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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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ThesisItem Open Access Trematodes of Paramphistomatidae Infecting Domestic Ruminants(Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 1987) Tarun Shankar, Nath; KAU; George Varghese, CThe thesis embodied the results of an investigation on the prevalence of amphistome infection and their specific identity in different domestic ruminants (cattle, buffaloes, sheep and goats) of Kerala state. A total of 1490 faecal samples from domestic ruminants were collected from different places of Kerala State during a period from April 1985 to March 1986. These samples were examined by sedimentation technique to detect infection with amphistomes and their prevalence. Viscera of 780 slaughtered/ dead ruminants from different parts of Kerala were examined in addition and the available amphistomes were collected for the study and specific identification. The flukes were studied alive, flattened and stained and in certain cases by microtomy sections. Result of the study indicated that the prevalence of infection was far more in cattle and buffaloes than in sheep and goats. The rate of prevalence in cattle, buffaloes and goats was 20.16%, 28.57% and 3.22% respectively. In slaughtered/dead animals the prevalence was 33.09%, 34.67%, 4.17% and 5.81% respectively in cattle, buffaloes, sheep and goats. The highest prevalence was recorded during the rainy season and lowest in dry/summer season. Prevalence during south west monsoon was 38.08% and 20.73% during North East monsoon. The seasonal prevalence hardly varied between cattle and buffaloes but it was consistently low in sheep and goats. Most of the prevalence in all animals were of mixed origin. A total number of 17 species belonging to eight genera of amphistomes were identified. Cevlonocotyle spinicephalus (Tandon, 1955) was recorded from new hosts i.e, cattle and goats, cotylophoron chauhani from goats, in addition to the already reported hosts, buffaloes and sheep respectively. The following conclusions are drawn on the basis of the results of this study: Amphistomes are most prevalent in cattle and buffaloes. Though the infection with amphistomes exists throughout the year, it is definitely more in monsoon seasons. Ceylonocotyle spinicephalus (Tandon, 1955) occurs in cattle and goats and cotylophoron chauhani (Gupta and Gupta, 1972 ) in goats also.ThesisItem Open Access Comparative study of genotype environment interactions in sesame(Department of Statistics, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1989) Mini, C J; KAU; George, K CThe present study has been conducted to choose a consistent variety for all the regions and all seasons in the light of genotype-environment interaction with the following objectives. (i) to evaluate the existing techniques available for studying GE interaction in sesame (ii) to develop new concepts and methods to solve some problems peculiar to crop sesame like non-linearity of interactions, non-orthogonality of data and different patterns of genotype-environment (GE) interactions that are encountered while studying the stability of varieties simultaneously for several traits.ThesisItem Open Access Studies on Capon Production(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary Science, Mannuthy, 1986) Jyotirmoy, Chakraborty; KAU; Sabarinathan Nair, RThe thesis incorporates the results of a feasibility study on economic utilization of Austra-White and White Leghorn surplus cockerels for capon production in the existing Indian conditions. Production performances of surgically caponized Austra-White and White Leghorn males were compared with their respective intacts at three stages, namely, 20th 24th and 28th week of age. A total number of 192 cockerels were involved in the study. Each treatment group comprised 12 birds and replicated four times. Caponization was carried out at 8 weeks of age. The production straits evaluated were body weight gain, feed efficiency, processing losses and yield, percentage ‘slips’, taste panel evaluation, proximate composition of meat and economics of production. Recordings of thermal data, weekly body weight and weekly feed consumption were made. At the 20th 24th and 28th weeks 16 birds randomly selected from each group were subjected to slaughter studies. The results indicated significantly (p<0.05) higher body weight gain for the capons over intact controls at 20 weeks. Austra-White capons were significantly (p<0.05) higher gain at the 24th week but White Leghorn capons did not differ significantly from their intacts at this stage. Capons