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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 Effect of plane of feeding during pre-partum and lactating stages on mothering ability and subsequent conception in sows(Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1992) Joseph Mathew; Kurien ThomasThirty six pregnant gilts were randomly maintained on three different planes of feeding with respect to crude protein (CP) and digestible energy (DE) viz. (i) NRC recommended levels as control (ii) a high plane of 10% increase of CP with respect to NRC level and (iii) a low plane of 10% decrease of CP and DE with respect to NRC – at four stages A, B, C, and D which represented the periods 56 – 83 days of gestation, 84 days to farrowing, farrowing to 28 days and 29 to 56 days post – partum respectively. Shifting of plane of feeding from low to high plane and vice versa while NRC level treated as control, resulted in nine treatment groups each having four experimental units. The body weight gain/ loss of the dam in stages A and D, live litter size and weight at birth, litter size and weight at weaning, parturient and suckling behaviour – expressed as a score – feed consumption of sow and the litter and the overall mothering ability of the sow expressed as composite sow index were beneficially influenced by a high plane of feeding when compared to NRC, while the low plane of feeding was significantly (P < 0.01) poor with respect to almost all the above traits. However, the total litter size at birth, average birth weight of live piglets, feeding and post – weaning oestrus behaviour – expressed as scroes - and conception rate were not significantly affected by plane of feeding. Overall results suggested that a switch – over to high plane of feeding at 84 days of gestation till weaning is most efficient with respect to litter output, economy and post – weaning conception.ThesisItem Open Access Performance of desi x exotic cross-bred layers(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary Science, Mannuthy, 1992) Jayanthy, M V; KAU; Leo, JosephData were collected on egg production performance of two cross-breds viz. desi X Austra White (DAW) and desi X New Rock (DNR) from 20 to 40 weeks of age. The birds in each cross consisted of naked neck and normal neck varieties. DNR cross birds were significantly heavier at 20 and 40 weeks of age than DAW cross birds. The body weight in Naked neck and normal neck varieties comparable in both crosses. Age at sexual maturity was 184 and 189 days in DNR and DAW crosses respectively. Hen housed and hen day egg numbers were similar in both crosses (37.61 and 47.61 vs 34.40 and 47.81), while the naked neck birds in both crosses showed higher hen housed and hen day egg number between the varieties in DAW cross was significant (53.82 Vs 34.86). The eggs were significantly heavier in DNR cross than in DAW cross (46.74 Vs 44.88) whereas the varieties with in both crosses laid eggs of similar size. The mean daily feed consumption and feed efficiency were also similar in both crosses (106.61 g and 4.09 Vs 104.95 g and 4.93). In DAW cross, the naked neck birds registered a better feed efficiency. While DNR birds were multicolored and laid brown eggs, DAW crosses consisted of only black, grayish white with black patches and grey birds which laid tinted eggs. Broodiness was observed in both the crosses. Egg quality was excellent in both the crosses and varieties with in crosses, at 32 weeks of age. Livability was also similar in both crosses though it was poor. Considering the overall performance, the DNR cross was adjudged as a better cross for the backyard.ThesisItem Open Access Hypolipidaemic effect of allium sativum and emblica officinals in rabbits(Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1992) Mini, K P; KAU; Gopakumar, NThe study was undertaken with the objective of determining the hypolipidaemic effect of Allium sativum and Emblica officinalis in hyper lipidaemic rabbits. The different forms of the indigenous agents tried were aqueous extract of A. sativum and fruit pulp as well as aqueous extract of E. officinalis. The effects produced by the above agents were compared with that of the known hypolipidaemic drug namely, Gemfibrozil which served as the positive control drug. Thirty Newzealand white adult male rabbits were used for the study. The average body weight of the animals were 1.5 kg. They were housed in cages designed for the purpose. Each rabbit received 200 g standard rabbit’s feed per day. The experiment was conducted in two stages. The first step was to render all the rabbits hyper chloesterolaemic. In order to achieve this goal, the standard ration was supplemented daily with 100 mg cholesterol and 8 g Vanaspathi for each rabbit. The rabbits were fed on this diet continuously for 60 days when they developed hypercholesterolaemia. This was ascertained by the estimation carried out initially and every fortnightly during this period. The parameters estimated were plasma cholesterol and plasma triglyceride. The second part of the study was to evaluate the hypolipidaemic efficacy of the chosen indigenous