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
Genetic polymorphism of major histocompatibility complex class II genes
(Department of Animal Breeding, Genetics and Biostatistics, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2010) Remya John, v; KAU; Raghavan, K C
Open Access
Beta lactoglobulin polymorphism in goats of Kerala
(Department of Animal Breeding, Genetics and Biostatistics, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2010) Sudina, K; KAU; Bindu, K.A
Βeta-lactoglobulin gene polymorphism and its association with various milk production traits were investigated in DNA samples isolated from blood of 20 Malabari, 25 Attappady black 30 crossbred goats of University goat farm and 45 Malabari goats from the native tract of Malabari breed. Study was conducted by PCR-RFLP using Sac II restriction endonuclease. Digestion of the amplified PCR product with Sac II restriction endonuclease revealed three genotypes (S1S1, S1S2 and S2S2) in Malabari, Attappady black and crossbred goats, indicating the presence of S1 (349 and 77 bp fragments) and S2 (426 bp fragment) alleles. The S1/S2 allele frequencies were 0.37/0.63, 0.34/0.66 and 0.18/0.82, respectively in Malabari, Attappady black and crossbred goats. The genotypes of β-LG/Sac II polymorphism were distributed according to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium with frequencies 0.04 (S1S1), 0.60 (S1S2) and 0.36 (S2S2) in Attappady black and 0.10 (S1S1), 0.17 (S1S2) and 0.73 (S2S2) in crossbred goats under study. But the Malabari goat population under study with genotype frequencies 0.14 (S1S1), 0.46 (S1S2) and 0.40 (S2S2), was found to violate H-W equilibrium. So this population was further classified and genotypic frequencies of subpopulations like Tellicherry (0.14, 0.50, 0.36), Badagara (0.2, 0.25, 0.55) and University farm (0.09, 0.61, 0.30) populations were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. From the present study a significant association could be detected between β-LG polymorphism and peak milk yield in Malabari breed but not in other groups. Malabari goats carrying S2 allele showed a significantly higher average (p<0.05) (420±74.24 ml and 501.79±46.47 ml) compared to animals homozygous for S1 allele (250±13.36 ml). A statistically significant association could not be established between β-LG polymorphism and other milk production traits. So the introduction of this polymorphism can complement current selection programme.
Open Access
Antibacterial and antifungal activity of selected medicinl plants available in Kerala
(Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology,College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2010) Sabitha, Jose; KAU; Usha, P T A
In the present study cold ethanolic extract and fresh juice of five medicinal plants were screened for their in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activities. The plants were Annona squamosa (Aatha), Cassia alata (Anathakara), Coleus amboinicus (Panicoorka), Myristica fragrans (Nutmeg) and Tectona grandis (Teak). Antimicrobial activity was tested against Staphylococcus aureus subsp.aureus (MTCC 96), Salmonella enteritidis (MTCC 3219), Escherichia coli (MTCC 723), Pasteurella multocida subsp.multocida (MTCC 1161), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MTCC 741), Aspergillus fumigatus (MTCC 870), Candida albicans (MTCC 227) and Cryptococcus neoformans var neoformans (MTCC 4404). Phytochemical analysis was conducted for the presence of routine secondary plant metabolites. The diameter of inhibitory zone at various concentrations of the extract, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) were used to evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activity of the above mentioned plants. Disc diffusion method, microtitre plate dilution technique and broth dilution technique were used. The reference drugs used in this study were penicillin G, furazolidone, ketoconazole and clotrimazole. The maximum yield was obtained from ethanolic extract of A. squamosa leaves (18.07 per cent). Leaves of C. amboinicus produced the maximum amount of fresh juice among the five plants (8 ml from 10 g of the fresh tender leaves). Phytochemical analysis reported the presence of steroids, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, phenolic compounds, diterpenes, triterpenes and saponins in the leaves of A. squamosa and C. alata. Alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, steroids and saponins were present in the leaves of C. amboinicus. M. fragrans leaves contain glycosides, flavonoids, saponins and phenolic compounds. Qualitative chemical tests revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, phenolic