and intacts did not differ significantly at 28 weeks of age. Feed efficiency was significantly (p<0.05) better for capons during all the periods under tests. The capon registered significantly (p<0.05) higher dressing loss than intacts whereas intacts registered significantly (p<0.05) higher loss due to head and shanks. Ready to cook yield did not differ significantly between treatments. Capons registered increased percentages of moisture, protein and other extract. Five per cent of capons were registered as ‘slips’. Austra-White capon meat top scored in tenderness, juiciness, and personal preference. Economic evaluation registered profitable returns for capons at 20th week, based on culled/spent hen meat value at university farm rates. Significantly higher returns were indicated when economic evaluations were made on market rates. From the results of the study it was concluded that Austra-White surplus cockerels can be effectively utilized for capon production and White Leghorn cockerels form small sized capons. Capons production can be an economic practical feasibility in Indian conditions and also capon meat is preferred over roaster meat. Surgical caponization can be effectively employed as a routine managemental procedure for economic utilization of surplus cockerels. It was also indicated that the optimum economic stage for marketing capons is 20 weeks of age.ThesisItem Open Access Lobectomy In Goats(Department of Surgery, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 1989) John Joseph, KAU; George, P OThe present study was undertaken with the objectives of finding out a suitable anaesthetic procedure for thoracotomy, feasibility and the effects of lobectomy in goats. The study was conducted on 24 apparently healthy, male goats, aged six to nine months. They were divided into two groups of 12 animals each viz., Group I and Group II. In group I, thoracotomy alone was performed by left intercostal incision in six animals (Group IA), while thoracotomy and lobectomy were done in six animals (Group IS). In Group II, thoracotomy alone was performed by rib resection technique in six animals (Group IIA), while thoracotomy and lobectomy were done in six animals (Group IIB). Administration of chloral hydrate 6 per cent solution at the rate of I ml per 3 kg body weight, followed by thiopentone sodium 5 per cent solution, with positive pressure ventilation had given satisfactory anaesthesia for the surgical procedure. The anaesthetic affect persisted for about 30 minutes though the animals were recumbent for 4 ½ to 5 hours. During the recovery phase, incordination of movements of the head, padding of legs, rolling on the ground and frequent micturition were seen. Nasal discharge and cough were observed post – operatively. Suture materials used for thoracotomy operations were, cotton for ligation of the bronchial stump and for the ribs, silk for periosteal/intercostal and monofilament nylon for the skin incisions. Continuous sutures were inserted for the closure of the periosteum and the intercostal muscles, interrupted sutures for the adjacent ribs. Abscesses at the suture line were seen in a few animals, but wound dehiscence was not observed. There was reduction in the rectal temperature, increase in the pulse rate and no variation in the respiratory rate. There was reduction in the pH following thoracotomy, immediately after the operation, which became normal subsequently. The reduction in the haemoglobin content following thoracotomy and during post – operative period which reached near normal values by the 21st day. Serum chloride levels though varying were within the normal range. There was considerable increase in the ESR values, post – operatively, which reached near normal values by the 21st day. The increase in the plasma bicarbonate level was only marginal. The differential leucocyte count did not show any significant variation. In the present study, for anaesthesia, intravenous administration of chloral hydrate 6 per cent solution followed by thiopentone sodium 5 per cent solution to effect and maintenance of positive pressure ventilation during surgery, was found satisfactory. When lobectomy was performed by the intercostal approach five out of six animals survived and when thoracotomy alone was performed, only two animals survived. Four out of six animals in the control as well as lobectomised group survived when thoracotomy was performed by rib resettion techniques. From the results of the present study, it appears that neither the intercostal approach nor the rib resection technique for lobectomy in goats has any special advantage while considering the rate of survival. It was also