month, season, age, gender and breed on the prevalence rate were observed. Prevalence rates were calculated by month, season, age, gender and breed. No significant difference (P>0.05) of tick infestation during different months was observed due to temperature, relative humidity, and rainfall. No clear pattern of seasonality was observed for R. sanguineus, which was present throughout the year. The different variables considered in the present study such as age and gender were not significantly associated with the presence of tick infestation in dogs. There was a highly significant (P<0.01) association between breed and the intensity of infestation with maximum intensity of infestation in German shepherd dogs. Sites of attachment of ticks were ear, neck, interdigital space, dorsum of the body, eyelids, perianal region, withers, thorax and hind limbs. Highly significant variation (P<0.01) was observed between attachment sites with maximum on ear (84.68 per cent) followed by neck and interdigital space. Tick-bite naive guinea pigs inoculated with gut extracts and Freund’s adjuvant revealed induced immunity against R. sanguineus expressed by altered feeding and fertility parameters consisting of the prolonged engorgement period, reduced engorged female weight and feeding efficiency index, prolonged pre oviposition period, reduced oviposition period, egg mass weight, egg rate conversion efficiency and larval mass. Except the incubation period all the reproductive and feeding parameters differed significantly compared to the control. Inradermal test done on immunised guinea pigs to assess cell mediated immunity revealed both immediate and delayed hypersensitivity reaction. Humoral immune response assessed by agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) and passive haemagglutination (PHA) revealed that the former was less sensitive compared to the latter. Passive haemagglutination test detected anti tick antibodies as early as 14th day post immunisation. Peak titre 1:128 reached on the 35th day post immunisation.ThesisItem Open Access Ultrasonographic evaluation of prostate gland in dogs(Department of Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2010) Divya Nair, R; KAU; Aravinda Ghosh, K NUltrasonographic evaluation of prostate gland of adult male dogs was carried out in the present study to correlate with the fertility of the animal. Initially digital examination of the prostate gland per rectum was performed in 56 male dogs of four different breeds German shepherd, Rottweiler, Dachshund and Spitz to find the location, symmetry, consistency, mobility and pain on palpation. All the dogs were subjected to transabdominal ultrasonographic evaluation of the prostate. Prostatic measurements were taken in longitudinal and transverse sections. In German shepherd dogs of mean age 4.03years and mean body weight 24.21kg, the mean prostatic volume and weight based on formula calculation were 26.62±1.58 and 24.33±1.65 respectively. In Rottweiler, of 3.35 year and 35.25kg, the calculated mean prostatic volume and weight were 26.32±2.55 and 24.01±2.66 respectively. In Dachshund, the mean age was 3.94 years and the mean body weight was 8.71 kg. Calculated mean prostatic volume and weight were 13.07±0.96 and 10.89±0.10 respectively. In Spitz of mean age 2.95 years and mean body weight 5.46 kg, calculated mean prostatic volume and weight were 11.63±0.24 and 8.71±0.25 respectively. In diseased animals, of mean age 6.67 years and mean body weight 20.35kg, calculated mean prostatic volume and weight were 42.73±8.46 and 41.12±8.82 respectively. The measurements were found greater than measurements of adult animals and that suggested prostatic diseases. Four dogs were found having benign prostatic hyperplasia and one with prostatic cyst and another with prostatic abscess. Transrectal ultrasonography was done in German shepherd and Rottweilers and for German shepherd, the mean prostatic length obtained was 2.95±0.10cm and the mean width was 2.44±0.15. For Rottweiler, the mean prostatic length obtained was 2.92±0.15cm and the mean width was 2.42±0.17. Urine and blood were collected from 10 prostatic disease suspected animals and from 10 apparently healthy animals for detailed clinical investigation. Prostatic fluid was collected from them for cytology and culture and sensitivity tests. In disease suspected and normal healthy dogs, urinalysis could not establish major findings except of the presence of few more erythrocytes and squamous epithelial cells in urine of diseased animals. Culture and sensitivity of urine and prostatic fluid were negative in all the dogs. In 40 per cent of the diseased dogs there were presence of neutrophils and in 30 per cent of them, there were