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
Chloral hydrate for general annaesthesia in goats
(Department of Surgery, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 1981) Viswanathan, R; KAU; George, P O
Thirtysix apparently healthy alpins – malabari cross- bred bucks aged from 17 to 30 months and weighing from 22 to 39.5 kg were used for the present study. They were divided into two groups viz., Group I and II, consisting of 18 animals in each. Each of these groups was further divided into three subgroups viz. A, B and C, consisting of six animals in each. Freshly prepared chloral hydrate six per cent solution was administered intravenously at the rate of 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 ml per kg bodyweight, while triflupromazine hydrochloride (Siquil) at the rate of 0.2 mg per kg bodyweight was also administered intravenously as the premedicant , in group II. Following were the salient results obtained during the present study: When the dose of chloral hydrate was increased, 1) Disappearance of palpebral reflex was quicker and duration was longer, 2) Setting in of incoordination of movements was quicker and the time for assuming the normal gait was longer and 3) Recumbency was seen only in higher doses. Administration of triflupromazine hydrochloride (siquil) as premedicant , increased the efficiency of anaesthetic effect in these animals. Temperature variation consequent on the administration of chloral hydrate, with and without premedication , was not significant the variation being less than 10 P. There was an increase in the rate of respiration and pulse within five minutes of administration of the drug (s), which showed a gradual downward trend. There was reduction in the erythrocyte count, haemoglobin and packed cell volume, while there was slight increase in the leucocyte count. On the basis of the present study, intravenous administration of chloral hydrate, six per cent solution, at the rate of two ml per kg bodyweight, may be recommended in goats, for surgical procedures of about half an hour durations. Premedication with triflupromazine hydrochloride at the rate of 0.2 mg per kg bodyweight would give better results.,
Open Access
Role of parrots in the epizootiology of newcastle disease
(Department of Microbiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 1981) Vijayan, V; Sulochana, S
The incidence, susceptibility, mode of infection and duration of excretion of the new cattle disease virus in the common Indian parrots (psittacula Krameri) were studied in detail. The blood, cloacal and throat swabs of parrots, collected from different parts of the State were screened for the presence of ND antibodies and virus. Seventeen out of 103 blood samples were found to possess HI antibodies. The serum samples which gave positive HI titres belonged to parrots kept as pets in households and allowed to mingle freely with domestic poultry and those housed in Trivandrum Zoo along with pigeons. None of the 70 cloacal and 42 throat swabs were positive for the virus. Experimental infection of parrots with undiluted virulent virus by the intranasal and intraocular routes and by the subcutaneous and intranasal routes with 1:100 dilution of the same virus gave almost the same results. All of them died within a weeks’ time, after showing symptoms of inappettance, leg and wing paralysis and diarrhoea, from day two of infection. Virus could be isolated from the throat and cloacal swabs and also from the tissue of dead birds. Chicks kept along with these infected parrots did not develop symptoms of ND, eventhough they excreted the virus, for a few days, and had a low titre of HI antibodies in their sera. All the contact chicks died of ND with typical symptoms and lesions on challenge with the virulent virus. The parrots that received a mesogenic strain (Komorov) of the virus, also succumbed to the disease, but with less pronounced symptoms and with an extended incubation period. The parrots that were infected with lentogenic strain of the virus (F1) did not develop symptoms of the disease. However multiplication of the virus occurred in these birds as isolations could be made from cloacal and throat swab and a slight increase in H1 titre was noticed sera. However on challenge with a virulent strain of NDV, they showed symptoms of ND. All of them died within eight days and the virus could be isolated from them. Contact infection of parrots from infected chicks were quite effective, as the parrots died with the same symptoms described above, almost within the same time as direct infection. Virus was also isolated from the tissues of the dead parrots. The common Indian parrots were found to be highly susceptible to both velogenic and mesogenic strains of NDV, but they were resistant to the lentogenic strain. Uninfected chicks kept along with the parrots infected with virulent virus picked up the infection, and virus could be isolated from the cloacal and throat swabs of these chicks. They also showed an increase in the antibody titre. The failure to produce clinical disease in chicken might be attributed to a decrease in virulence of the virus on passage in parrots. The carrier state with the lentogenis strain of the virus could not be assessed as they were challenged after 2 weeks. Though a carrier role had been attributed to the parakeets imported from India, the parrots in this study were found to succumb to the disease within a week. This might be due to the variation in the susceptibility of various species of parrots to NDV. The chances of dissemination of the virus could be prevented by quarantining them for a period, not less than ten days.
