A study was conducted to identify the suitable planting material (stem cuttings/ root slips) for propagation of Cumbu Napier Hybrid Grass Co(BN)5 understorey Cocus nucifera with different fertilizers and manures and to examine the nutritive value of the fodder. The experiment had seven treatments replicated thrice, T1 (Stem cuttings for propagation-Control), T2 (Stem cuttings + Recommended dose of fertilizer), T3 (Root slips + Recommended dose of fertilizer), T4  (Stem cuttings + Farm yard manure@10t/ha), T5 (Root slips + Farm yard manure @ 10t/ha), T6  (Stem cuttings + Farm yard manure @10t/ha + Recommended dose of fertilizer) and T7  (Root slips + Farm yard manure @10t/ha + Recommended dose of fertilizer). No significant (P>0.05) variations were observed in the yield irrespective of planting material and manuring. Significantly highest plant height was observed in Root slips + Farm yard manure @10t/ha + Recommended dose of fertilizer (T7), the number of tillers / plant and leaves per tiller, were significantly highest in Stem cuttings + Farm yard manure @10t/ha + Recommended dose of fertilizer (T6), leaves per clump were significantly highest in T6 and T7. No significant variation existed in the fortnightly body weight, average daily gain and dry matter intake of animals fed Cumbu Napier hybrid grass Co(CN)4 Vs Cumbu Napier hybrid grass Co(BN)5. However, Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) in the IVth week was significantly better in Cumbu Napier hybrid grass Co(BN)5 fed cattle. It was concluded that to cultivate Co(BN)5 understorey Cocus nucifera stem cutting with application of farm yard manure and recommended dose of fertilizer was the best practice.

A study was carried out to assess the effect of dietary crude protein on growth performance and carcass characteristics of Kadaknath chicken up to 12th weeks of age. A total of 240-day old Kadaknath chicks were purchased from the College of Poultry Production and Management, TANUVAS, Hosur and wing banded, weighed individually and distributed randomly into four experimental groups with three replicates of 20 chicks each. Four experimental diets were formulated with four levels of crude protein viz., 14, 16, 18 and 20 per cent with 2800 kcal/kg ME. Growth performance and carcass characteristics were studied. All the data generated were statistically analysed and interpreted. The Kadaknath chicken fed with 20 per cent crude protein with 2800 kcal /kg ME had highest 12th week body weight (1018.66± 55.19 g ) when compared to other treatment groups. The carcass characteristics of Kadaknath chicken showed significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) among treatment groups for eviscerated carcass weight, eviscerated carcass yield, ready-to-cook weight, ready-to-cook yield and per cent giblets. The per cent cut–up parts of Kadaknath chicken at 12 th week of age did not show significant difference among treatment groups. The present study concluded that Kadaknath chicken fed with higher crude protein (20 % CP) resulted in significantly higher 12th week body weight, eviscerated carcass and ready-to-cook yield.

An one and half year old Jersey crossbred heifer was presented to the Veterinary Clinical Complex, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal with the history of recurrent bloat, copious salivation, severe respiratory distress and abdominal distension. Under local infiltration with 2% lignocaine hydrochloride, trocharization was performed on left paralumbar fossa using trochar and canula to relieve the gas from the rumen. Palpable hard mass noticed in the caudal cervical esophagus and attempt was made to retrieve with the hand through the oral cavity was unsuccessful. Oesophagogram revealed barium stasis on ventral aspect between 4 th and 5 th cervical vertebra. As the obstruction could not be relieved by passing a probang, cervical oesophagotomy was performed and foreign body (Trichobezoar) was retrieved without any complications.

Gross anatomical structure of pelvic bone in conure bird was studied. The shape of the pelvic girdle was in the form of inverted blade and consisted of ilium, ischium and pubis, constituting the two pelvic bones of which the ilium was largest and between the two pelvic bones, the rhomboid shaped lumbosacral mass was observed. Above the level of acetabulum ilium was separated by a small bony ridge as pre and post acetabular part. Posterior end of ilium had a slender, linear and extended part and had a straight process which projected ventrally. There was no ilioneural canal. Ilium, ischium and pubis formed the acetabulum. The caudodorsal rim of acetabulum presented a triangular facet an anti-trochanter. Ischium was a thick and triangular bony plate below the level of posterior rim of the  acetabulum. Ventral border of the ischium had an obturator foramen with broader caudal end. Ilium formed  synostosis with pubis and ischium and a large ischio-pubic notch were also formed. Pubis was thin , slender bone extended behind the medial border of ischium. Ischium was bent posteromedially. Pubis was not fused with ischium to form obturator foramen, but formed a notch-like structure. The pectineal process was less developed.

