RECENT MAJOR RESEARCH OUTCOMES (2019-2021)

HIGHLIGHTS

Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University at its head-quarters in Pookode, houses an ICMR accredited COVID testing laboratory in the Dept of Veterinary Microbiology, CVAS, Pookode. The centre associates with district administration in management of COVID-19

An inactivated vaccine was developed against riemerellosis whichwas superior in terms of results obtained from the challenge study, antibody titre, cell mediated immune response and gene expression analysis than the subunit one. This vaccine has been recommended for use in field condition owing to its easiness to prepare and low cost.

• In vitro and in vivo studies on effect of dietary incorporation of ayurvedic pharmaceutic gritham residues, which are rich in energy, protein and fibre as replacement for costly energy feeds like maize and protein supplements like soybean meal were carried out and it was proved that Brahmi gritham residue and Panchagavya Gritham residue could safely and economically be incorporated in the rations of Malabari kids, with beneficial effects on their growth performance.
• Studies on dietary substitution of costly palm oil with cheaper rape seed oilshowed that substitution at different levels had no adverse on growth performance and economics of broilers.
• An evaluation of different fractions of the semen ejaculate of Large White Yorkshire boars indicated that the initial 10 mL of sperm rich fraction showed better preservability at 150C than rest of the semen fractions.
• Study of storage quality of liquid semen of Large White Yorkshire boar supplemented with cholesterol loaded cyclodextrin improved the quality of stored spermatozoa at 150C till 72 h. as indicated by improved progressive motility, sperm viability, functional membrane integrity and acrosome integrity after cryopreservation.
• A novel recombinant 22.6 kDa tegument protein of Schistosoma spindale (rSs22.6) was expressed and characterized. The novel protein based ELISA had an sensitivity of 92.11 % and specificity of 100 %. The assay is field validated and can be commercialized as a diagnostic kit
• Reported Haemaphysalis kutchensis and H.megalaimae for the first time in Kerala.
• A study to detect the presence of antibiotic resistant bacteria from the enteric tract/ faecal samples of chicken showed that most of the isolates exhibited high degree of resistance to antibiotics such as enrofloxacin, ofloxacin, clindamycin, ciprofloxacin and methicillin. Among the isolates, one E. coli was resistant to all the antibiotics tested. Eight isolates including one K. pneumoniae and seven E. coli were found to be resistant to one or more than one carbapenems tested viz., imipenem, meropenem and ertapenem.
• The presence of carbapenem resistant E. coli was confirmed in cattle and pigs.
• A high prevalence of carbapenem resistance (31 per cent) was noted among the isolates of Esherichia coli, Kliebsiella pnuemoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa associated with skin and urogential tract infections in dogs
• Seroprevalence of leptospirosis in goats in five districts of Kerala, Thrissur, Malappuram, Palakkad, Kozhikkode and Kannur, was studied by microscopic agglutination test and it was found to be 10.80 per cent. Serogroup Pomona was the most prevalent one.
• A DST sponsored project reported high prevalence of the infectious bronchitis virus in Kerala. RT-PCR assays targeting complete S1 subunit of spike gene, N gene and M gene were developed and standardised
• Structural and molecular studies on anatomical causes of infertility in crossbred dairy cows of Kerala revealed anoverall incidence estimate of 1.24 per cent. Cervical abnormality was the most common type noticed followed by ovarian hypoplasia, Mullerian duct abnormalities (like aplasia of body of uterus and uterus unicornis) and tubal obstruction. A candidate gene wnt7a that could be used for genome-wide scans of anatomical abnormality in bovine species at early stages itself was identified
• Characterization of Retinol Binding Protein 4 (Rbp4) Gene in Malabari and Attappady Black Goats of Kerala revealed monomorphic banding patterns for all six exons, which suggested the highly conserved nature of rBP4 gene in native goat breeds of Kerala
• Genetic variability analysis of several differentially expressed genes between different phenotypic groups of poultry and native goat breeds were done and candidate genes that could act as markers for the traits were identified.
• Screening of plants for anticancer activity was done and methanol extracts of plants such as Hordeum vulgare, Pergularia daemia Basella alba and Artocarpus hirsutuswere found to have the potential to be used for lead identification
• In vitro studies on 2,3,7,8 tetrachlorodibenxzo paradioxin (TCDD) which is a potential contaminant that is released to packed foods, from their packages was found to causean increase in the oestrogen secretion by H295 R cells.