Open Access
Utero-tubal insufflation technique for diagnosis of tubal impatency in cows
(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1981) Athman, K V; KAU; Neelakanta Iyer, C P
The objective of the present study was to design an apparatus for utero-tubal insufflation test and to standardize its use in both excised genitalia and in live animals for the diagnosis and treatment of tubal impotency. Perfect obturation of the cervix was obstained using a stainless steel catheter with 22 FR. Neo Foley’s latex catheter sleeved over. Unilateral and bilateral impotency were recorded in 8.70 and 19.25 per cent of the excised genitalia. The incidence of unilateral and bilateral impotency in 37 infertile animals were found to be 2.70 and 13.52 per cent respectively. The mean pressure at which air escaped from both the tubes in excised genitalia was 128.12 mm. Hg. In cows and 148.93 mm. Hg. In heifers. On the contrary in experimental animals the corresponding pressure in cows and heifers were 116.38 mm. Hg. And 127.50 mm. Hg. Respectively. It was observed that a higher pressure was required to open both the tubes in heifers than in cows. Blown up condition of the uterus took place in excised genitalia of cows and heifers between 100-280 mm. Hg. And 100-260 mm. Hg. Respectively. The pressure range for producing “blown up” condition in experimental animal was found to be 120-220 mm. Hg. In cows and 195-200 mm. Hg. In heifers. Since the safety margin was estimated to be 60.00 mm. Hg. In experimental cows, the test is considered to be a safe diagnostic test for tubal impotency. Although uterus might be “blown up” in a very few cases at a pressure lower than the higher pressure for escape of air from normally patent tubes, the test will not endanger the life of the animal. Since 69.56 percentage of cows with bilateral patency of salpinx on testing conceived after insemination, utero-tubal insufflation test could also be exploited for the treatment of temporary tubal blockage.
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
Study on the influence of cattle keeping on the bacteriological quality of domestic well water
(Department of Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1981) George Oommen, T; KAU; Soman, M
Wells are the main sources of water supply in Indian villages and towns as elsewhere in any of the rural areas of the developing tropical countries. The shallow, open, dug wells are liable to contamination from the surrounding sources by various means. Faecal contamination of water is considered as one of the major causes of health hazards resulting in innumerable diseases among people throughout the world. Therefore, the bacteriological analysis of water is aimed at the detection and enumeration of indicators of faecal pollution. The movement of animal excreta into surface and ground water is considered a major factor contributing to the bacteriological pollution of available water in many regions. In order to assess the influence of cattle keeping on the bacteriological quality of domestic well water in Mannuthy area, the present study was undertaken. Forty wells from households randomly selected, with and without cattle keeping, for the study spreading over for a period of six months covering the summer and south-west monsoon during 1981. Water samples were collected aseptically, once in each season. They were bacteriologically analysed for SPC, MPN of coliforms and the detection and enumeration of E.coli. FS and C1 perfringens. Bacterial counts in water from all wells far exceeded the standards recommended for open, shallow wells. Although an apparently higher SPC in water from households with cattle keeping than from those without was observed, it was not statistically significant. The seasonal variation in the counts showed a hundred-fold increase in the case of SPC during monsoon than summer. But the similar increase in the MPN was negligible. The indicator bacteria, especially E.Coli and C1.perfringens showed a significant reduction during monsoon. The sanitary survey of the wells conducted with the help of a ready made performa revealed that none of the wells could be considered satisfactory either in construction or maintenance. The SPC and FS counts were found to have a positive correlation with the depth of wells. The SPC was positively correlated with the type of latrine also. The MPN of coliform and the depth of lining and distance of cattle shed from well were negatively correlated; so also a negative correlation was observed in the case of FS count and the distance between latrine and well. The various characteristics of wells, cattle keeping and latrines were found to have a significant correlation with the SPC and MPN of coliforms. When these of wells and latrines were alone considered, they showed significant correlation only with FS count. But it was observed that the characteristics of wells and latrines alone could explain for the considerable variations in the SPC and MPN than those of cattle keeping, as a source of pollution. It is concluded that the type of construction of well do not have any direct bearing on the bacteriological quality of well water except in the case of Cl. perfringens counts. Cattle keeping has also no significant influence on the bacteriological quality of domestic well water in Mannuthy area though all wells under study showed evidence of recent or past faecal contamination.