few erythrocytes. The mean erythrocyte count obtained for the normal and disease suspected animals were 3.33±1.06 and 3.89±1.41 respectively. The mean leucocyte count obtained for the normal and diseased dogs were 9485.33±1825.95 and 9854± 1921.02 respectively. There was leucocytosis with left shift in one animal. The mean values for Serum alkaline phosphatase in normal and disease suspected dogs were found as 55.53±11.06 units and 62±9.6 respectively. The mean values for serum acid phosphatase in normal and disease suspected dogs were 4.85±1.96 and 4.74±2.10 respectively. From the study, it was found that prostatic disorders mostly BPH were commonly encountered in older dogs without significant change in clinical and biochemical parameters. In conclusion, real- time B- mode ultrasound transabdominal and transrectal scanning was found to be reliable, safe and accurate for the examination of prostate gland in dogs. However, in small breeds, transrectal scanning using a specialised smaller rectal probe will be useful for the evaluation of prostate gland.ThesisItem Open Access Assessment of quality of well water in Eloor, Kerala(Department of Veterinary Public Health,College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Mannuthy, 2010) Divya Rani, Thomas; KAU; Sunil, BA comparative assessment of physical, chemical and microbiological quality of well water from Eloor, an industrial area in Ernakulum District of Kerala, India and Ollukara, a non industrial area, in Thrissur district of Kerala, India, was carried out to correlate the impact of industrialization on quality of well water. A total of 200 well water samples consisting of 100 each from both areas were taken for the study. Of the 100 samples, 25 samples each were collected during four different seasons of the year viz., summer (February), pre-monsoon (March-May), monsoon (June-September) and post-monsoon (October-November), to assess change in the quality of well water with the seasons. Mean temperature of well water was higher in Eloor than in Ollukara. The lowest temperature was recorded during monsoon in Eloor and Ollukara, and the highest temperature was recorded during pre-monsoon in Eloor and summer in Ollukara. Acidic pH was observed in both areas, with significantly lower pH in Ollukara. Higher pH values were observed during monsoon and post monsoon and lower during summer and pre-monsoon seasons. Mean total hardness of water was higher in Eloor than in Ollukara and the difference was highly significant. Highest value of total hardness was observed during summer in Eloor and monsoon in Ollukara. Mean COD of water samples showed no significant difference between two areas. In Eloor, the highest and lowest COD were observed during summer and monsoon, respectively. While in Ollukara, highest and lowest COD were observed during post monsoon and pre monsoon, respectively. Mean nitrate concentration was similar in water samples collected from Eloor and Ollukara with lowest concentration observed during pre - monsoon and summer in Eloor and Ollukara respectively, whereas it was highest during post monsoon in both areas. Mean fluoride concentration in well water samples from Eloor was significantly higher than that of Ollukara and no significant seasonal difference was observed in fluoride concentration in well water from Eloor. However, significant seasonal variations were observed in fluoride concentration in Ollukara viz., lower during monsoon and post monsoon, and higher during summer and pre-monsoon. Mean iron concentration was higher in Eloor and had highly significant difference with mean concentration in Ollukara. Significant difference in mean iron concentrations between four seasons could not be observed in Eloor, whereas in Ollukara, four different seasons showed significant difference. Lower concentration was observed during summer and pre-monsoon and higher during monsoon and post monsoon. A significantly higher lead concentration was recorded in well water from Eloor than that from Ollukara. In Ollukara, there was significant seasonal difference in mean lead concentration with highest during monsoon and the lowest during pre-monsoon seasons respectively. Throughout the entire period of study no mercury could be detected in well water samples from both areas. There was no significant difference in mean zinc concentration between well water samples from Eloor and Ollukara. In Eloor, the concentration in summer season was significantly higher than during other seasons. In Ollukara mean zinc concentration in post monsoon was significantly higher than during other seasons. Mean cadmium concentration was similar in both areas and was found to be significantly higher during monsoon season at both