• Technology for optimum drying of Rumen contents Blood mixture has been standardized and biomass briquettes were developed which could be transported and stored easily.
• Processing techniques for value addition of slaughter house by-products like bully stick – pet chew, canned pet food and aerobic composters were developed for ready adoption by entrepreneurs.
• A new product, instant chicken noodles were developed with spent chicken, natural antioxidant Aloe vera and natural colour paprika oleoresin (0.5%) that can be prepared and marketed at ambient temperature in laminated pouches for 60 days without spoilage with better nutritional and sensory properties.
• Digital image textural features of the muscle surfaces could be correlated successfully with the palatability related attributes in buffalo meat.
• Ready to eat cocktail nuggets with added functional ingredients like jackfruit powder and shatavari powder was developed and standardised
• Use of entomological tools for cost effective assessment of the quality and safety of meat vended at retail meat and poultry outlets was standardised
• A 37.84 per cent seroprevalence of TB was detected in 37 rescued captive sloth bears (Melursus ursinus) from Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre, Bengaluru using a lateral flow antibody detection kit.
• Chlamydia psittaci andMycoplasma gallisepticum were identified as the major infectious etiologies of respiratory diseases in psittacines in Kerala
• A 29.11 per cent seroprevalence of feline panleukopenia was detected among unvaccinated cat population of Northern Kerala
• Staphylococcus spp. was found to be the predominant organism isolated by urine culture and Amoxycillin- Clavulanic acid was the most sensitive antibiotic for dogs associated with Urolithiasis.
• In a study conducted on 125 dogs with skin lesions two species of Demodex mites ie. D. canis and D. cornei were identified using morphometry and nucleic acid sequencing. On phylogenetic analysis it was found that Demodex cornei is a morphological variant of D. canis
• On screening of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex(MTBC) by IS6110 gene targeted real-time PCR in post mortem samples of elephants, wildboar, monkey and deer from different wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala revealed four elephant samples to be positive. BLAST analysis of positive isolates pointed towards presence of non-tuberculous mycobacterium in these samples and hence it wss concluded that the lesions observed in these animals could be due to non-tuberculous mycobacteria.
• A balanced anaesthetic combination using four injectable anaesthetic drugs, dexmeditomidine, ketamine hydrochloride, midazolam and butorphanol at the dose rate 10µg, l0mg, 0.2 mg and 0.2 mg per kilo gram respectively mixed in a single syringe and given intramuscular was found safe, reliable and effective for elective surgical procedures with good quality of induction and faster recovery from surgical plane of anaesthesia.
• Auto-transplantation of minor labial salivary gland can be recommended as a surgical treatment for the management of dry eye in brachycephalic breeds of dogs without any complications considering its value as a simple method, and its merit in enhancing tear production and tear film breakup time
• A study was designed to evaluate seasonal influence of cryopreserved crossbred bull semen on IVF capacity concluded that hot dry summer season in Kerala will adversely affect the fertilization capacity of spermatozoa and rainy season in Kerala is the most favourable season for good quality semen production though all entire parameters measured were qualified the standards prescribed for semen to be used for AI during both the seasons
• Equations were formulated for the first time in Indian goat breeds to estimate gestational age by study of uterine artery haemodynamics
• A technique that requires less time and reagents was developed for detection of cow milk in goat milk
• College of Dairy Science and Technology has got approved by All India Council for Technical Education, adding another laurel to the more than 25 year old history of the first ever dairy technology college in the state.
• Dipping of paneer samples in the antimicrobial metabolites produced by Lactobacillus fermentum MH 782089 isolated from orange for a period of 30 minutes was found to be an effective method of biopreservation of paneer.
• Studies are on to evaluate the bioremediation potential of lactic acid bacteria isolated from different sources against cadmium and lead.
• Four laboratory pasteurization surviving psychrotrophic bacterial isolates from pasteurized milk and they were identified and characterized.