Open Access
Experimental studies on rumeno-rectal fistula in calves
(Department of Surgery, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1980) Sumangala, M; KAU; Muraleedharan Nair, K N
Chronic tympany of the rumen is common in cattle. Rumen fistulation has been reported to be successful in the treatment of chronic tympany. Left side external fistulation of rumen has been adopted by many workers. But this was accompanied by seepage of rumen contents and soiling of the flank. While screening the available literature, no reports on an internal rumen fistulation could be found. The effects of rumeno – rectal fistula in experimental calves were studied in the present work. The study was conducted on 12 male calves in two groups , each group consisting of six calves. In the animals of Group – I , laparotomy was performed on the right flank and the right dorsal sac of rumen was anastomosed to the anterior part of the rectum. In the animals of Group II, laparotomy was performed on the left flank and the left dorsal sac of rumen was anastomosed to the anterior part of the rectum. The PH of the rumen contents and the rectal washings, presence of rumen protozoa in the rectal contents, haemoglobin content, packed cell volume, total and differential leucocyte count, nature of dung and the body weight were noted before fistulation and at regular intervals after fistulation. The animals were kept under observation for a period upto 100 days. Closure of the fistula was performed 60 days after fistulation, in two calves, one from each group. The details as described above were noted in these animals also after closure of the fistula. The PH of rectal contents before surgery ranged from 7.3 to 7.5. From the second day after surgery, it ranged between 7.0 and 7.2 in both the groups. The erythrocyte count and haemoglobin content showed a progressive reduction in eight animals and packed cell volume showed a reduction in 10 animals. The variation in the total and differential leukocyte counts were within normal limits. Rumen protozoans were present in the rectal contents from the second day after surgery. Loss of body weight was noticed in all the six animals of Group –I, whereas an increase in body weight was noticed in four animals of Group – II. The feeding habits of the calves were normal. Dung was loose in consistency from the second day after surgery and it contained more fluid soon after drinking water. One animal of Group – I died on the 46th post – operative day, and another one was sacrificed on the 53rd post-operative day. Surgical closure of the fistula was performed in two animals, one from each group. All other animals were sacrificed between 60th and 100th post-operative day. At autopsy omental adhesions were noticed at the site of anastomosis in six calves. The fistula was patent and had a diameter of about 2 cm in 11 animals. Rumen contents were present in the rectum. The site of anastomosis was hard to touch and no other abnormalities could be detected in the rumen and rectum. Complete encapsulation of sutures at the site of anastomosis was noticed in four calves. The healing at the site of anastomosis was complete in all the animals. In the two calves in which closure of the fistula was performed, the healing was uneventful and there was progressive improvement in haemogram values and body weight. It is concluded that functional rumeno – rectal fistula could be established in calves and that it did not cause any untoward clinical manifestations. There was escape of rumen contents through the fistula to the rectum. Surgical closure of the fistula could also be done successfully.