Eloor and Ollukara. It was observed that mean Aerobic Plate Count was higher in Eloor than that of Ollukara and the difference was highly significant. There was no significant difference observed between four seasons in Eloor. In Ollukara, significant difference between seasons could be observed with highest count during summer. The mean coliform count of well water from Eloor was significantly higher than that of Ollukara. There was no seasonal variation in mean coliform count in Eloor. Whereas significant variation in mean colifrom count between seasons was observed in Ollukara with highest count during monsoon and lowest during summer. The mean E. coli count in well water from Eloor and Ollukara did not differ significantly. There was no difference in mean E. coli count between four seasons in well water from Eloor and Ollukara. The mean enterococcal count of well water samples from Eloor and Ollukara did not show significant difference. The mean count was significantly higher in Eloor during summer, but there was no seasonal difference in enterococcal count in Ollukara. From the survey conducted among 25 households having wells in Eloor and Ollukara, it could be concluded that 20 and 100 per cent of households, used well as source of drinking water in Eloor and Ollukara respectively. Eighty percent wells were pucca wells in Eloor, whereas only 60 per cent of wells were pucca in Ollukara. Disinfection of wells was practiced by 48 and 52 per cent respectively in Eloor and Ollukara. Only 32 and 36 per cent wells respectively had distance more than 15 metre from nearest polluting source. Among the major human health problems in Eloor, 88, 72, 60, 40, 12, 4 and 16 per cent of household reported respiratory problems, skin diseases, musculoskeletal diseases, headache, ophthalmic problem, neoplasm and congenital anomalies and mental retardation, respectively, which were suggestive of iron, lead and cadmium toxicity and poor quality of air. Whereas in Ollukara, health problems were comparatively less and only 12 per cent house hold reported respiratory problem. Among the major animal health problems in Eloor were digestive disorders, reproductive disorders, skin diseases and lameness indicating iron, lead, cadmium and fluoride toxicity. Retrospective analysis of cases recorded in Eloor veterinary hospital, from January 2005 to December 2009, also revealed symptoms of iron, lead and cadmium toxicity in animals. It was observed that Kuzhikandam creek in Eloor was heavily polluted and acted as a potent source of groundwater pollution. From the comparative study, it was clear that the groundwater contamination in Eloor was purely chemical of industrial origin, while in Ollukara it was attributed to the soil type and household pollution. Construction of sanitary wells, keeping adequate distance from polluting sources, with adequate platform, drainage and parapet is recommended. Steining of wells and covering the wells with nets should also be adopted. Disinfection of wells with sufficient quantity of suitable disinfectant at regular interval also helps to minimize pollution mainly of microbial origin.ThesisItem Open Access Clinical and ultrasonographic investigations of ascites in dogs(Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 2005) Jegaveera Pandian, S; KAU; Usha Narayana, Usha NarayanaStudy entitled “Clinical and Ultrasonographic Investigation of Ascites in Dogs” was conducted in ten dogs. The study aimed at understanding the etiopathogenesis of ascites in dogs. The parameters observed were signalment, history and detailed clinical examination, electrocardiography, ultrasonography of liver, kidney and heart, course of illness, estimation of haemoglobin concentration packed cell volume(PCV), total plasma protein, albumin, A: G ratio, liver enzymes like alanine amino transferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), protein content in ascitic fluid , ascitic fluid to plasma protein ratio, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, sodium and potassium. Inappetance and lethargy were observed in dogs with liver diseases. Cardiac palpitation, loud heart sounds and strong femoral pulse were noticed in dogs with CHF. Non- specific and vague signs were noticed in dogs with nephrotic syndrome. Deep ‘Q’ waves in leads I, II and aVF, prolonged ‘QRS’ duration, S-T slurring, tall ‘R’ waves, mild sinus arrhythmia and S1, S2 and S3 pattern were the abnormal ECG findings in dogs with CHF. No marked changes could be observed in the ECG of dogs with ascites of hepatic and renal origin. Ultrasonography of liver revealed hyperechogenicity of parenchyma, specks of hyperechogenicity and mildly echogenic gall bladder contents in three out of five dogs with