found that lobectomy in goats does not interfere with the function of lungs.ThesisItem Open Access Helminth Parasites Of Indian Elephants(Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 1988) Khomdram Somorendro, KAU; Chandrasekharan, KThe present study was conducted over a period of one year, during which dung samples from 203 Captive Indian elephants from different parts (urban, village and forests) of Kerala of different age and sex were examined. Out of this, 117 elephants were found to be infected with different hel - minth parasites either as pure or mixed infection. The overall prevalence of helminthiasis was 57.6 per cent. Helminthiasis was more during rainy season (70 per cent) than dry or summer season (52.44 per cent). Eleven species of adult nematodes and three species of adult amphistomes and eggs of Bivetellobilharzia nairi and Anoplocephala manubriata were recorded during this study. The nematode parasites were Murshidia murshidia, Murshidia falcifera, Quilonia renniei, Amira pileata, Choniangium epistomum, Equinubria sipunculiformis, Decrusia additictia, Grammocephalus hybridatus, Grammocephalus varedatus, Parabronema indicum, Parabronema smithi and the amphistomes were Pseudodiscus collinsi, Pseudodiscus hawkesii and Gastrodiscus secundus. The more common species were Murshidia murshidia and Murshidia falcifera. Anthelmintic efficacy of albendazole (Albomar) was assessed on the basis of the reduction of eggs in the dung samples. A single oral dosage of 2.5 and 3 mg per kg body weight was found 100 per cent effective against strongyle infection in naturally infected captive Indian elephants.ThesisItem Open Access Influence of glyceryl guaiacol ether on anaesthesia in goats(Department of Surgery, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1986) Balagopalan, T P; KAU; Muraleedharan Nayar, K NThe present study was undertaken with the object of finding out the influence of GGE and its combinations on anaesthesia in goats. Eighteen apparently healthy cross – bred male kids, aged 5 – 9 months, weighing 11 – 16 kg were used for the study in three groups of six animals each. GGE, five per cent solution alone at the rate of 100 mg/kg was administered intravenously in group A. Triflupromazine hydrochloride at the rate of 0.2 mg/kg and GGE solution at the rate of 100 mg/kg were administered in group B. Triflupromazine hydrochloride, GGE and five per cent Thiopentone sodium solutions were administered in group C. An average of 28.00 + 0.10 ml GGE solution was administered in group A, 0.12 + 0.003 ml Triflupromazine hydrochloride followed by 24.33 + 0.67 ml GGE solution in group B and 0.12 + 0.003 ml Triflupromazine hydrochloride, 28.83 + 0.54 ml GGE and 2.97 + 0.19 ml Thiopentone sodium solutions were administered in group C. There were no untoward symptoms at the time of administration of the drugs. The induction time was 3.42 + 0.20 min. in group A, 2.08 + 0.08 min. in group B and 2.40 + 0.24 min. in group C. The induction was smooth in all the groups. On induction pedal, corneal, cutaneous and palpebral reflexes disappeared in all the groups, while palpebral reflex alone persisted in group A. Dilation of pupil with complete relaxation of jaws, anus, penis and abdomen was noticed in all the animals as the anaesthetic effect deepened. Flaccidity of tail was pronounced in group C. All the animals were found to be weak and dull and did not take feed and water upto 12 hours in group A and upto 24 hours in group B and C. They were apparently normal by 24, 36 and 60 hours in group A, B and C respectively. Reduction in rectal temperature was noted in all the groups. Initial reduction followed by an increase in heart rate was seen in group B and C. In group A there was increase in heart rate from the beginning. Tachycardia was observed at the time of recovery in all the groups. The variations in respiration rate were within the normal limits. The duration of anaesthesia was 28.83 + 2.27 min., 44.83 + 1.74 min. and 52.60 + 3.57 min. in group A, B and C respectively. The period of recovery was 18.00 + 0.89 min., 17.33 + 1.05 min. and 34.40 + 1.69 min. in group A, B and C respectively. Recovery was smooth and uneventful. There was a significant fall in the blood pressure (systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressure) in all the groups, but pulse pressure showed marginal variation. Variations in central venous pressure was not significant. The electrocardiogram revealed a depression of S – T segment in all the groups and depression of P wave in group B and C. Tachycardia was seen at recovery. There was reduction in total erythrocyte count while the leukocyte count showed an initial decrease followed by an increase at 24 hours. The lymphocyte count decreased and the neutrophil count increased. Variation in the eosinophil and monocyte count was not significant. A reduction in the haemoglobin content and packed cell volume was observed in all the groups. The erythrocyte sedimentation was observed in all the groups. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate showed an increase during anaesthesia. Significant increase in blood glucose was noticed in all the groups during anaesthesia and the serum protein values decreased. The serum sodium values showed marginal variations but the serum potassium values showed decrease upto 120 min. There was an increase in the serum chloride values followed by a decrease in all the groups. In all the three groups of animals, variation in serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase level was within normal limits. Gross lesions were not seen in any of the animals sacrificed on 4th or 10th day. But microscopic examination, early degenerative changes were noticed in the liver and kidney of all the animals sacrificed on the 4th day. Evidence of regeneration could be observed by the 10th day.ThesisItem Open Access Influence of buprenorphine , pentazocine and xylazine analgesia on ketamine anaesthesia in dogs(Department of Pharmacology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1989) Usha, P T A; KAU; Rajagopalan, N KThe experiments were conducted in three different parts. In the first part of the experiment the ED50 of the three drugs namely buprenorphine, pentazocine and xylazine was determined using the analgesiometer (tail flick method) in rats and tail clip method in mice. The ED50 of buprenorphine in rats and mice was 0.25 + 0.084 mg/kg and 0.9827 + 0.0751 mg/kg intraperitoneally. The ED50 of pentazocine in rats was 32.60 + 0.071 mg/kg and in mice 48.50 + 0.323 mg/kg. The ED50 of xylazine for analgesia in rats and mice was 1.424 +0.229 mg/kg and 7.523 + 0.47 mg/kg respectively. In the second part of the experiment the influence of buprenorphine, pentazocine and xylazine analgesia on ketamine anaesthesia in dogs were studied. Twenty – four animals divided into four groups (A(K), B(X-K), C(B-K) and D(P-K) were administered with ketamine (20 mg/kg), xylazine (2 mg/kg) plus ketamine (15 mg/kg), buprencrphine (0.03 mg/kg) plus ketamine (15 mg/kg) and pentazocine (2 mg/kg) plus ketamine (15 mg/kg) respectively. The sternal recumbency time, clinical signs, duration of anaesthesia, regaining of sternal recumbency time, mean standing time, total recovery time and haemogram were studied. The sternal recumbency time was minimum in xylazine administered group. Untoward reactions like salivation and rigidity of the muscles were observed in groups A(K) and D(P-K). There was significant reduction in rectal temperature in all the groups. The pulse rate was elevated in group A(K) and depressed in group B(X-K), while a transient increase followed by decrease showed in group C(B-K) and D(P-K) . Respiratory depression was observed in groups C(B-K) and D(P-K). Average duration of anaesthesia was maximum in group B(X-K) while all other groups showed almost similar durations of anaesthesia. The time for regaining of sternal recumbency was also maximum in group B(X-K), then the groups A(K), C(B-K) and D(P-K) respectively. Mean standing time was maximum in group B(X-K). The rest of the groups followed the same pattern as above. The total recovery time was maximum in group C(B-K), then group B(X-K), A(K) and D(P-K) respectively. The study of haemogram showed that, the haemoglobin, packed cell volume and erythrocyte counts decreased at 30 min. after drug administration in groups A(K) and B(X-K) while there was no significant variation in group C(B-K) and D(P-K). The group D(P-K) showed a significant reduction in leucocyte count, while there were no variations in other groups observed. In the third part of the experiment the reversal of anaesthesia using the 2 blocker yohimbine was studied. Twenty-four animals divided into four groups (E,F, G and H) were administered with the same drugs as in the second part of the experiment. Along with that yohimbine (0.25 mg/kg in group E, G and H and 2 mg/kg in group F) was administered 15 min. later. The groups E, F, G and H were designated as K-Y, X-K-Y, B-K-Y and P-K-Y respectively. Uptoward effects exhibited after yohimbine administration were salivation, panting and hyperaesthesia during recovery. Rectal temperature, pulse and respiration were increased in all the groups. The duration of anaesthesia, regaining of sternal recumbency time, mean standing time and total recovery time were significantly