Open Access
Growth and carcass characteristics of pigs maintained on rations containing different levels of dried tapioca chips
(Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 1981) Sasikala Devi, K A; KAU; Thomas, C T
An investigation was carried out to assess the growth rate, feed efficiency, carcass quality and economics of production in swine with isoproteimic rations containing dried tapioca chips in partial or complete replacement of maize. Eighteen large White Yorkshire weanling pigs were divided into three groups (Group 1, 11 and 111) of six animals each as uniformly as possible in regard to litter, sex, age and weight and maintained on three isoproteimic diets A, B and C containing 0, 20 and 40 per cent levels respectively of dried tapioca chips in partial and complete replacement of maize. Records of feed intake, fortnightly body weights and body measurements were maintained throughout the course of the experiment. Digestibility coefficients of nutrients in the rations were determined. Two males and two females each from all the three groups were slaughtered when they attained the body weight of 70 kg for collecting data on carcass characteristics. Haematological studies were also carried out to assess the nutritional status of the animals. The animals under all the three dietary treatments recorded almost similar growth rates, the overall average daily gains being 385.9, 368.0 and 380.2 g respectively for the three groups 1, 11 and 111. The total food intake of the animals were similar indicating that the three rations, in addition to being isoproteimic, were also isocaloric and of almost equal palatability. The animals also showed similar feed conversion efficiency, the overall average values being 3.59, 3.62 and 3.57 respectively for the groups 1, 11 and 111. The digestibility coefficients of nutrients in the three rations were similar indicating that dried tapioca chips was as efficiently utilised as maize. The normal and similar values for blood constituents indicated that all the animals maintained normal nutritional status and inclusion of tapioca at levels as used in the present study did not exert any deleterious effect on the health of the animals. Results of studies on carcass characteristics revealed that the dressing percentage without head, carcass length, back fat thickness, loin – eye area and percentages of prime cuts against live weight were all found to be similar with both tapioca and maize based diets. The diets used did not seem to markedly influence the melting point of body fat though there was significant difference between subcutaneous and leaf fat indicating a greater unsaturation of subcutaneous fat. Saponification values were found to be similar with all the three diets. With respect to both subcutaneous and leaf fat, iodine number was higher on maize based diets though there was significant difference only in regard to subcutaneous fat. Cost of production per kg live weight of the animals in the three groups 1, 11 and 111 were shown to be Rs.8.20, 8.19 and 7.99 respectively. An overall evaluation of results clearly indicated that dried tapioca chips can be safely and profitably incorporated in swine rations at a level of 40 per cent in place of conventional cereal grains like maize.
Open Access
Optimum level of protein in concentrate mixtures of kids for growth
(Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 1981) Ganga Devi, P; KAU; Kunjikutty, N
An investigation spread over a period of 4 ½ months was carried out to establish the optimum level of protein in concentrate mixtures of kids for growth. Twenty four cross – bred kids (Saanen x Malabari and Alpine x Malabari) of 3 – 4 months of age, divided into four identical groups formed the experimental subjects. The kids in group 1, 11, 111 and IV was maintained on concentrate mixtures containing 16, 18, 20 and 22 per cent respectively of crude protein along with jack leaves fed ad libitum as the sole roughage. Increase in body weight and body measurements, feed conversion efficiency, digestibility of nutrients, nitrogen retention and haematological values of the kids were the criteria employed for the evaluation. The average daily gain in body weight recorded for the kids of the four groups were almost similar and were not influenced by the level of dietary protein fed. The body measurements did not reveal any significant differences between the groups except body length which showed increase with increase in level of dietary protein. Highest feed efficiency was shown by kids of group IV followed by group 111, 11 and 1 the values being 6.2, 6.9, 7.0 and 7.2 respectively for the four groups. The digestibility of nutrients especially that of crude protein and the average daily nitrogen retention were directly proportional to the level of dietary protein fed. All the animals maintained a sound nutritional status throughout the experimental period as evidenced from the normal haematological values recorded for them. Kids fed 22 per cent crude protein in the concentrate mixture showed maximum economic gain.

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

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