preparations in comparison to that of Gemfibrozil. Each agent was tried on a separate group by dividing the hypercholesterolaemic rabbits into five groups of six each. Group I was kept as the control group which received no treatment. Group II was administered aqueous extract of A. sativum 10 ml (2g/kg b.wt.) orally. The animals of Group III were treated with fruit pulp of E. officinalis at a dose rate of lg/kg orally. Group IV animals received aqueous extract of E. officinalis, orally at a dose rate of I g/kg prepared in 10 ml of water. The Group V served as the positive control which received Gemfibrozil at a dose rate of 120 mg/kg orally. All the drugs were administered for a period of 75 days. The high cholesterol containing diet was continued throughout the period of study. The difference brought about by the above agents on plasma cholesterol and triglyceride of hyperlipidaemic rabbits was determined by routine estimations of the above parameters carried out every fortnightly. At the end of the period of study histopathological studies of liver and aorta were also performed in order to detect the structural changes in tissues caused by the different treatments. The control group of animals increased their plasma cholesterol and triglycerids by 76.59 and 81.36% respectively. This increase was found to be statistically significant. The liver and aorta of these animals also supported the above finding on histopathological examination. Diffused fatty changes was noticed throughout the section of liver and aorta. The hepatocytes were filled with fat and the nucleus was displaced. Lining of the wall of aorta also showed severe fatty infiltration in the control group. It was found that administration of aqueous extract of A. sativum reduced plasma cholesterol by 79.08 per cent and plasma triglycerides by 75.76 per cent within a period of 75 days. Both the reductions were highly significant. Compared to the control group, the histopathological findings of this group showed that garlic was very effective in counteracting the fatty changes induced by high cholesterol diet in rabbits. The fatty changes of liver was only of a mild degree and the fatty infiltration of aorta was also very mild. The percentage reduction obtained in the case of fruit pulp of E. officinalis was 69.74 and 78.20 with respect to cholesterol and triglycerides which was also statistically significant. Aqueous extract of E. officinalis administered to the fourth group of animals could produce a reduction in plasma cholesterol and triglyceride by 79.40 per cent and 82.80 per cent respectively. The histopathological studies conducted in the above two groups showed almost similar findings. Compared to the control group, the degree of fatty changes was only mild to moderate. Infiltration of fat into the elastic tissues of aorta was also very mild. Hence it can be suggested that E. officinalis is capable of counteracting the fatty changes in liver and aorta partially. Gemfibrozil which served as the positive control brought about a percentage reduction of 78.43 with respect to cholesterol and 81.54 per cent in the case of triglyceride, both were found to be highly significant. The above observation was well supported by the photomicrographs of liver and aorta taken from the animals of this group. Mild to moderate degree of fatty changes was noticed in the liver and aorta. Aorta did not reveal prominent changes like that of the control group due to fatty infiltration. The histopathological observation made in the case of Gemfibrozil resemble that of E. officinalis. From the results of the present study, it can be inferred that aqueous extract of A. sativum and fruit pulp as well as aqueous extract of E. officinalis are effective as hypolipidaemic agents and this finding is further asserted by the simultaneous histopathological studies carried out. Both the indigenous agents were capable of correcting the fatty changes produced by the fat containing diet to a considerable extent and garlic was found to be superior to E. officinalis in this respect. The efficacy of these agents in lowering plasma cholesterol and triglyceride was comparable to that of Gemfibrozil as shown by the statistical analysis of the results obtained. Hence these agents prove to be of value as hypolipidaemic agents in the future clinical trials that can be carried out in animals and also in human beings.ThesisItem Open Access Assessment of the antipyretic and analgesic effect of selected indigenous plants in rats(Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1992) Suresh, B; KAU; Marrykutty, PThe experiments were conducted in three different parts. In the first part of the experiment the antipyretic activity of Ocimum sanctum and Tinospora cordifolia was determined. Twenty four groups of ten albino rats each were used for the study. Pyrexia was induced by injecting 20 per cent yeast suspension subcutaneously. Benzene extract of O. sanctum was given at 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg dose levels in four different groups. A dose dependent reduction in temperature was obtained after four hours of its administration. Four hundred mg/kg dose level produced an affective lowering in the temperature than other doses used and showed the reduction in the temperature from 38. 