• A potentially probiotic lactic acid bacterium was isolated from human breast milk. Based on biochemical characterization and 16SrRNA sequencing, the isolate was identified as Pediococcus pentosaceus DM101, the sequence of which is deposited in NCBI with accession number MK774704. The isolate was encapsulated by extrusion method with a standardized procedure and the encapsulated microflora could be stored for 60 days both under 4°C and -18°C.
• A study to check the extent of thermal degradation of ghee and other edible oils on repeated use as cooking medium it was concluded that up to 4 repeated heating, coconut oil, sunflower oil and ghee are safe for consumption.
• Incorporation of organogels was found toimprove the textural characteristics like hardness and cohesiveness in yoghurt and also increased the unsaturated fatty acids content
• The addition of tea powder to the boiled milk followed by brewing was found to significantly reduce milk calcium and protein thereby reducing the overall nutritional value of milk.
• Standardized a process for the preparation of fat replaced low calorie chhana podo incorporated with Punica granatum peel powder by partial and complete replacement of fat and sugar with Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC) and sucralose respectively.
• An essential oil incorporated casein based edible coating of paneer with superior functional qualities was developed
• The manufacture of Emmental-type cheese observing pre-cheese technology was standardised.
• Identified date seed powder as a potential replacement for wheat flour in preparation of cake. It appeared to be a promising functional ingredient also as it increased the crude fibre, crude protein, fibre and total solids content of the cake.
• Optimised the growth conditions of different strains of Lactobacillus plantarum for increase in exopolysaccharide production. Purified EPS of Lb.plantarum strains NCDC 382 and UBLP-40 showed significant prebiotic activity.
• A whey based media was optimised for maintenance and preservation of starter cultures
• Developed a microencapsulation system for enhancing the viability of probiotic bacteria in functional foods
• Betel leaves and Kunnan Leaf stemwere found to significantly lower total viable count on addition to milk at four per cent level and hence could be considered for preservation of milk samples for analysis
• The recommended daily DM allowance for maintenance of medium sized nondescript dogs kept restrained was assessed to be 16-18 g (2400 kcal of ME/kg diet), 14-15 g (2700 kcal of ME/kg diet) and 13-14 g (3000 kcal of ME/kg diet) per kg body weight.
• Developed complete feeds incorporating Moringa oleifera and Sorghum sudanencefor goats
• Densified complete feed block (DCFB) technology was standardized and a paddy-strawbased product “NutriM DCFB” was commercially launched
• It was shown that milk production can be maintained in medium producing cows (10-12 L/day) by a ration containing a 17 % CP & 68 % TDN supplemented with 20 g each of rumen protected choline and rumen protected methionine .
• Real time PCR based detection and quantification of benzimidazole resistance polymorphisms in Haemonchus sp. of goats was found to be a rapid and easier method for assessment of gene frequency of benzimidazole resistance polymorphisms in pooled larval samples.
• Sequence analysis of the PCR amplified product revealed presence of homozygous resistant (RR) genotypes followed by heterozygous (RS) and homozygous susceptible (SS) genotypes in both Rhipicephalus sanguineus and R (B.) microplus isolates which highlights the need to devise alternate control strategies to reduce brown dog tick population.
• Epidemiological factors of GI parasitism in goats were studied and facilitated to design a calendar for optimum deworming in goats.
• Extensive studies on seroprevalence of caprine toxoplasmosis in aborted goats indicated that 51.85 % carried antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii. Molecular evidence of Neospora caninum in aborted goat foetal tissues was identified for the first time in the country using PCR and sequencing.
• Occurrence and identification of Eimeria species in chicken, turkey and quail in different poultry production systems reported the occurrence of Eimeria spp. in chicken (37.66 per cent) and quails (16.66 per cent) in organised poultry farms and backyard poultry units in and around Thrissur district. Eimeria tenella, E. necatrix and E. maxima were reported in chicken and E. bateri and E. tsunodai in quail. Molecular identification of Eimeria spp. in chicken using primers targeting the ITS-1 region was reported for the first time in Kerala.
• Overall prevalence of strongylosis in goats was estimated. Conventional microscopical faecal examination methods were compared with molecular detection methods. For simultaneous detection of strongyle infection in faecal samples of goats, a multiplex copro-PCR was developed
• Serological and molecular diagnosis of campylobacteriosis associated with bovine abortionindicated that the infection caused by Campylobacter foetus rarely caused abortion in bovines in Thrissur district.