ascites of hepatic origin. Two dogs had uneven and eroded borders along with hyperechoic liver parenchyma in dogs with ascites of hepatic origin. Nephrosonogram was unremarkable in all the ten dogs. Ultrasonographic findings and serum biochemical findings were coinciding with each other. Ultrasonography was an efficient tool in studying the changes of liver parenchyma and portal vasculature. ECG in cardiac diseases was complementary to echocardiography. Echocardiography was efficient in diagnosing DCM (two dogs) and HCM (one dog). All the dogs with liver diseases had mild to marked elevation in serum levels of ALT and/ or ALP. Hypoproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia were observed in dogs with liver and kidney diseases. Liver and kidney function tests were unremarkable in dogs with nephrotic syndrome and heart diseases. Treatment regimen involved administration of furosemide and/ or furosemide + spironolactone, silymarin, Liv- 52 Vet, enalapril, digoxin and prednisolone as the case may be. Six out of 10 dogs survived beyond 30 days following the therapy instituted. Nephrotic syndrome in dogs could be concluded by progressing hypoproteinemia especially hypoalbuminemia, low- protein ascites, negative ECG and echocardiographic findings and non- responsiveness to therapy. Nephrotic syndrome can be confirmed by biopsy and / or urine protein: creatinine ratio. Liver diseases can be confirmed and characterized only with biopsy.ThesisItem Open Access In vitro maturation of caprine follicular oocytes(Department of Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2010) Ambili, John; KAU; Joseph, MathewThis study was designed to analyse the effect of three oocyte retrieval methods, aspiration, slicing and puncture on the yield of different quality grades of oocytes and to evaluate the in vitro maturation rate of different grades of caprine oocytes. One hundred and thirty eight ovaries of Malabari goats and its crossbreds collected from the slaughter house were subjected to the oocyte retrieval methods. The oocytes harvested were graded based on the number of cumulus cell layers and ooplasm character into A, B, C and poor quality grades. Oocytes of A, B and C grades were subjected to maturation for 24 h in TCM-199 medium under standard culture conditions. Average yield of COC per ovary by aspiration, slicing and puncture was 3.93 ± 0.11, 4.44 ± 0.06 and 3.59 ± 0.07 respectively. Yield was significantly higher in slicing method than aspiration and puncture. The percentage yield of A, B, C and poor quality grades of oocytes by aspiration method was 26.74 per cent, 26.62 per cent, 24.77 per cent and 21.87 per cent respectively. Mean yield of oocytes of each quality grade by the same method were 1.05 ± 0.05, 1.05 ± 0.08, 0.98 ± 0.07 and 0.86 ± 0.04 respectively. Slicing yielded 23.08 per cent A class, 28.15 per cent B class, 24.44 per cent C class and 23.96 per cent poor quality oocytes. Mean yield of oocytes per ovary in these classes by slicing method were 1.04 ± 0.04, 1.25 ± 0.05, 1.08 ± 0.07 and 1.06 ± 0.06 respectively. Percentage yield of A, B, C and poor quality oocytes by puncture was 29.01 per cent, 30.26 per cent, 22.07 per cent and 18.66 per cent respectively. Mean yield per ovary by puncture method was 1.04 ± 0.04, 1.08 ± 0.03, 0.79 ± 0.04 and 0.67 ± 0.03 for A, B, C and poor quality oocytes respectively. No significant difference was observed in the yield of A, B and C class oocytes between aspiration, slicing and puncture. Yield of poor quality oocytes were significantly more in slicing method. The cumulus expansion rate of A class oocytes obtained by aspiration, slicing and puncture was 77.75 per cent, 69.70 per cent and 71.49 per cent respectively. Class C oocytes exhibited a cumulus expansion rate of 63.48 per cent, 51.37 per cent and 63.39 per cent respectively when collected by aspiration, slicing and puncture method. Class C oocytes obtained by aspiration, slicing and puncture when subjected to in vitro maturation exhibited a cumulus expansion rate of 39.17, 32.57 and 37.29 per cent respectively. Retrieval method was found to have no significant effect on cumulus expansion potential of caprine oocytes, whereas the COC morphology had significant effect on cumulus expansion potential. Nuclear maturation rate of A class oocytes collected by aspiration, slicing and puncture method were respectively 40, 30 and 50 per cent and polar body extrusion rate was 30, 20 and 30 per cent respectively. Class B oocytes exhibited nuclear maturation rate of 20, 10 and 30 per cent and polar body extrusion rate of 10, 10 and 20 per cent respectively by aspiration, slicing and puncture. Ten, 10 and 20 per cent of C class oocytes retrieved by aspiration, slicing