840 C to 37. 590 C . Dose rates used for essential oil of O. sanctum were same as benzene extract. Two hundred mg/kg dose level revealed a more effective reduction in the temperature than four hundred mg/kg. A reduction of temperature was observed from 39. 370 C to 37. 960 C after four hours of its administration. Single, double and triple the doses of decoction of O. sanctum were used for antipyretic study. Compared to other doses, double the dose of decoction produced a maximum reduction in the temperature. It produced a reduction from 38. 930C to 37.490 C. Dose rate used for benzene extract of T. cordifolia were 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight. A dose depandant reduction in the temperature could be observed after four hours of its administration. Four hundred mg/kg dose level revealed as an effective dose caused a reduction from 39.010 C to 37.770 C after four hours of its administration. Single, double and triple the dose of decoction of T. cordifolia were used for assessing antipyretic activity. Double the dose of decoction was found to be more effective. And it reduced the temperature from 39.720 C to 38.140 C after four hours of its administration. In the second part of the experiment analgesic effect of benzene extract of O. sanctum and T. cordifolia were evaluated. All the dose rates of both the drugs used were compared with aspirin for a period of two hours showed no significant analgesic effect. In the third part of the experiment long term effect of essential oil of O. sanctum and benzene extract of T. cordifolia were studied. Haematological parameters were determined at an interval of 15 days. Benzene extract of O. sanctum and T. Cordifolia produced a significant charge in the erythrocyte count from 45 days onwords. At the end of the study Benzene extract of T. cordifolia treated group revealed a significant change in the leucocyte count. Both the groups showed a significant change in the haemoglobin value from days onwards. Fifteen days after the administration of the drug, both the groups showed a significant increase in the neutrophil count and decrease in the lymphocyte count. At the end of study same effect was noticed. On 61st day histopathological studies of liver were conducted. Lesions observed in both the treated groups were in general, comparable with those of control group. It was found that neither essential oil of O. sanctum nor benzene extract of T. cordifolia caused lesions in hepatic tissue in any of the experimental animals.ThesisItem Open Access Reproductive pattern and performance of nanny goats in Kerala(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1992) Krishna Kumar, G; KAU; Sudarsanen, VA study to elucidate the reproductive pattern and performance of nanny goats under the agroclimatic conditions of Kerala conducted on a flock of 154 nanny goats of mixed genotype, Malabari, Saanen x Malabari and Alpine x Malabari, maintained under the All India Co – ordinated Research Project on goats for milk, Kerala Agricultural University, has revealed the following results and conclusions. The method adopted was detection of oestrus twice a day using a vasectomised buck and by clinical examination. On detection, all animals of good reproductive health were bred artificially with freshly collected semen extended in Tris buffered yolk extender and preserved at low temperature. A group of animals were given a second insemination after seven hours of the first insemination for a comparison of the success rate to single and double inseminations during a heat. Following breeding, the duration of gestation, durations of stages of parturition, presentation of kids, incidence of multiple birth and secondary sex ratio were also recorded. Daily record of maximum and minimum temperature for a period of one year of the study was maintained. The period was divided into four quarters almost in agreement with the four natural seasons and the conceptions during each of the quarters were related with their secondary sex ratio and birth weight records to know the influence of the environmental temperature on them. Placental area weight records were also maintained and by applying linear regression equation they have been correlated with the birth weight to establish that the birth weight difference was due to the influence of environmental temperature on placental growth and development. Goats were found to be polyoestrous and 61. 