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ThesisItem Open Access ASSESSMENT OF MYOMETRIAL CONTRACTILITY, GENE EXPRESSION OF HORMONE RECEPTORS IN UTERUS AND FOETO-MATERNAL VELOCITY INDICES IN CANINE UTERINE INERTIA(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES MANNUTHY, THRISSUR, KERALA VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES UNIVERSITY, 2022-05-19) Magnus Paul K; Dr. C. JayakumarThe present study was designed to assess the uterine contractility characteristics, gene expression of hormone receptors and the change in velocity indices of maternal and foetal arteries in canine uterine inertia. Dogs presented (n=22) with dystocia were classified as complete primary uterine inertia CPUI (n=9), partial primary uterine inertia PPUI (n=6) and foetal cause of dystocia FCD (n=7) based on the cause of dystocia, contractile state of the uterus as well as the stage of progress of the foetus. All the selected dogs were subjected to ultrasonography with Pulse wave spectral Doppler analysis, radiography, sigmoidoscopy, non-invasive tocodynamometry, haematology, blood gas, electrolyte and metabolite analysis and serum hormonal profile analysis. Caesarean section was performed in all the dogs, and after the removal of the foetus, fullthickness uterine biopsy samples were taken and frozen in RNA-later. Apgar scores of all the foetuses were recorded at five minutes, two hours and 24 h. Relative expression of genes regulating myometrial contraction as well as hormonal receptor genes were performed using the qPCR in the study groups. Tocodynamometric studies confirmed that dogs exhibiting less than 15 mm of Hg pressure and feeble or infrequent contractions without delivery for more than 30 min, could be considered as uterine inertia. Apgar scores in pups at five minutes after the surgery were poor in all groups, but the rapid improvement was noticed in two hours. Analysis revealed normal pH, High pO2, low pCO2, low HCO3⁻ and low base excess. Significantly lower Na+and Cl⁻ concentration in the FCD group, and lower iCa and anion gap in the FCD group were noted. Respiratory acidosis and metabolic alkalosis were evident in all animals, with the maximum level in FCD. Quantitative analysis of RI, PI and SVDV of the foetal abdominal aorta and the uterine artery did not differ significantly between the groups. Haematology revealed no significant difference between the groups, but lymphocytosis and anaemia were evident in all groups. The serum hormone profile revealed no significant difference between oestradiol and progesterone concentrations across the groups. However, oestradiol level was higher in all groups than previously reported levels in normal pregnancy. The present study concluded that ionised calcium deficiency, higher oestradiol concentration, upregulation of Erβ receptor gene and downregulation of MLCK gene contributed an additive effect to cause CPUI, along with the possible absence of oxytocin, which was indirectly revealed through the elevated Na+and Cl⁻concentration. Whereas the PPUI was found to be a myometrial defect due to extreme down-regulation of MLCK, MYHII and PKC genes, higher oestradiol levels also might have contributed to the development of the pathology.ThesisItem Open Access DETECTION AND CHARACTERISATION OF BACTERIAL AND VIRAL AGENTS ASSOCIATED WITH NEONATAL DIARRHOEA IN CALVES(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES POOKODE, WAYANAD , LERALA VETRINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES UNIVERSITY, 2023-03-25) SARITHA BABY; Dr. Chintu RavishankarNeonatal calf diarrhea (NCD) is a major threat to cattle farmersworldwide. It causes huge financial losses mainly due to morbidity andmortality of the calves. The etiology of NCD is complex disease in which both infectious agents and non infectious factors are involved. A comprehensiveanalysis was carried out to detect the major bacterial and viral agentsresponsible for NCD in Kerala and also to assess non-infectious factors thatcontribute to the condition. A total of 120 diarrhoeic faecal samples collected from different cattle farms in Thrissur and Wayanad districts of Kerala duringthe period from October 2019 to September 2022 were used for the study.Each farm has its own management practices that were found to influence the onset of diarrhoea. In the study it was observed that unhygienic conditions, overcrowding