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
Studies on the pathogenicity of tetrameres mohtedai and acuaria spiralis of fowl
(Department of parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1977) Ramaswamy, K; KAU; Sundaram, R K
Controlled experiments were conducted at three levels of monospecific and dispecific infections with two commonly occurring spirurid worms of fowls viz. Tetrameres mohtedai and Acuaria spiralis. The blood studies conducted in monospecific T. mohtedai infection revealed a normocytic normochromic anaemia and eosinophilia during the initial phase and later a macrocytic anaemia, heterophilia and slight monocytosis by 66th day post infection. The infected birds lost considerable amount of their body weight. In layers there was a great delay in sexual maturity and poor feed efficiency as indicated by greatly reduced egg production. The percentage of establishment of worms in these experiments were found to be inversely proportional to the number of juveniles administered. The pathological changes in the affected proventriculi indicated an acute inflammation during the invasive phase of juveniles, followed by a chronic reaction which by 55th day post infection was well established indicating the development of a host – parasite balance towards the later stages of infection. Among the blood changes in monospecific A. spiralis infection, eosinophilia was evident initially followed by a marked leucopenia and development of a macrocytic hypochromic anaemia. Other effects due to parasitism were, delayed maturity, reduced rate of egg production, poor feed efficiency, loss of weight, emaciation and a mortality rate of 25% in chicks. The gross pathological changes in Acuariasis included the appearance of an irregular whitish patch on the serosa and formation of nodular growths in the mucosa which in heavy infections occupy the whole of the mucous membrane. Juveniles of A. spiralis were found to invade the compound glands in very heavy infections. The microscopic changes indicate a severe acute inflammation during the initial stages. Later as the disease became chronic pedunculated fibro – adenamatoid growths were evident on the mucous membrane. In dispecific infections with T. mohtedai and A. spiralis the haematological changes observed were eosinophilia during the early stages followed by a l eucopenia and heterophilia. As the disease progressed a macrocytic hypochromic anaemia developed. There was a great decrease in the live body weight of the infected birds. A mortality of 33.33% were observed in chicks with heavy infection. In layers the sexual maturity was delayed and egg production was greatly suppressed with consequent poor feed utilization. The gross and microscopic changes found in the affected proventriculi indicated a combination of lesions observed under monospecific infections of both the parasites. The results obtained show that the loss due to morbidity (mainly as a result of decreased body weight and reduced rate of egg production) was considerable. These facts indicate that both T. mohtedai and A. spiralis are economically important.
Open Access
Studies on the postnatal development of the epididymis in the Malabari goat (capra hircus)
(Department of Anatomy, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1975) Harshan, K R; KAU; Radhakrishnan, K
The postnatal development of epididymis was described and illustrated from studies in 39 Malabari goats, divided into 13 groups, ranging from day old to 180 days of age. The weight of epididymis was positively correlated to age and body weight. The epididymal weight was more significantly correlated to body weight than to age. The left epididymis was found to be significantly heavier than the right. The length and thickness of the head, the body and the tail of the epididymis increased with increase in the weight of the organ. The tunica albuginea was found to be fibro- muscular in structure. The interstitial tissue was fibrous. The diameter of the epididymal duct and its lumen increased with increase in age. Both these measurements were highest in the cauda, less in the corpus and least in the caput. The process of pseudostratification of the epithelial lining of lumen of the duct was completed at first in the cauda, secondly in the corpus and finally in the caput. Regional differences in the height of epithelium was noticed, the highest being in the caput, lower in the corpus and lowest in the cauda. The epithelial height increased with advance in age. Sperms were observed at 165 days of age in the lumen of the epididymal duct. The concentration of sperm was maximum in the cauda, slightly less in the corpus and least in the caput. The lumen of the epididymis of the 150 days and 165 days old goats showed some spherical cells with spherical nuclei. These were considered to be spermatogenic cells coming from the testis.
Open Access
Studies on mastitis in goats
(Department of Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1978) Venugopal, K; KAU; Paily, E P
In the present investigation, milk samples from 56 clinical and 379 apparently normal goats were examined. Staphaurous was isolated from 52 percent of clinical cases. The other organisms isolated were, starph. Epidermidis, str, agalactiae, C.pyogenes, K.pneumoniae, Esch. Coli, Ent.aerogenes and P.aeruginosa. The samples examined from apparently normal goats revealed an incidence of 47 percent subclinical mastitis. Mastaid Test conducted on milk samples from apparently normal goats revealed that this test was 96.5 percent efficient in detecting subclinical mastitis. From the somatic cell counts performed on milk samples, it was observed that normal milk (CMT Zero) had a mean cell count of 0.9 lakhs per ml. The cell counts of 5 to 10 lakhs (CMT + ) represented subclinical mastitis. When a comparative study was conducted study was conducted with mastrid test, whiteside test and tcepol mastitic test it was observed that mastaid reagent could only be relied upon in detecting subclinical mastitis. Chloramphenicol was found to be the drug of choice in goat mastitis, as evidenced by the in vitro sensitivity tests. Erythromycin, Ampicillin, Terramycin and Pencillin were moderately efficient. Results of the treatment with sensitive drugs on 40 selected clinical cases have been discussed.