54 per cent came into oestrus during the period from April to September when the day is long. Of the two peak breeding activities noticed the greater one occurred in July and the other during November. Breeding activity was found to be low during the months of January and February. The duration of oestrous cycle was found to be 18 – 23 days but the cycle length varied from 6 to 140 days. 45.8 per cent of the animals had an oestrus duration of less than 18 days. Duration of oestrus varied from 12- 48 h. Cessation of oestrus was noticed in 84.8 per cent of animals by 36 h and in 93.26 per cent of animals by 48 h. Conception percentage to first time single and double inseminations during a heat were 33.93 and 42.85 respectively. Overall conception percentages for the above were 71.42 and 82.14 respectively. Average gestation length was 145.62 ± 0.23 days while with singleton, twin and triplet, the durations were 146.05 ± 144.86 ± 0.32 and 145.25 ± 1.03 days. In twin pregnancies and in pregnancies with male foetus/foetuses in both singleton and homogamous twin, was found to have lesser duration of gestation. Mean durations of the first, second and third stages of labour were 57.47 ± 10.29 , 14.52 ± 1.34 and 128.87 ± 4.84 min respectively. Presentation of kids at the time of birth was 88.9 per cent in anterior and the rest in posterior presentation. Secondary sex ratios of singleton and multiple pregnancies were 52.05 and 54.08 per cent with an overall of 53.22 per cent. No significant variation could be observed in the secondary sex ratio of kids those were conceived between seasons having variable environmental temperature. Mean birth weight of kids born during the three trimesters with mean environmental maximum temperature 39.0, 33.4 and 36.30 C were respectively 1.64, 1.92 and 1.88 kg. Between the trimesters having 39. 00 C and 33.40 C there was a significant increase in birth weight. A definite correlation was found to exist between the placental weight and birth weight and the placental area and birth weight. The following conclusions were derived : 1. There is a reproductive pattern difference as could be seen from the above as 61.54 per cent of the oestruses occurred during the period of long days, contrary to the belief that breeding season of goats is the short days. Peak breeding activity was also noticed during the month of July. An instinctive attempt to reduce the number of births during the months of heavy rain which is not conducive for the survival of the young could be appreciated from the low breeding activity seen during January and February. 2. The duration of oestrous cycle, oestrus, gestation and the first, second and third stages of parturition were found to be in consonance with the already available informations. 3. Two inseminations during a heat was found to improve the conception percentage over single insemination. 4. Incidence of multiple pregnancy was found to be lower in the flock. 5. Secondary sex ratio of the kids born was 53.22 per cent and it confirms well with the reports already available. Presentation of foetus was anterior in 88.9 per cent and the rest of posterior presentation. 6. Conception between periods of variable environmental temperature did not seem to influence the sex ratio, to significantly alter the secondary sex ratio. 7. Environmental temperature at the time of conception was found to significantly influence the birth weight of kids. From the correlation that could be established between placental weight and birth weight and between placental area and birth weight it could be inferred that the environmental temperature effect on birth weight is through its influence on placental development and growth.ThesisItem Open Access Tiletamin-zolazepam anaesthesia with xylazine premedicaiton and reversal with ainophyllin in dogs(Department of Pharmacology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1993) Mini Bharathan; KAU; Chandrasekharan NairThe experiment was conducted to find out the synergistic effect of xylazine with tiletamine – zolazepam anaesthesia and to study the reversing action of aminophylline in tiletamine – zolazepam – xylazine anaesthesia. The study was conducted in 5 batches of 6 dogs each. The first group of animals (c) received tiletamine – zolazepam at the rate of 5 mg/kg I/V. The second group (T1) received xylazine (0.5 mg/kg I/M) and 15 minutes later, tiletamine – zolazepam (2.5 mg/kg I/V). The third group (T2) received xylazine (I mg/kg I/M and 15 minutes later, tiletamine zolazepam (1.25 mg/kg I/V) The treatment schedule that resulted in a greater duration of anaesthesia ie, T2, was chosen for studies in the subsequent groups. The fourth (T3) and fifth (T4) group of animals received the anaesthesia scheduled as in T2, and in the middle of anaesthesia ie. after 8 minutes, the animals were given aminophylline intravenously at the dose rate of 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg respectively. The anaesthetic parameters like the time of recumbency, time of appearance and disappearance of skin clamp and tail clamp anaesthesia, time of regaining of righting reflex and sternal recumbency, and the time for standing and walking were recorded for all treatments. The rectal temperature, pulse rate and respiration rate were recorded at 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after administration of anaesthetic. The haemogram was also studied before, during and after anaesthesia. All the animals came to recumbency after the injection of tiletamine – zolazepam within a mean time of 10 seconds. The time of recumbency and the time of appearance of tail clamp and skin clamp anaesthesia showed no