• It was concluded that MLST could be used as an alternative to the whole genome sequencing and other cumbersome procedures for the serovar level identification of Leptospira. Further, it is recommended that for getting more promising results in MLST, the sequence data from at least seven genes need to be employed.
• The comparison of different staining techniques, Giemsa, Leishman and Acridine orange for diagnosing bacterial infection in blood revealed that Acridine Orange stain was found to be superior based on the analysis of data with respect to visualisation characteristics.
• Study on serological and molecular diagnosis of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) in Kerala detected the magnitude of the disease and the evolutionary relationship of the virus with other isolates.
• The New Castle disease virus isolates prevalent in Kerala were characterised by RT-PCR, intra cerebral pathogenicity index and mean death time and three of the isolates were classified under velogenic group and the remaining under mesogenic group. In this study, NDV isolates with lentogenic FPCS region belonging to velogenic and mesogenic pathotypes were obtained.
• Occurrence of Campylobacter jejuni in vegetables (14.89%), fruits (6%), fruit salad (9.09%), vegetable salad (18.18%), mushroom (10%), meat (4%) and milk (3.75%) was obtained from Thrissur and Ernakulam districts. Water samples from seven rivers of Thrissur district were subjected to study the survivability of Campylobacter spp.
• The Occurrence of Campylobacter spp. in duck, quail, backyard chicken and associated environmental samples was estimated. In duck rearing facility, it was 10, 8 and 2 per cent from cloacal swabs, soil and drinking water samples respectively. The overall occurrence in quail rearing facility was 10.45 per cent.
• Isolation and identification of extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) producing Klebsiella pneumoniae and Salmonella spp. from environmental samples was done. Out of the 420 water (Pond, river and paddy field) and soil samples collected from Thrissur district, 58.57 per cent and 12.62 per cent samples, respectively contained Klebsiella pneumoniae and Salmonella spp. Totally 68 K. pneumonia and 20 Salmonella spp. isolates were confirmed as extended spectrum beta lactamase producers
• Cloacal Carriage and Antimicrobial Resistance Profiling of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Producing Escherichia coli and Salmonella Enteritidis in Broiler Chicken was carried out. Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. were detected in 77.8 and 9.2 per cent of broiler chicken cloacal samples from Kottayam and Kollam. Escherichia coli isolates showed resistance to ampicillin, cephalosporins and amoxicillin-clauvanic acid
• Isolation and molecular characterization of Escherichia coli pathotypes in drinking water and identification of the possible sources of contamination was undertaken. Escherichia coli, ETEC, EAEC and EHEC were detected in 51.09, 0.20, 12.87 and 5.35 per cent of water samples. Occurrence of E. coli in drinking water had highly significant association with the distance of well from the septic tank
• Detection of pathogenic leptospires in slaughtered cattle of Thrsssur showed that among the cattle slaughtered in Thrissur, the predominant serovar detected were Sejroe, Grippotyphosa and Australis. The predominant serovars detected in slaughterhouse workers were Djasiman and Bataviae
• Occurrence of Campylobacter spp. in seafoods was 12.24 per cent, 11.76 per cent, 13.51 per cent in marine fishes, crustacean and molluscs respectively. Sanitisers like hot water, chitosan, bleaching powder and aqueous extract of Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth) were effective on biofilms of the C. jejuni and C. coli at various combination treatments.
• The prevalence of E. coli, Salmonella spp. and Campylobacter spp. from retail chicken of Kerala was 54.17, 14.33 and 17.17 per cent, respectively. The highest per cent of resistance was detected to nalidixic acid in E. coli and to tetracycline in Salmonella spp. and Campylobacter spp. The aqueous cold extract of C. guianensis was found to have good antibacterial property against drug resistant E. coli, Salmonella spp. and Campylobacter spp.
• The species-specific anatomical features of the bones of wild birds which are of archaeological significance was studied which will be helpful to identify the species of wild birds fossils recovered by the paleontologists.