and changes in nutrition were the major predisposing factors for NCD. The incidence of diarrhoea was higher in farms housing large number of animals. Calves below one month of age were affected the most and the maximum number of diarrhoeic calves (26 per cent) was found in the 22-30 days age group. Among the infectious agents, E. coli, Salmonella, rotavirus and coronavirus were focused in the current investigation. The isolated bacteria were characterized by biochemical testing and E. coli was found to be the main infectious agent associated with the condition with a prevalence of 84.17 per cent. From the 120 samples, a total of 101 isolates of E. coli could be isolated. None of the samples were found to be positive for Salmonella. Antibiotic sensitivity testing revealed that the all E. coli. isolates were resistant to Penicillin G, Cefotaxime/Clavulanic acid and Cefpodoxime. The percentage of isolates resistant to Amoxicillin/sulbactam and Enrofloxacin, Ciprofloxacin, Co-Trimoxazole and Tetracycline, Gentamicin, and Nitrofuratonin were 92.08 per cent, 85.15 per cent, 80.2 per cent, 77.23 per cent, and 72.25 per cent respectively. Only 53.47 and 51.49 per cent of the isolates were resistant to chloramphenicol and streptomycin, respectively. When the E. coli isolates were subjected to phylogrouping using a quadruplex PCR, it was observed that B1 was the most prevalent group in this study with 28 isolates. Group A, D, C, E, F and clade I were also detected but with a lower prevalence. The fimbrial genes are responsible for virulence of E. coli and played a role in causing diarrhoea. The presence of fimbrial genes F5, F41 and F17 was also tested employing PCR. Of the isolates tested ten were detected as positive for F17 with a positivity of 16.13 per cent. Fimbrial genes F5 and F41 were not detected in any of the isolates. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was employed for the detection of the viral agents. For rotavirus and coronavirus, VP6 gene and N gene were targeted respectively. Out of the 120 samples, 14 (11. 67 per cent) were found to be positive for rotavirus. The diarrhoeic faeces of calves infected with rotavirus were gray or creamy white and watery and all the affected calves were above one week of age. Coronavirus could not be detected in any of the samples. The results of the study indicate that diarrhoea in calves in Kerala was caused by both bacterial and viral agents. Varying degrees of antibiotic resistance were also detected against the common antibiotics. Good care of the new born calves and hygienic practices in farms will go a long way in control of the conditionThesisItem Open Access DETECTION AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERISATION OF VIRUSES ASSOCIATED WITH REPRODUCTIVE DYSFUNCTION IN PIGS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO PORCINE TESCHOVIRUS(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES POOKODE, WAYANAD, KERALA VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES UNIVERSITY, 2023-03-22) JISHNU HARIDAS P.; Dr. Chintu RavishankarThe study was undertaken to detect viruses associated with reproductive dysfunction in pigs in Kerala with special reference to porcine teschovirus (PTV). Apart from PTV, the other viruses tested were porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and porcine parvovirus (PPV). A total of 45 tissue samples and faecal samples from animals with history of enteritis and reproductive dysfunction were collected. Faecal samples were also collected from 30 live pigs in farms with history of enteritis and reproductive dysfunction. Total RNA/DNA were extracted separately from the tissue samples using RNA/DNA extraction kit. Total RNA was also extracted from fecal samples. Complementary DNA (cDNA) was synthesized from extracted RNA using cDNA synthesis kit. The cDNA was used as template in the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for detection of 5’UTR region of PTV. The results of the test revealed that 18 out of 45 samples were positive for the virus with positivity rate of 40 per cent. The positive samples were further subjected to RT-PCR with primer sets for detecting the VP1 gene of the virus. However, sequence was obtained and the genotyping of the virus could not be carried out. In order to obtain the complete VP1 sequence, the forward primer binding to 5’UTR region