Incidence of candidiasis and its ability to be a primary infection in a native chicken flock of 500 birds reared in cage system was reported. Grossly, pseudomembranous growth giving turkey-towel appearance was noticed in dead birds. Crops from affected chicken yielded Candida albicans was confirmed by culture and germ tube production in poultry serum from the crop samples collected from affected birds. Administration of copper sulphate was found to be effective in containing illness and the signs associated with candidiasis in the affected flock.

A primiparous Holstein Friesian crossbred cow was brought to VCC, VC&RI Namakkal with ventral swelling. Based on rectal examination and abdominal palpation it was diagnosed as right sided uterine torsion with prepubic tendon rupture. After the fetal delivery by caesarean section and proper postoperative care is given for a period of 10 days, life of the dam was saved.

Recently calved Jersey crossbred primiparous cow was presented with history of in appetence and scanty voiding of dung for past 3 days. On physical examination vital parameters were within normal range. On per rectal examination, there was distended caecum from the pelvic inlet which extended cranially. Per rectal examination revealed distension of caecum which was extended cranially. Simultaneous auscultation and percussion on the right upper flank revealed clear metallic ping sound which extended up to 11th intercostal space on first day. Transabdominal ultrasonographic examination revealed thick semicircular echogenic caecal wall and contents on mid upper flank, extended up to 11th intercostal space. Bethanechol 0.07 mg/kg SID orally along with parenteral fluid therapy was given for 3 days. On fourth day after initiation of therapy the animal voided dung normally and recovered uneventfully.

The quality and quantity of wool production is a function of number and type of wool follicles. Hence a study was conducted to evaluate the follicular characteristics of corriedale sheep, a dual purpose breed established well in the temperate climatic conditions of Kashmir valley. Skin samples of corriedale sheep were collected ethically from different body regions viz; neck, shoulder, thorax, flank and back of both sexes and preserved in 10% neutral buffered formalin. The samples were processed for histomorphlogy. Primary and secondary follicle density and their diameter was recorded. Secondary to primary follicle ratio was also calculated. The study revealed the difference in the follicular density and S/P follicle ratio between the sexes as well as between the body regions. In general, the follicle density and S/P ratio was found higher in the flank and thorax region respectively. Evaluation of the follicular profile at flank and thorax during early period will serve as a reliable predictor for the wool yield and quality. 

Bacteriological quality of khoa based sweets marketed through different retail outlets of Thrissur city was evaluated based on total viable count, coliform count, yeast & mould count and staphylococcal count. Altogether 72 samples of khoa based sweets such as peda, burfi and gulabjamun were evaluated for their bacteriological quality. Out of the total peda samples tested, coliforms were prevalent in 37.5%, yeast and mould in 91.7% and staphylococcal organisms in 41.7% of the samples. In burfi, coliforms were prevalent in 66.6%, yeast and mold in 95.8% and staphylococcal organisms in 83.3 % of the samples tested. In gulabjamun, coliforms, yeast and mould and staphylococcal organisms were present in 45.8%, 91.6% and 70.8% respectively of the samples tested. The highest rate of contamination was recorded in burfi while the lowest was recorded in peda. Strict hygienic measures during preparation and storage are recommended to ensure the quality of the products. 

Biometry and follicular parameters of porcine ovaries sourced from organized and unorganized-slaughterhouses and relative comparison of oocyte retrieval methods, namely aspiration and slicing, are reported in the present study. Average length and width of the ovaries, and numbers of surface and cystic follicles were higher in ovaries sourced from organized slaughterhouses. Average number of oocytes recovered per ovary by slicing (12.93±1.49) was significantly higher (P<0.01) than aspiration (6.36±1.02). However, aspiration yielded higher percentage (65.21±5.71) of good quality oocytes (A) (P<0.01) suitable for upstream applications of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Further, our study reveals that ovaries sourced from unorganized slaughterhouses can also be used for ART, and use of aspiration method may yield better quality oocytes.