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
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 N
A 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.
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 N
Ultrasonographic 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.
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, B
A 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.
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, Mathew
This 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 oocytes
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, P
Prevention 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.
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, C
A 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.
Open Access
Effect of blood urea nitrogen,mineral status and uterine PH on fertility in dairy cows
(Department of Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2008) Seena, N S; KAU; Athman, K V
An investigation was carried out with the objective of studying the effect of BUN and uterine pH on fertility in dairy cows under farm and field conditions and also for correlating the mineral status with fertility using 40 crossbred dairy cows selected at random during oestrus, 20 each from those belonging to University Livestock Farm, Mannuthy (Group I) and those brought for insemination at Artificial Insemination Centres at Mannuthy and Kokkalai (Group II). All the cows in Group I were found to be maintained in a relatively high nutritious diet computed as per the scientific feeding standards compared to Group II animals. Detailed clinico-gynaecological examination was carried out and blood samples and uterine mucus were collected from all the selected cows during oestrus for estimation of biochemical parameters and uterine pH respectively. They were inseminated during the most appropriate period of oestrus and were subjected to pregnancy diagnosis at 60 days post insemination. Conception rates in both the groups were compared in relation to each parameter. The mean duration of oestrus was slightly higher in Group II (30.00 ± 2.11 hours) compared to Group I (26.10 ± 1.74 hours). Intensity of oestrus was high, medium and low in 40, 45 and 15 per cent of animals respectively in Group I and 50, 40 and 10 per cent in Group II. Physical changes of reproductive tract viz. degree of vulval oedema and hyperemia of vestibular mucous membrane were more pronounced in animals of Group II compared to Group I, where as degree of tonicity was high in Group I compared to Group II. Characteristics of cervical mucus were also found to be affecting fertility. Better conception rate was obtained in animals with clear and stringy cervical mucus exhibiting typical type of fern pattern. Spinnbarkeit value did not vary much between conceived and non-conceived animals. Uterine pH did not show a marked variation between groups, even though a slightly higher value was recorded in Group I. But, an inverse relationship could be obtained between BUN level in serum and uterine pH during oestrus. Correlation between uterine pH and BUN level was highly significant (P<0.01) with a correlation co-efficient of r = -0.896 and r = - 0.753 in groups I and II respectively. The mean blood urea nitrogen level in animals of Group I was significantly higher (P<0.05) than that in Group II. The BUN level also varied significantly (P<0.05) between conceived and non-conceived animals of both groups. A marginal increase in plasma glucose level could be noticed in conceived animals compared to non-conceived animals of Group I. The mean serum total protein was significantly higher (P<0.01) in Group I compared to Group II. The serum level of minerals viz. calcium, phosphorus, manganese, zinc and copper were also correlated with fertility. The mean level of serum calcium and manganese varied significantly between groups I and II, but there was no significant difference in serum phosphorus, zinc and copper between two groups. Also, a slightly higher mean value was observed for serum calcium, phosphorus, manganese and zinc in conceived animals compared to non-conceived. But serum copper level did not vary between conceived and non-conceived animals. In light of these findings, it can be concluded that the elevation in systemic concentration of urea is likely to impair fertility in dairy cows as a consequence of alterations in uterine environment. The benefits of feeding excess dietary protein and urea to maintain peak milk production should be compared with potential negative effects on fertility. Hence, a good nutritional management is essential for improved fertility in dairy cows.