and reverse binding to VP1 region was used to amplify a 3.3 kb region of the virus. In this test, a specific amplicon was obtained in one of the samples. The complete 3.3 kb amplicon was sequenced by Nanopore single strand sequencing technology using MinION equipment. The obtained sequences were mapped to PTV1 reference sequence using Geneious Prime software. On analysis of the VP1 sequence thus obtained, and subsequent phylogenetic analysis, it was observed that the sequence was similar to VP1 sequence of PTV 14. Out of the samples tested, 11 out of 45 were positive in RT-PCR for detection of ORF6 of PRRSV with positivity of 24.44 per cent. The BLAST analysis of the ORF6 sequences of PRRSV revealed that the isolates were similar to isolates from China (96.86 - 99.21 per cent similarity) and Switzerland (98.60 per cent similarity). The PPV was detected in 4 positives out of 45 samples (8.89 per cent similarity). The BLAST analysis of the sequences revealed that the isolates were similar to isolates from Italy (100 per cent similarity), China (100 per cent similarity), Germany (100 per cent similarity), South Korea (100 per cent similarity) and Brazil (100 per cent similarity) while the sequences were similar to isolates from Thrissur, Kerala only by 99.50 per cent. One of the animals had mixed infection with PTV and PRRSV and three animals had mixed infection with PPV and PTV. It is concluded that PTV is present at an alarming rate in pigs of Kerala. Also present are PRRSV and PPV, but to a lesser level compared to PTV. The presence of these viruses alone or in combination may be responsible for the reproductive dysfunction observed in pigs in Kerala. Key words: Reproductive dysfunction, PTV, PRRSV, PPV, RT-PCR, MinIONThesisItem Open Access EVALUATION OF THE EFFICACY OF TWO DETERRENTS (HERBOLIV® AND BOREP®) AGANIST CROP RAIDING WILD ANIMALS(KVASU CENTRE FOR WILDLIFE STUDIES KERALA VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES UNIVERSITY POOKODE, WAYANAD, 2023-03-22) ATHUL U K; Dr. George ChandyThe study evaluated the efficacy of wild animal deterrents (Herboliv®, Borep®) which are olfactory repellents available in the market. Borep®is an olfactory repellent which is mainly used to deter wild boar (Sus scrofa). Herboliv®is a bio liquid with various herbal extract and other organic product which gives an odour to the crops when sprayed and makes the crop non-palatable for wild animals and is mainly used against deer.The study was undertaken in the selected areas in Vythiri panchayath, of Wayand district, where the crop raiding by wild animals are regular. The study area was selected after conducting a pilot survey and based on the information collected from the elected panchayath representatives. Three plots were selected for the study. All the three selected plots were having same crops grown and the major crops in the three plots included coffee and areca palm. Prior to the deterrent application in the plots, camera trap was used to monitor the wild animal entry into the field. This was also done to understand that activity pattern of the animals in the plots. It was found that the Sambar deer had the highest number of visits in the plots. It was also found that the peak activity of the wild animals in the field was during the late midnight hours. After the camera trap study in all the respective plots, the deterrents Herboliv®and Borep® were applied. And again, the camera trap was placed in the three plots to know the efficacy of the two deterrents. It was found that the number of wild animal entry into the three plots was reduced to a significant level.The study also evaluated the cost of the deterrents and found that the deterrentBorep® was more cost effective when compared to Herboliv®. This was because for the deterrent Herboliv®, a super dose should to be done in the field for better results.ThesisItem Open Access DIVERSITY, ABUNDANCE AND FORAGE PLANT ASSOCIATION IN RELATION WITH PROBOSCIS LENGTH OF SELECTED BUTTERFLY SPECIES IN KERALA VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES UNIVERSITY’S POOKODE CAMPUS(KVASU CENTRE FOR WILDLIFE STUDIES KERALA VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES UNIVERSITY POOKODE, WAYANAD, 2023-03-22) SWETHAKRISHNA V.K.; Dr. Biju S.Diversity, abundance and forage plant association with the proboscis length of selected species of butterflies of Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University’s Pookode Campus were studied over three months. Some butterflies are recognised as being biological indicators, it is crucial to periodically study their biodiversity in a habitat to ensure the health of an ecosystem. The protection of butterflies as an umbrella species, ensures the protection of other related organisms. A total of 89 species were recorded during the study period. The survey was conducted using width transects count method. The majority of butterfly species belonged to the family Nymphalidae and Lycanidae. The study reported 439 individuals, with Jamides celeno being the most common species, followed by Ypthima huebneri and Junonia iphita. According to the study, resting was followed by foraging as the most frequently observed behaviour, while mating and mud-puddling were the least prevalent. Vegetation was also identified and noted during the study period. A total of 54 species of shrubs and herbs were found in the study area, of which herbs dominated the shrub species. The length of the foraging flower corolla tube and proboscis were measured manually in mm. According to the study, most of the selected butterflies preferred tubular flowers and the relation between corolla length and proboscis length were positively correlated.ThesisItem Open Access ASSESSMENT OF PUBLIC PERSPECTIVES AND PREY DECLINE AS POSSIBLE THREATS TO OTTERS IN SELECTED SITES OF WAYANAD(KVASU CENTRE FOR WILDLIFE STUDIES KERALA VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES UNIVERSITY POOKODE, WAYANAD, 2023-03-22) SREEJITH M.; Dr. Biju P. HabeebA study was carried out to document the threats of otters in Wayanad district by understanding the problems of its food source (crabs and fishes) and ecosystem. The study mainly focused on the responses of the public having a close relation to both these animals. A pre-planned questionnaire was prepared and interviewed 100 people from two different places namely Appapara and Ozhukkanmoola were interviewed. Majority of respondents agreed that the stream was polluted with different chemicals and pesticides and the population size of otters, fishes and crabs were found to be decreased. Along with questionnaire survey a field study was also conducted to understand the variation in number of crab burrows in different localities having different levels of pesticide exposure. Four different plots were selected on the basis of pesticide exposure. which included zero direct exposed areas, fully exposed, moderately exposed and slightly exposed areas. Regular visits and noting down of the number of burrows in the 4 plots were made separately in every week over a period of one month. A notable variation was seen in between the plots. Total number of burrows and the newly formed burrows in the highly exposed plots were relatively lesser than the plots having zero or less exposure. This indicated that continuous use of pesticides may alter the ecosystem of crabs and hence the otters.ThesisItem Open Access FACTORS AFFECTING THE COMMUNAL ROOSTING BEHAVIOUR OF BIRDS AT PANAMARAM HERONRY, WAYANAD DISTRICT(KVASU CENTRE FOR WILDLIFE STUDIES KERALA VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES UNIVERSITY POOKODE, WAYANAD, 2023-03-22) ROSE FRANCIS; Dr. Biju SCommunal roosting of birds can be observed all over the world, it’s a common behaviour shown by birds to attain benefits of better thermoregulation, information attained on food, predators as well as breeding mates and also lower predation. Sometimes in the communal roost only, birds are found to nest and rear young ones. So, the conservation of such roosts is essential for the protection of birds and it can only happen with the help of scientific studies about it.In this present study, we are looking into various environmental factors affecting the communal roosting behaviour of birds in a mixed-species roost situated in a Heronry at Panamaram of Wayanad District, Kerala. The major objectives of the study also include the abundance of different species residing in the communal roost as well as the roost partitioning of the birds roosting. The inferences are made by directly observing the roost in the hours of 17:00hrs and 19:00hrs in the late evening with simple point count method and the data was documented with the help of photographs and videos. From the observations, it