Open Access
Evaluation of productive performance of desi ducks reared in vconfinment
(Department of Poultry Sciences, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1978) Andrews, C V; KAU; Venugopalan, C K
This thesis embodies the results of an evaluation of the productive performance of Desi ducks reared in confinement. One hundred ducks of 135 days old were reared in two groups of 50 each under intensive and semi intensive system of management. The results revealed that the ducks reared under intensive system returned better hen-day egg production and also consumed less feed than those under semi intensive system. The efficiency of feed conversion did not differ, between treatments. The pattern of the body weight maintenance was similar in both the systems and the survival rates were excellent in both systems. The two systems of rearing did not appear to exert any influence on the egg size or egg quality in terms of albumen, yolk and shell percentages. Fertility and hatchability of eggs were better in the semi intensive system. It was concluded from the above results that the intensive system of rearing Desi ducks may be adopted for table egg production while for breeding purposes, semi intensive system may be better choice.
Open Access
Studies on the efficiency of intra - uterine administratuion of antibiotics to improve breeding efficiency in cows
(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1978) Ramadas, K; KAU; Surendra Varma Raja, C K
The object of the study was to investigate the usefulness of intra – uterine antibiotic therapy at the very first breeding in bovines so as to improve the chances of conception. The experiment was conducted on animals brought for insemination at the artificial insemination centre, Trichur attached to the Kerala Agricultural University, Mannuthy. The animals were divided into two experimental groups and one control group. The first group of 166 cows and 56 heifers was given one vial each of Dicrysticin – S in 30 ml of distilled water after 24 hours of insemination. The second group of 47 cows and 31 heifers was treated with Mastalone – U in the say way. The control group of animals (300) did not receive any treatment either before of after insemination. The conception rate of the animals treated with antibiotics was significantly higher than that in control group. Dicrysticin - S–and Mastalone – U did not show any specific advantage over the other in improving the conception rate. The rate of conception increased on repeating the therapy at the subsequent heat. The overall conception rate in heifers was significantly lower than that in cows. Also the conception rate in dry animals was lower than that of lactating ones. To sum up, it may be stated that antibiotic infusion of uterus 24 hours after insemination could be considered as a routine measure under field condition for the overall improvement of breeding efficiency in cows.
Open Access
Studies on growth response, feed efficiency and carcas characteristics of pigs reared up to different market weight on two dietary treatments
(Department of Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 1977) Ramachandran, P; KAU; Sivaraman, E
A detailed investigation was carried out to study the growth rate, feed efficiency, carcass quality and economics of production of fattening pigs maintained on two dietary treatments differing in protein levels and reared upto three different body weights. Thirtysix weaner pigs of Large White Yorkshire breed belonging to the University Pig Breeding Farm, Mannuthy were distributed under two dietary treatments and divided into three groups 1, 11 and 111 of six animals each, the animals in the three groups being slaughtered at body weights of 55, 70 and 85 kg.respectively. Higher dietary protein level of 18 per cent promoted better weight gains in pigs during the initial period of their growth. Lowering of protein level in the finishing ration reduced the weight gain and feed efficiency of the animals. A dietary protein level of 16 per cent throughout the feeding period brought about linear increase in overall average daily gain at all body weights studied. Though the protein level does not seem to influence any of the carcass characteristics studied, the dressing percentage, carcass length, backfat thickness and eyemuscle area are positively correlated with body weights under both the dietary treatments. Fat constants are not affected either by protein levels or by live weights. The overall results obtained during the course of the present investigation indicate that the unit cost of production of fattening pigs is least at 55 kg live weight on the dietary treatment A having 18 – 16 – 14 per cent protein and at 85 kg live weight on the dietary treatment B having 16 per cent protein level throughout.