significant difference between the different groups. The time of disappearance of tail clamp anaesthesia for the group C, T1 and T2 were 23.5, 20.2 and 18.6 minutes and for T3 and T4 were 14.2 and 15.7 minutes respectively. Time of disappearance of skin clamp anaesthesia for the groups C, T1, and T2 were 29.5, 23.3 and 22.7 minutes and for the groups T3 and T4 were 14.8 and 16.7 minutes respectively. The time of regaining of righting reflex for the groups C, T1 and T2 were 23.8, 28.8 and 35.3 minutes and for T3 and T4 were 24 and 24.8 minutes respectively. The time of sternal recumbency were 42.8, 33.2 and 43.3 minutes for the groups C, T1 and T2 and 28.5 and 29.8 minutes for T3 and T4 respectively. All these values showed significant difference between C and T2 and also between T2 and T3 and T4. The mean time for standing and walking showed significant difference only between the control group (73.3 and 78.2 minutes respectively) and T2 (47.5 and 48.3 minutes respectively), but not between T2, T3 and T4. The duration of skin clamp anaesthesia, tail clamp anaesthesia and the recovery time were significantly shorter for the group T3 when compared to T2. The most noticeable behavioural characteristics during recovery were rhythmic head and neck rocking, whining and paddling and these were present only in the control group. There was no significant difference between the groups in the rectal temperature during anaesthesia except at 10 minutes time, when the decrease in temperature was greater for T3 and T4 when compared to T2. There was no significant difference in the pulse rate also between the group throughout anaesthesia, with an exception only at 15 minutes when the increase in pulse rate was greater for C than for T2. The decrease in respiratory rate was significantly greater for T2 when compared to C from 5 to 30 minutes during anaesthesia. The haemogram showed no significant difference between the groups during anaesthesia. From the results obtained, it could be concluded that 1. the combination of xylazine (I mg/kg I/M) and tiletamine – zolazepam (1.25 mg/kg I/V) could be used to produce satisfactory, short – term anaesthesia in dogs and 2. aminophylline at a dose rate of 20 mg/kg I/V could be used to reverse anaesthesia produced by tiletamine – zolazepam – xylazine combinatioThesisItem Open Access Immune response of cattle to Boophilus annulatus (Acari : Ixodoidea)(Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1992) Sreekrishnan, R; KAU; Rajamohanan, KA study was undertaken to assess the nature and degree of development of acquired resistance in calves against the cattle tick Boophilus annulatus. Observations were made mainly on the development of natural resistance against repeat infestations and the effect of artificial immunization using the tick antigen. Tissue reactions induced by the ticks at the site of bite were also studied. The results indicated the development of resistance in the host, which was gradual and varying in degrees. Immunodiffusion test failed to reveal the presence of tick antibodies in the sera of calves after repeated infestations, indicating that easily demonstrable quantities of antibodies are not developed even after repeated infestations. The cellular reactions at the site of tick – bite revealed the development of a resistant reaction at the site of bite. Studies made on artificial immunization using the whole – tick extract gave varying results. However, the immunodiffusion test using sera of immunized calves revealed that there is a steady maintenance of antibody level throughout the infestation period. Thus, the results obtained in the present study indicate that antibodies are developed against the tick Boophilus annulatus in calves on natural infestations and using the tick antigen, and that there is a clear possibility of immunizing calves against B. annulatus artificially.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of floor density on production performance in Japanese quails reared in cages and deep litter(Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1993) Padmakumar, B; KAU; Reghunathan Nair, GTo suggest a suitable system of rearing and optimum floor space allowance for Japanese quail rearing, so as to reduce housing cost and to achieve batter efficiency, a study was carried out to evaluate the production performance of quails reared in cages and deep litter with different floor densities. In cage system of rearing the floor densities evaluated were 100, 150, 200 and 250 sq. cm and in deep litter system, 150, 200 and 250 sq. era per bird. The experiment was carried out from the fifth week of age to 50th week of age each group with four replications. Except for the difference in floor densities, ail the managemental practices followed were the same and the data war. recorded for nine, 35-day periods. The system of housing had no effect on the body weight, but an increase in floor space resulted in a hike in the body weight. Age at first egg, IQ per cent production and 50 per _cent production were not influenced by the type of housing. in deep litter system, they were signifieantly affected by the