Open Access
Effect of gonadotropin releasing hormone and prostaglandin for improving reproductive efficiency in goats
(Department of Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2008) Julliet; KAU; Joseph, Mathew
With the objective of studying the effect of GnRH and prostaglandin for improving reproductive efficiency in goats the study was carried out at University Sheep and Goat Farm, Mannuthy using 42 cycling goats. Based on the behavioural and physiological changes associated with oestrum the goats were divided into two groups viz., Group I and Group II. Group I animals were those that exhibited pronounced oestrus signs and were divided into two subgroups namely Group IA and Group IB. Group II animals were those that exhibited weak oestrus signs and were divided into three subgroups namely Group IIA, IIB and IIC. Group IA animals were administered 0.0042 mg Buserelin (1 ml Receptal) a potent GnRH analogue on day 0, and Group IB served as the Control. Blood was collected prior to GnRH administration and breeding from all does. The mean duration of oestrum in Group IA and IB was 19.33 ± 0.45 and 33 ± 0.58 h respectively. The conception rate in Group IA and IB was 50 per cent and 66.66 per cent respectively. The serum P4 level on day 0 in does in Group IA and IB was 0.43 ± 0.05 ng/ml and 0.40 ± 0.05 ng/ml respectively. Group IIA and Group IIB does were treated as per the CO-Synch protocol (i/m inj. of 0.0042 mg of Buserelin (1 ml Receptal) on day 0, 125 µg cloprostenol (0.5 ml clostenol) on day 7; 0.0042 mg of Buserelin and mating on day 9) and prostaglandin protocol respectively (two intramuscular injections of 125 µg cloprostenol (0.5 ml clostenol) 11 days apart followed by mating at 72 and 96 h), while Group IIC served as the control. The oestrus response, oestrus onset interval, duration of oestrum and conception rate in Group IIA was 90.9 per cent, 47.6 ± 0.45 h, 24.5 ± 0.63 h and 40 per cent respectively. The oestrus intensity score of induced oestrus ranged from 0 to 13. The serum P4 level in pregnant and non pregnant does was not significantly different on days 0, 7 and 9 (P>0.05). The oestrus response, oestrus onset interval, duration of oestrum and conception rate in Group IIB was 81.8 per cent, 54 ± 1.006 h, 39.77 ± 1.54 h and 66.66 per cent respectively. The oestrus intensity scores in induced oestrus ranged from 0 to 13. The serum progesterone level in does that became pregnant and those that were non pregnant were not significantly different on day 0, 11, and at 72 and 96 h. In Group II C the duration of oestrum and pregnancy rates was 40 ± 0.91 h and 33.33 per cent respectively. Pregnancy diagnosis was done at three months of gestation by abdominal palpation and the accuracy of the method was 90.9 per cent. Mean gestation length was 146.03 ± 0.76 days. Litter size at birth in Group IA, IB, IIA, IIB and IIC was 2, 2, 2, 1.83 and 2 respectively. Average birth weight of kids was 2.35 ± 0.164 kg and the mean birthweight of male and female kid was 2.42 ± 0.98 kg and 2.28 ± 0.36 kg respectively. Thus from the present study, it can be concluded that :- 1. Administration of GnRH on the day of oestrum in animals exhibiting pronounced oestrus signs failed to improve conception rate when compared to the control. 2. In animals exhibiting weak oestrus signs both CO-Synch and double prostaglandin protocols resulted in higher conception rate when compared to control group. 3. The double prostaglandin protocol was found to be more efficient in improving conception rate in animals exhibiting weak oestrus signs.
Open Access
Surveillance of haemoprotozoan and haemorickettsial diseases of cattle of northern Kerala
(Department Of Veterinary Epidemiology & Preventive Medicines,College of Veterinary And Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2008) Archana Nair, S; KAU; Tresamol, P V
A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the carrier status of haemoprotozoan and haemorickettsial diseases of cattle of Northern Kerala. The diagnostic methods employed were microscopical examination of blood smears stained with Giemsa and Acridine Orange and polymerase chain reaction. A total of 150 blood samples were collected from the five districts of Northern Kerala (30 samples from each district). Microscopical examination of Giemsa stained smears revealed Theileria like piroplasms (41.2 per cent), Babesia piroplasms (2.6 per cent) and Anaplasma inclusions (1.3 per cent) while Acridine Orange stained smears detected Theileria like piroplasms in 47.2 per cent, Babesia piroplasms in 2.6 per cent and Anaplasma inclusions in 2 per cent of blood smears examined. Acridine Orange staining is more easy, time saving and reliable in detecting of haemoparasites than Giemsa staining technique. Polymerase chain reaction detected haemoprotozoan like T. evansi (34.6 per cent), B. bigemina (0.6 per cent), an uncharacterized Theileria organism (16 per cent) and T. orientalis (1.3 per cent). A. marginale (16.7 per cent) and A. bovis (3.3 per cent) were the haemorickettsial organisms detected by PCR. Mixed infections were detected in 16.6 per cent of the samples. T.annulata, B. bovis and A. phagocytophila were not detected in any of the samples. Polymerase chain reaction showed much higher sensitivity compared to examination of stained smears in detecting carrier animals. Trypanosomosis is the most prevalent protozoan disease among carrier animals of Northern Kerala which were detected only with the help of PCR while microscopy totally failed to detect such carriers. The high prevalence of haemoprotozoan and haemorickettsial diseases suggests the abundance of ticks and flies in Northern Kerala which acts as vectors for these parasites. Kannur and Palakkad districts revealed maximum prevalence of T. evansi. In addition, anaplasmosis was also widely prevalent in Palakkad district. Microscopical examination of blood smears from cattle of the hilly districts of Wayanad, Malappuram and Kozhikode revealed the presence of a Theileria like piroplasm which were not amplified with PCRs specific for Theileria genus, T. annulata or T. orientalis and this uncharacterized piroplasm needs urgent attention.

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

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