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Studies on the bacterial species associated with pneumonia in goats
(Department of Microbiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,mannuthy, 1977) Madhusoodanan Pillai, R; KAU; Abdulla, P K
A total of 214 specimens which inoculated 80 lung tissues, 55 nasal swabs, 43 tracheal swabs and 36 bronchial lymph nodes from goats with signs of pneumonia were examined during the course of this study. Out of these, 139 revealed the presence of different species of bacterial organisms. One – hundred and fifty six strains of various bacterial species were isolated and identified. The important species being Pasteurella multocida, Streptococcus pneumonia, Streptococcus Pyogenes, Corynebacterium pyogenes, Staphylococcs aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia and Escherichia coli. On experimental transmission study it was observed that P. multocida and Str. Pneumononiae were found to be lethal to mice and rabbits whereas C. pyogenes could produce only suppurative changes in omentum and liver. Intra tracheal inoculation of the cultures of P. multocida, Str.pneumoniae and C. pyogenes in goats have revealed the reproduction of mild pneumonic changes, but did not produce death due to pneumonia. As time advanced these earlier changes showed a tendency towards healing. Compared to P. multocida and Str. Pneumonia it could be said that C. pyogenes had produced more intense tissue reaction in the lung under identical conditions. In vitro antibiotic sensitivity studies of P. multocida, Str. Pneumonia and C. pyogenes to 11 chemotherapeutic agents were carried out. The agents included were ampicillin, bacitracin, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, gentamycin, kanamycin, nitrofurans, penicillin, streptomycin, tetracycline and triple sulfa. In the light of the results obtained it could be stated that the drugs of choice for P. multocida are nitrofurans, chloramphenicol and tetracycline. In the case of Str. Pneumonia, penicillin, chloramphenicol and bacitracin were found to be more effective and for C. pyogenes, ampicillin, chloramphenicol and penicillin showed cent percent sensitivity.
Open Access
Effect of choline deficiency on the chemical composition of the skeletal muscles of chicks
(Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,mannuthy, 1976) Philomina, P T; KAU; Venugopal, G
The results and conclusions drawn from a study carried out to determine the effects of choline deficiency on the chemical composition of the skeletal muscles of chicks are presented. The levels of choline viz., 1500 mg. 75 mg and 100 mg per kg were added to a choline extracted but an otherwise normal ration and were fed to three groups. Twentyfour, one – day old chicks were allotted to each treatment. Data on growth rate, weight gains, and feed efficiency were significantly lower for choline deficient chicks, indicating the importance of choline in poultry. All the chicks on deficient diets exhibited typical symptoms of perosis, either unilateral or bilateral from 24 days of age. Creatine phosphate, phospholipids and cholesterol levels of gastronomius muscles of chicks affected by perosis were lowered either due to interference or impairment in their formation. Reduced SDH activity, observed might be due to the impared oxidative metabolism. Slight increase in lipid content might be due to the lowered SDH level. The reduced activity of GOT and GPT and total protein content probably attributed to the lowered growth rate in choline deficient chicks. ALP and ACF values were lowered which can be attributed to the interference in the synthesis of their prosthetic groups. Poor muscular efficiency was revealed by the affected muscles.
Open Access
Comparative study on the feed utilisation of local and cross bred cows
(Department of Animal Husbandary, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 1975) Chacko, C T; KAU; Subramanyam, M
A comparison of the feed utilisation efficiency between Sindhi and Sindhi x Jersey cross bred lactating cows of the University livestock farm was made. Six cows each from the two groups were paired on the basis of the lactation number and stage of lactation. The animals were stall fed for 76 days including a pre – trial period of 15 days. The ration consisted of a concentrate feed and guinea grass to meet the protein requirement and paddy straw ad libitum. The following observations were recorded for individual cows: i) daily intake of different food ingredients; ii) daily milk yield ; iii) daily out put of dung; iv) body weight and body measurements during the pre – trial period, commencement, middle and close of the experiment; v) percentage of butter fat and total solids of individual composite samples tested once in a week; and vi) calculation of gross efficiency of feed utilisation. The following inference could be drawn: 1. The total dry matter consumption by the Sindhi and the cross bred cows were 3.30 kg and 3.61 kg per 100 kg body weight respectively and the dry matter consumption from roughage alone was 2.04 kg and 2.10 kg respectively. 2. The digestibility coefficients of dry matter, crude protein and nitrogen free extract were higher for the cross breds and in straight breds it was higher for crude fibre. For ether extract the digestibility coefficient was the same in both the groups. 3. The straight bred cows gained weight and increased in heart girth significantly (P < 0.01) during the experimental period, but no significant weight gain was recorded in cross breds. The increase in heart girth was significant (P < 0.05) among cross breds. The height at withers and body length did not increase significantly in the two groups. 4. The average daily 4% fat corrected milk yields were significantly higher (P < 0.01) in the cross breds. No significant difference was noticed between the two groups in the percentages of fat and total solids in milk. 5. The average gross efficiency of feed utilisation for milk production was 24.65 in cross breds and it was 18.62 in straight breds indicating that the cross breds were superior to the straight bred in the utilisation of feeds for milk production.

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

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