• A morphological and morphometric study on the hoof of crossbred cattle and buffalo was undertaken
• Genetic diversity analysis among cattle genetic groups of kerala using microsatellite markers was envisaged on six cattle genetic groups namely, Vechur, Kasargode, Vadakara dwarf and low, medium, high milk yielding crossbred cows of Kerala. A new closed breeding group of indigenous cattle named Vilwadri cattle from Thrissur district was also included in the study. Initial results indicate that the Kasargode cattle, Vilwadri cattle and the only indigenous breed of Kerala – the Vechur, show distinct genetic differences from other cattle of Kerala. The Vadakara population shows admixture and needs attention for improvement. High yielding crossbreds have also differentiated from the rest genetically, maybe due to the selection pressure applied on the crossbreds.
• Parietal layer of tunica vaginalis (PTV) collected from the testes of adult healthy pigs slaughtered at the Meat Technology Unit, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy were used for the development of the acellular matrix. Present study revealed that tunica vaginalis which is being discarded from local meat industry can be turned into a biomaterial.
• The (co) variance components and genetic parameters viz. heritability and genetic and phenotypic correlations of major performance traits of crossbred cattle of Kerala were estimated with “average information” restricted maximum likelihood (AI-REML) procedure with univariate, bivariate and multi-trait animal models.
• The development of breed genetic traceability using breed specific markers for Malabari and Atttappady goats of Kerala. The identification and validation of genetic markers useful for litter size trait enhancement and genomic regions responsible for production and adaptability traits in native goat breeds were identified.
• Effect of lemongrass oil and citral in combating antibiotic resistance in staphylococcus aureus isolates from bovine mastitis was studied. The GC-MS analysis of the lemongrass oil (LGO) confirmed the presence of citral as the major constituent (72 per cent), and in silico molecular docking studies revealed that citral was having moderate binding affinity for mecA via hydrogen bond and hydrophobic interactions. These are indicative of the vital role of LGO and citral in alleviation of methicllin/oxacillin resistance partly via downregulation of mecA and antibiofilm activities.
• Evaluation of the anticancer properties of methanol extract of Crataeva nurvala (Neermathalam) and Garcinia gummigutta (Kudampuli) in MDA-MB-231 cell line was carried out. Methanol extracts of C. nurvala and G. gummigutta exhibited a concentration dependent cytotoxic activity in TNF-α stimulated MDA-MB-231 breast carcinoma cell lines. The plant extracts were effective in inducing apoptotic cell death via intrinsic and extrinsic pathways and might be considered as a source for isolating therapeutic molecules for the treatment of inflammatory breast cancer with TNBC phenotype.
• Aqueous fraction of methanolic extract of T. indica seed coat showed significant hepatoprotective, antioxidant and nephroprotective potentials against acetaminophen/paracetamol toxicity with a preliminary safety profile. Hence, T. indica seed coat might be recommended for advanced efficacy and toxicity studies to develop it as a promising therapeutic agent for the effective management of paracetamol toxicity in both humans and animals.
• Wound healing activity of borneol and borneol incorporated κ-carrageenan- gelatin hydrogel coos linked with glutaraldehyde in normal rats and diabetic rats was assessed. It is found that the gel possess ambient morphological, physical chemical and biomedical charecteristics suited for its use in animals and has the propensity to quickly heal wounds in normal and diabetic rat models without producing any systemic toxicities
• Modulation of oestrogenic activity by alcoholic extracts of asparagus racemosus and boerhavia diffusa in mcf-7 cell line was undertaken with the objective of studying the modulation of oestrogenic activity by the methanolic extracts of Asparagus racemosus and Boerhavia diffusa in MCF-7 cell lines. The methanolic extracts of A. racemosus increased the concentration of oestrogen secretion from MCF-7 cells whereas of B. diffusa and Naringenin significantly reduced the concentration of oestrogen in a dose dependent manner.
• Cytotoxic, carcinogenic and genotoxic effects of carbosulfan in cultured mammalian cells was estimated, which were due to ROS mediated oxidative stress. Carbosulfan treatment showed time dependent carcinogenicity in BALB/c 3T3 clone A31 cells using cell transformation assay, while in vitro chromosomal aberration test revealed significant concentration and time dependent chromosomal aberrations by carbosulfan.