is identified that heronry is home to a total of 9 species belonging to 3 families which include species of Egrets, species of Cormorants and even Near Threatened Black headed Ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus). It’s a mixed-species roost since along with these heronry birds Passeriformes such as Jungle Myna (Acridotheres fuscus) are found communally roosting in the same heronry. Observations were also made on how light intensity, wind speed, and wind direction affect the roost and also time of arrival as well as the direction of arrival of roosting birds. Our results could significantly favour the relatedness of these factors with roosting behaviour and find an abundance of various roosting species of this heronryThesisItem Open Access NESTING SITE SELECTION OF WOOLLY-NECKED STORK (Ciconia episcopus episcopus, BODDAERT 1783) IN KERALA(KVASU CENTRE FOR WILDLIFE STUDIES KERALA VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES UNIVERSITY POOKODE, WAYANAD, 2023-03-22) NAVIN P. MATHEW; Dr. Biju S.The present study was carried out to document the nesting status and factors affecting nest-site selection of the Woolly-necked Storks (Ciconia episcopus) in Kerala. Woolly-necked Storks preferred to breed in Malappuram, Palakkad, and Thrissur of Central Kerala along the stretch of Bharathapuzha River basin apart from one site in Periyar Tiger Reserve of Idukki. The breeding reports in Kerala suggested that the bird begins its nesting season after monsoon rains. Nest sites in earlier reports were visited, and the adjacent areas expected for nesting are surveyed simultaneously. Out of the 24 nesting sites studied, 21 were found to be active. Majority of the nesting sites were found in Thrissur, followed by Palakkad and then Malappuram. The tree species preferred by the Woolly-necked Stork included Mangifera indica, Alstonia scholaris, Ficus religiosa, and Ficus callosa. Cell phone towers also hosted an almost equal number of nests as trees. Anthropogenic factors such as the distance of the nests from nearest roads, buildings, and human settlements showed no impact. Old trees with an average height of 19.61 m, were found to be preferred by the species for nesting. Nests were located at an average height of 30.1 m in towers and 15.15 m in trees. A strong positive correlation was found between nest height and substrate height (R=0.80). As the nesting sites in Central Kerala fall outside the protected area, conservation of these nesting sites could be challengingThesisItem Open Access NESTING STATUS EVALUATION OF WHITE-BELLIED SEA EAGLE (Haliaeetus leucogaster) IN NORTHERN KERALA(KVASU CENTRE FOR WILDLIFE STUDIES KERALA VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES UNIVERSITY POOKODE, WAYANAD, 2023-03-14) AMAL U. K.; Dr. Abdul Azeez C. PThe nesting status, nest site and tree characteristics of White-bellied Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster) were studied. The study was conducted from Mahe to Manjeshwaram which covered an area of 150 km along the coastal lines of the Kannur and Kasaragod districts. White-bellied Sea Eagle nests were found in 15 sites in Kasaragod district and 7 sites in Kannur district. The survey also recorded some new sites (N= 7). About 15 sites which were reported earlier were found to be either abandoned or lost. Nests were recorded in different tree species which included Mangifera indica (N=8), Ficus benghalensis (N=5), Casuarina Sp (N=3), Alstonia scolaris (N=2) etc. Nesting trees were found at an average altitude of 16 m above sea level, while some of the sites such as Mottakunnu, Panchajanyam and Kannur Cantonment were at 127 m, 124 m and 145 m above sea level. The nests were located at an average distance of 1075.71 ± 892.28 m from the sea and 1162.43 ± 1148.83 m from the river. The nesting sites were found at an average distance of 33 .85 ± 27.41 m from the roads and 22.75 ± 10.96 m from human settlements. Among the sites, 9 sites had very high ground vegetation followed by 8 sites with low or no ground vegetation. Fifty percent of the sites had medium tree cover. Birds were found to select trees with an average height of 23.21± 4.98 m, an average GBH 4.412 ± 3.99 m, and a canopy spread of 15.15±7.22 m. Tree height and nest height were found to be positively correlated (R^2= 0.8509). Conservation plans were suggested based on the observations.