and puncture exhibited nuclear maturation and 10 per cent polar body extrusion was observed in C class oocytes retrieved by puncture. None of the C class oocytes collected by aspiration or slicing exhibited polar body extrusion. This study proved that slicing is a better method than aspiration or puncture for retrieval of oocytes from caprine ovaries as it yielded more number of oocytes per ovary. Retrieval methods had no significant effect, whereas COC morphology was found to have significant effect on cumulus expansion, nuclear maturation and polar body extrusion rates of different grades of oocytesThesisItem 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 Comparative evaluation of membrane protein and biofilm vaccines against duck pasteurellosis(Department Of Poultry Sciences,College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2008) Indu, K; KAU; Krishnan Nair, CA research work was undertaken to prepare effective vaccines against P. multocida grown under different conditions and assess their immunopotency in one month old ducklings. The purity of the Pasteurella multocida A: 1 strain (DP1) and A: 4 strain (PA4) was confirmed as per standard procedures. Pathogenicity of DP1 and PA4 was assessed in six to eight week old mice. The isolates killed the intraperitoneally inoculated mice within eight hours and within 24 h when injected by subcutaneous route. Pasteurella multocida A: 1 was used for the preparation of different vaccines. The organism was grown in BHIB for preparation of ordinary bacterin. The in vitro biofilm formation of the organism was assessed by growing it under nutrient restricted conditions. For this, the organism was grown in TSB (0.32 per cent) supplemented with 0.3 per cent bentonite clay. For preparation of OMP suspension, the organism was grown in iron restricted condition viz., BHIB supplemented with 100 µM 2, 2’ Dipyridyl and the OMPs were extracted using sodium lauryl sarcosinate. The protein concentration of OMP suspension was estimated to be 3 mg/ml. Median lethal dose (LD50) of DP1 was 10-7.5, which contained 32 viable cells/ ml and that of PA4 was 10-7.38, which contained 24 viable cells/ ml when determined in one month old ducklings. Oil adjuvant vaccines were prepared using ordinary bacterin, bacterin made from biofilm and OMP suspension and performed the sterility, safety and potency tests of the vaccine employing standard procedures. A total of 260 four week old ducklings were divided into four groups with 65 birds in each group and the first three groups were vaccinated with ordinary bacterin, OMP vaccine and biofilm vaccine respectively. The fourth group served as control. The birds were vaccinated with 0.5 millilitre of vaccine intramuscularly in the thigh region. Blood was collected from all the ducks pre-vaccination, at weekly intervals upto 3 weeks post vaccination (PV) and then at 15 days interval upto 60 days, by cardiac puncture or by jugular venipuncture. Passive haemagglutination using GA-SRBC sensitized with sonicated antigen of DP1 was used to measure the humoral immune response. The IHA titres obtained for biofilm vaccine group on day 14 was very much higher than the other two groups. The antibody titre was observed from day seven onwards for all the groups. All the vaccine groups have shown significant difference from the control group at all the stages of the study. On homologous challenging, biofilm vaccine gave higher protection rates of 80 per cent than the 70 and 50 per cent protection rates of ordinary bacterin and OMP vaccine respectively, when challenged with 100 LD50 dose on day 20 PV. On day 60 PV, biofilm vaccine gave higher protection rate of 70 per cent than the 60 and 50 per cent protection rates respectively of ordinary bacterin and OMP vaccine, when challenged with 100 LD50 dose. On heterologous challenging, biofilm vaccine gave higher protection rates of 70 per cent, while only 50 per cent protection was afforded by both bacterin and OMP vaccine, when challenged with 100 LD50 dose on 20 day PV. On day 60 PV, biofilm vaccine gave higher protection rate of 60 per cent while both the other vaccines gave only 50 per cent protection, when challenged with 100 LD50 dose. All the birds challenged on day 40 PV, either with homologous and heterologous organisms died. In most cases, the death occurred due to coliform infection along with stressful factor such as increased atmospheric humidity due to heavy rainfall at that time. In few cases, birds died due to pasteurellosis which might be due to lack of protective level of antibody titre. Biofilm vaccine proved to be the best among the three vaccines tried. Further field trials are to be done before advocating this vaccine for commercial use.