• Antineoplastic activity of baicalein and piperlongumine nanoparticles was done to evaluate antitumour activity of nanoparticles synthesised from baicalein and piperlongumine on experimentally induced DLA model in mice. The biosynthesised nanoparticles showed anticancer activity with significant induction of apoptosis by down regulation of Bcl-2 and up regulation of Caspase-3, p53 genes. Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species also contributed to their anticancer property. Piperlongumine nanoparticles showed more potent antineoplastic activity than baicalein nanoparticles.
• Organic briquettes as plant growth supplement was developed using rumen contents, blood and coir pith as an eco-friendly process, which are compact, easy to transport and market, and suitable for grow bag cultivation and garden nurseries.
• The pet pasta was standardised. Shelf stable pet pasta with good nutritive value and palatability was prepared by incorporating animal by-products with a low cost of production (Rs. 153.85 per Kg) and better nutritional values. It can be fed as dry or moist food as per the preference of the dog and convenience of the owner.
• Compostable eco-friendly chicken feather- natural rubber latex composite material developed in the form of a sheet which is flexible and user-friendly can be used as an insulating material for cold chain maintenance especially for the perishable food items.
• Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with VBL-P protocol was found highly beneficial in defining surgical margins. Surgical approaches to neoplasms were streamlined based on TNM staging which were later correlated with histopathological grading of neoplasms. The response to treatment was assessed by Modified Karnofsky performance scales in dogs and Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumours (RECIST) guidelines.
• Comparative evaluation of modified proximal perineal urethrostomy and tube cystostomy for the treatment of chronic obstructive urolithiasis in male goats was undertaken The MPPU technique demanded high levels of skill and accuracy to locate the perineal urethra.
• Comparative efficacv of 4- Amino Pyridine and Polyethylene glycol in combination with methyl prednisolone sodium succinate for the treatment of spinal cord injury in dogs was carried out and the recovery was found to be earlier among the animals treated with 30 per cent solution of polyethylene glycol
• Clinical efficacy of midazolam – ketamine- isoflurane anaesthesia in butorphanol - xylazin premedicated bovines was conducted and the results showed the protocol adopted was suitable safe anaesthesia in cattle, with adequate unconsciousness, analgesia and muscle relaxation to carry out major surgical procedures.
• Radiographic evaluation of thorax to aid staging of superficial and mammary neoplasms in dogs was undertaken.The FNAC of primary tumour mass and histopathology were correlated with the radiographic findings. The detectability of the cardiopulmonary lesions were studied to develop a protocol for TNM (Tumour- Node- Metastasis) staging of superficial and mammary neoplasms in dogs.
• B-mode ultrasound scan is a non-invasive and versatile diagnostic modality which was helpful in diagnosing various disease conditions which otherwise would have been missed with conventional techniques.
• Clinical efficacy of propofol induced isoflurane anaesthesia in geriatric dogs premedicated with diazepam and butorphanol was undertaken. The quality of sedation, induction, maintenance and recovery from general anaesthesia were good without any complication. Electrocardiographic, blood pressure and blood gas parameters were within the regular standard range in all geriatric animals and thus the anaesthetic protocol had minimum adverse effects on cardio-pulmonary system.
• The SOP plate application was found to be effective in providing early pain free ambulation and also in managing fractures of long bones in dogs.
• It was found that drop in serum progesterone level to less than 2 ng/ml is not a mandate in dogs for elective CS. Surgeries could be safely performed up to a level of 4ng/mL of serum progesterone.
• The initial research to ascertain differences among the various fractions of boar semen , sperm rich fraction (SRF) (F1 and F2) and its preservability in liquid state at 15°C were carried out. Cryopreservation of the F1 and use of F2 or remaining semen for immediate artificial insemination or chilled preservation can yield in better utilization of available germplasm. The cryopreservability could again be increased with use of SDS.
• Prematuration with cAMP modulators and increasing the duration of prematuration have a direct positive correlation with the developmental competence of bovine oocytes. This research opens up the possibility of modifying the in vitro maturation system by including prematuration with cAMP modulators for in vitro embryo production
• A new model for prediction of whelping date small breeds of dogs was developed and the results of the present study indicated that, existing model overestimated the prediction of parturition date, while the new model increased accuracy of prediction of whelping dates in small sized breeds. The results of the study paved the way for developing breed specific models for prediction of parturition.