different floor densities?, but not. in cage system of rearing, System of housing did not affect the egg production. But in cages, different flour densities significantly affected the egg production. This was not seen in deep litter system of rearing. The mean daily feed consumption was not affected by the system of housing. But the different floor densities in cages and deep litter had significant effect on feed consumption. System of housing and floor density variation had no effect on feed -efficiency. The percent Livability also has shown a similar trend. System of housing significantly affected the weight of eggs. The treatment groups in cages significantly affected the egg weight, but not in deep litter. Egg quality traits were neither affected by system of housing nor the floor density variations. Based on correlation of part year and full year productions, 35 weeks of age was found advantageous for selection of breeders. In cage system, it was found to be 15 weeks and in deep litter 35 weeks . The returns over feed cost was found to be better in cage system of rearing compared to deep litter. Between the different floor density allowances, 200 sq.cm floor space per bird surpassed all the other treatments. So it is concluded that the floor space allowance of 200 sq. cm per bird in cages is ideal for Japanese quail rearing.ThesisItem Open Access Managemental effects of synchronization of oestrus in goats(Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1993) Shivkumar, S; KAU; Thomas, C KAn experiment was conducted to study the managemental effects of synchronization of oestrus in goats using parentral administration of PGF2 alpha, on a flock of Malabari, Malabari x Saanen and Malabari x Alpine goats maintained at the Agricultural University Goat Farm, Mannuthy. Forty cyclic goats were selected in pairs on the basis of similarity in genetic group, body weight and age. The does from each pair were allotted to two groups at random. Out of these one group at random formed the treatment group and the other control. The goats in the treatment group were given two injections of 10 mg (I/M) each of PGF2 alpha separated by 11 days, in two batches of 10 goats each. The animals were mated at the synchronized oestrus following the second PG injection. The does in the control group were mated as and when they came to oestrus. Heat detection in the does was carried out by parading the vasectomised bucks twice daily and by observing the behavioural manifestations of oestrus. The results and conclusions of the study are given below. The PGF2 alpha treated goats showed 75 and 100 per cent oestrus synchrony after a mean interval of 45.93+2.19h and 48.38+2.06 h following the. first and second injection of PGF2 alpha respectively. Of the various signs of oestrus only rapid waving of tail in the presence of male and vaginal mucous discharge were observed in all the does in oestrus. Various signs of oestrus behaviour including receptivity was found to be more pronounced in oestrus synchronized does using PGF2 alpha than in the controls. Mated does showed pricking of ear and arching of back as post coital reactions. Conception rate following mating at the first oestrus was better in the treatment group (85%) than the controls (75%). Body weight changes during pregnancy was not found to be affected by synchronization of oestrus with prostaglandin F2alpha. Mean gestation period in the treatment group was ,148.14+0.80 days compared to 143.88+0.78 days in the controls, the difference being significant (P < 0.05). Overall 61.3 per cent of the parturitions were observed to occur between 0600 to 1800 hours. Maternal behaviour studies showed no significant difference between the does in the control (av. score 3) and treatment group (av. Score 2.8). Multiparas were observed to possess better maternal Instinct than the primipara does. The new born kids attempted to stand up within 8 to 15 minutes and 68 per cent of them suckled from the dam's teat within one hour of birth. In the control group 88 per cent of the kiddings were singles and 11.77 per cent twins compared to 85.71 per cent singles and 14.29 per cent twins in the treatment group. Comparing the growth of kids with respect to body weights and body measurements at fortnightly intervals from birth to 90 days of age, showed that the growth rate of kids born from synchronized oestrus was similar to that of control kids. Suckling behaviour in the kids revealed that the overall mean duration of suckling was 2.61 minutes and mean rate of suckling was 49.65 g per minute. It was observed that the rate of butting and intensity of tail wagging increased as the flow of milk from the teats got reduced. The mean daily milk yield from first to thirteenth week of lactation in the control and treatment g roups were found to be 0.509+0.015 kg and 0.493+0.014 kg respectively. Man nours requirements to look after the does and raising the kids born to tham to 90 days of age in both the control and treatment group, revealed that there was a man hour saving of 12.3 per cent in the oestrus synchronized group (treatment) than the untreated controls.