compounds and saponins in the leaves of T. grandis. All the extracts showed varying degrees of antimicrobial activity on the microorganisms tested. The antimicrobial screening revealed the susceptibility of E. coli to A. squamosa, C. amboinicus and T. grandis. The growth of S. aureus, P. multocida and P. aeruginosa was inhibited by all the five plants. S. enteritidis was found to be susceptible to T. grandis, M. fragrans and C. amboinicus. MIC values ranged from 200-1000 µg/ml and MBC values ranged from 500-1000 µg/ml. In case of A. squamosa, MBC value against E. coli was more than 1000 µg/ml. The antifungal screening revealed that the growth of C. albicans was inhibited by C. alata, C. amboinicus, M. fragrans and T. grandis. A. squamosa and C. alata inhibited the growth of C. neoformans. A. fumigatus appeared to be susceptible to A. squamosa, C. alata and C. amboinicus. MIC values ranged from 250-1000 µg/ml for the fungal strains. MFC values ranged between 500-1000 µg/ml except for A. squamosa and C. alata. MFC of C. alata against A. fumigatus and C. albicans was more than 1000 µg/ml. MFC of A. squamosa against C. neoformans was found to be more than 1000 µg/ml. The growth of S. aureus was inhibited by fresh juice of A. squamosa, C. amboinicus, M. fragrans and T. grandis leaves. E. coli was susceptible to fresh juice of C. amboinicus leaves. Fresh juice of C. alata was found to be effective against C. albicans. P. aeruginosa was inhibited by fresh juice of M. fragrans leaves. All the plants under the study were found to possess antimicrobial properties, thereby justifying their popular use in the treatment of infectious diseases caused by resistant microorganisms. Further study is required to assess the in vivo efficacy of these plants for the said action.
Open Access
Performance of Gramalakshmi and Gramasree chicken layers under backyard system
(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Mannuthy, 2010) Ajith Babu, B; KAU; Peethambaran, P A
Open Access
Epidemiological and clinico-therapeutic studies on bacterial skin infections in dogs
(Department of Veterinary Epidemology and Preventive Medicine,College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2010) Shyma, V H; KAU; Vijayakumar, K
The present study was mainly focused on epidemiological, diagnostic and clinico-therapeutic aspects of bacterial skin infections in dogs. A total of 42 animals were observed and diagnosed bacterial skin infection by culture of exudates or touch swab from skin lesions, out of the 933 animals brought to the University Veterinary Hospitals at Kokkalai and Mannuthy from February 2009 to January 2010 with different dermatological problems. More incidence of bacterial skin infections was observed in female dogs and in German shepherd breed. Detailed clinical examination of infected animals revealed pruritus, alopecia, ulcer, erythema and papule as the major clinical signs. Infected animals showed statistically significant reduction in mean values of packed cell volume and total RBC count in infected animals. Serum biochemical examination revealed significantly higher mean value for serum albumin and hypoglycemia in infected dogs. Serum mineral estimation of infected animals showed lower mean value for copper and higher mean value for zinc. Out of the 34 bacterial isolates, Staphylococcus epidermidis (32.35 per cent) was the most commonly isolated organism followed by Staphylococcus hyicus (20.58 per cent), Staphylococcus intermedius (14.7 per cent), Staphylococcus aureus (8.82 per cent) and Micrococcus spp (2.94 per cent). Gram negative organisms such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa (11.76 per cent), Klebsiella pneumoniae (5.88 per cent) and Pseudomonas fluorescence (2.94 per cent) were also obtained. In vitro antibiotic sensitivity analysis revealed that gatifloxacin is the most effective antibiotic in the treatment of bacterial skin infections in dogs and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid combination and cephalexin could be used as a second choice based on the antibiogram. But highest rate of clinical cure (100 per cent) was showed in group treated with cephalexin, followed by groups treated with amoxicillin clavulanic acid combination and gatifloxacin. 16srRNA riboyping was used to type seven isolates of Staphylococcus epidermidis, the most commonly isolated pathogen in this study. Three different genotypes were identified among which type b was predominated. Based on the severity of lesions and less response to treatment, it can be concluded that type a is the most pathogenic strain.

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

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