• The developmental competence of goat oocytes selected using brilliant cresyl blue (BCB) staining and to evaluate the individual and combined effect of foetal bovine serum (FBS) and oestrus goat serum (OGS) on in vitro maturation (IVM). Goat oocytes selected using BCB (BCB+) stain showed significantly higher maturation and fertilisation rate. The study revealed that BCB staining could be used as a non-invasive selection tool for competent goat oocytes in in-vitro embryo production.
• Echobiometric and doppler studies of the canine prostate and testes demonstrated the possible use of echobiometric and Doppler studies of the canine prostate and testes in the critical evaluation of dogs with subfertility and the use of such tools in the design of relevant treatment protocols.
• Shortening of inter-oestrus interval in dogs through manipulation of diestrus can be achieved by combination therapy using PGF2αanalogue (Cloprostenol) and GnRH agonist (leuprolide acetate) but, further investigations are warranted to elucidate on conception and pregnancy after oestrus induction.
• Characterization of indigenous duck germplasm, improvement of meat type ducks and to develop improved location specific duck strains.
• Isolate and characterization of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from natural sources having excellent starter properties, exo-polysaccharide production potential and probiotic character was undertaken. Among the isolates tested, P.pentosaceous found to be the best probiotic one followed by E. faecium
• The impact of four antifungal agents (sodium benzoate, benzoic acid, potassium sorbate and sorbic acid) at different concentrations (0.00025%, 0.0005%, 0.001% and 0.002%) on quality of curd/ dahi samples were studied. When four antifungal agents were compared potassium sorbate was the most effective agent in controlling growth of yeast and mould. Sorbic acid showed maximum potential for reducing syneresis and increasing curd tension.
• Grass based complete feeds for lactating dairy cows, with the optimum level of NDF viz., 35 per cent, containing the unconventional protein rich feed ingredient coffee husk, was successfully developed for the first time in Kerala, with economic benefits.
• Progesterone based synchronization programs were found useful to manage prolonged oestrus in cattle which helped to alleviate untimely breeding of cows resulting in conception failure.
• Identification of the causative genes and mutations conferring resistance against tick infestation in cattle was undertaken to identify the genes that confer resistance against tick infestation in cattle and the possibility of using the highly significantly differentially expressed genes as candidate genes and to develop the polymorphism in these genes as a marker for genetic resistance against tick infestation. One intronic SNP in the S100A8 gene and four SNPs in the SELE gene were identified. These five novel SNPs were used for genetic polymorphism study by PCR-RFLP.
• Mitochondrial Cytochrome b based phylogenetic analysis reveals divergence between Nilgiri Langur and other Langurs of Western Ghats.Phylogenetic analysis of the sequenced samples along with sixty-eight CYTB sequences of subfamily Colobinae retrieved from the NCBI database has shown that there exists divergence between Nilgiri Langur and other Langurs but they fall into the same clade with a common ancestor.
• The biogas production and composition from the two stage restricted flow anaerobic baffled biogas digester was significantly higher than single stage non-baffled digester. Co-digeting kitchen waste and cow dung in 1:1 propotion improved the DM, C/N ratio and volatile solid percentage of the substrate for better biogas production than either alone.
• Identification of urine biomarkers for diagnosis of tuberculosis in elephants was undertaken and Galactosylgalactosylxylosylprotein 3-beta-glucuronosyltransferase was identified as a potent biomarker for tuberculosis. The present study is the first report of the presence of Galactosylgalactosylxylosylprotein 3-beta-glucuronosyltransferase protein in urine of elephant.
• Cloacal swabs from a total of 200 exotic pigeons belonging to 24 lofts from Northern districts of Kerala were collected to isolate Salmonella and to understand its antimicrobial resistance profile. The isolates were resistant to tetracycline and enrofloxacin and most of the isolates were sensitive to amoxicillin clavulanate, chloramphenicol and ampicillin. Genes coding for the resistance towards tetracycline, tetracycleine and chloramphenicol were detected in the isolates studied. Two isolates were serotyped and were found to be Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Kentucky.
• A study on the morphological pattern of branching of bronchial tree in the bovine lungs and porcine lungs by soft corrosion cast method employing silicone gel revealed existence of variation in relation to the level at which branching occurred and the number of secondary and tertiary bronchi and spatial distribution pattern elicited by these branches.