reduced in group F(X-K-Y), while there was no variation in the above parameters in group E(K-Y). Only the total recovery time significantly reduced in group G(B-K-Y) and prolongation of standing time and total recovery time was observed in group H(P-K-Y). The haematological changes noticed in the second part of the experiment were completely reversed by yohimbine.ThesisItem Open Access Status of broiler production In Kerala with special reference to Trichur(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary, Mannuthy, 1988) Aboobacker, M; KAU; Regunathan Nair, GA survey was undertaken to assess the present status of broiler farming in Thrissur, a major broiler producing district in Kerala. Thirtytwo farms were selected for the survey based on holding strength and frequency of intake. Following are some of the salient points that emerged from the survey. All the farmers were literate and had taken up broiler farming for generating additional income to sustain the family. Majority of the farmers were raising 300 birds per crop with fortnightly intake and were adopting scientific management practices. Organized marketing channel was absent and the birds were disposed off at the farm site itself in retail or wholesale. Dressing of birds in large scale was not being practiced. Results indicated that the mortality rate, body weight at marketing and feed conversion ratio were 6.69 per cent, 1.48 kg and 2.49 respectively. The major portion of production cost was attributed to feed (56.26%) followed by chick (28.56%) and labour (4.31%). Seasons of the year had no appreciable effect on broiler productivity except slight higher mortality due to heat stress during hot seasons. Study also revealed that increasing the stock intake reduces the cost of production with increase in net return. The productivity both in terms of market body weight and livability were adversely affected in farms where hired labour was used resulting in much lower net income. Low profit farms (less than Rs.2.00 per bird sold) showed higher mortality (13.56%) and low body weight at disposal. The survey revealed that better productivity could be achieved by improving efficiency of production particularly reduction in feed cost, increasing livability and adoption of a tangible marketing system so as to obtain remunerative price even during lean seasons.ThesisItem Open Access Trematodes of paramphistomatidae infecting domestic ruminants(Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 1987) Tarun Shankar Nath, KAU; George Varghese, CThe thesis embodied the results of an investigation on the prevalence of amphistome infection and their specific identity in different domestic ruminants (cattle, buffaloes, sheep and goats) of Kerala state. A total of 1490 faecal samples from domestic ruminants were collected from different places of Kerala State during a period from April 1985 to March 1986. These samples were examined by sedimentation technique to detect infection with amphistomes and their prevalence. Viscera of 780 slaughtered/ dead ruminants from different parts of Kerala were examined in addition and the available amphistomes were collected for the study and specific identification. The flukes were studied alive, flattened and stained and in certain cases by microtomy sections. Result of the study indicated that the prevalence of infection was far more in cattle and buffaloes than in sheep and goats. The rate of prevalence in cattle, buffaloes and goats was 20.16%, 28.57% and 3.22% respectively. In slaughtered/dead animals the prevalence was 33.09%, 34.67%, 4.17% and 5.81% respectively in cattle, buffaloes, sheep and goats. The highest prevalence was recorded during the rainy season and lowest in dry/summer season. Prevalence during south west monsoon was 38.08% and 20.73% during North East monsoon. The seasonal prevalence hardly varied between cattle and buffaloes but it was consistently low in sheep and goats. Most of the prevalence in all animals were of mixed origin. A total number of 17 species belonging to eight genera of amphistomes were identified. Cevlonocotyle spinicephalus (Tandon, 1955) was recorded from new hosts i.e, cattle and goats, cotylophoron chauhani from goats, in addition to the already reported hosts, buffaloes and sheep respectively. The following conclusions are drawn on the basis of the results of this study: Amphistomes are most prevalent in cattle and buffaloes. Though the infection with amphistomes exists throughout the year, it is definitely more in monsoon seasons. Ceylonocotyle spinicephalus (Tandon, 1955) occurs in cattle and goats and cotylophoron chauhani (Gupta and Gupta, 1972 ) in goats also.
