Browsing by Author "Viswanathan, T V"

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Comparative evaluation of selected types of Piper longum (Linn.) in coconut plantations
(Department of Agricultural Botany, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1994) Jaya Manuel; Viswanathan, T V
Comparative evaluation of five selected types of piper longum (Linn.) namely Cheematippali, Panniyur, Mala, Pattambi and Kaanjur was carried out in the Department of Agricultural Botany, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during the year 1990-92 with the objective to select the best type of piper longum in order to recommend for large scale cultivation after evaluating economic characters and active principles. Experiment was laid out in Randomised Block Design with five replications. Observations were recorded for twenty three vegetative characters, nine productive characters and total alkaloidal content in dried spikes of piper longum for all the five types. The study revealed that the five types of piper longum differed for eleven vegetative characters namely length of the longest stem, number of vegetative branches per stem, length of leaf, width of leaf, legth of petiole, spread of the plant, internodal length of main stem, number of spike bearing branches per stem and angle of insertion of spike bearing branch and for three productive characters namely number of spikes per spike bearing branch, yield of green spike and yield of dry spike at one or all of the stages for which observations were recoeded. Of the above characters for which the five types differed significantly eight characters showing high and significant correlation with yield were chosen for carrying out studies on intercorrelation among yield components and path analysis. Correlation studies and path analysis revealed that angle of insertion of spike bearing branch, number of stems per hill, number of spikes per spike bearing branch and number of spike bearing branches per stem and yield green spike were the most important characters influencing dry spike yield. The studies on the total alkaloidal content in dried spikes of piper longum revealed that though Panniyur recorded the maximum alkaloidal content in percentage, with respect to total alkaloidal out put from an unit area of land Cheematippali was found to be superior to Panniyur since dry spike yield per hectare of Cheematippali was significantly superior to Panniyur. Mala recorded the minimum alkaloidal content in the dried spikes. Cheematippali showed constistency superior performance for all the important characters at all the stages and could be recommended for large scale cultivation after multilocational trials. Kaanjur can also be considered as a promising type since only in a very few characters it failed to establish its superiority over Cheematippali. The type Mala was found to be consistently inferior to all other five types of piper longum for all the vegetative and productive characters studied.
Cytogenatic analysis in kacholam
(Department of Agricultural Botany, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1993) Rekha, K; Viswanathan, T V
The present study on cytogenetics of Kaempferia galanga L. in relation to seed set was undertaken at the Department of Agricultural Botany, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during the period 1991-93. A local selection ‘Vellanikkara’ grown under garden of AICRP on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants was used for the study. The major objectives were to confirm the existing reports on chromosome numbers, to determine the nature of pliody based on meiotic studies and to find out reasons for seedlessness in the crop in cytology and floral biology. The procedure for karyotype studies in Kaempferia was standardized. Pre-treatment of the roots in – bromonaphthalene for hours at 40C followed by fixation in Carnoy’s fluid for 24 hours and staining overnight in Snow’s carmine were effective in getting best cytological preparations. Mitotic studies revealed that this species is a polyploid and with all probability a pentaploid with 2n = 5x = 55. This somatic chromosome number is being reported for the first time in Kaempferia galanga L. The karyotype was found to be a symmetric one and belonged to ‘1a’ group of Stebbins (1958) classification. Meiotic studies revealed the presence of associations involving three, four, five and six chromosomes in addition to the bivalents and univalent. However, the number of multivalents were much less than expected and later meiotic abnormalities were rather almost absent. Pollen grains also exhibited reasonable fertility and viability. Based on both mitotic and meiotic studies it was indicated that Kaempferia galanga L. is a segmental allopolyploid with five sets of genomes designated as A1A2A2A2A2. Studies on floral morphology and artificial pollinations to induce seed set led to the conclusion that seedlessness in the crop is mainly due to the incompatibility factors in the style and stigma. The spiny stigma does not permit the proper adherence and germination of the pollen grains and the pollen tube growth attained was not sufficient to surpass the lengthy style and to reach the ovary. Attempts to induce seed set by hand pollination and stub pollination also failed.
Effect of brewery waste on nutrient digestability of paddy straw based diet in lactating cows
(Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2009) SenthilKumar, S; Viswanathan, T V
Effect of dietary Cation-Anion balance on growth performance of broiler chicken
(Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2005) Mary Juliet Francis; Viswanathan, T V
An investigation over a period of six weeks was carried out to study the effect of dietary cation-anion balance on growth performance of broiler chicken. One hundred and sixty commercial day-old broiler chicks were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments viz., Tl, T2, T3 and 14 having four replicates each. The experimental diets were standard broiler ration with varying DCAB of 260 meq/kg (Tl, control), 210 meq/kg (T2), 310 meq/kg (T3) and 360 meq/kg (T4). Cation-anion balance was varied using sodium bicarbonate and ammonium chloride. Results indicated that the dietary treatments did not differ significantly in body weight, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, feed intake, water consumption and processing yields. Body weight at the end of six weeks was 2069, 2031, 2047 and 2020 g and the cumulative mean body weight gain was 2023, 1984, 2000 and 1973 g for Tl, T2, T3 and T4, respectively. Average daily feed intake was 159.39, 164.46, 166.65 atid 169.81 g and mean cumulative PGR were 2.04, 2.02, 2.04 and 2.09, respectively, for Tl, T2, T3 and T4. No significant difference was observed in serum minerals or biochemical parameters such as serum uric acid, cholesterol and glucose. Birds in T3 and T4 showed significantly higher (P<0.05) intake and balance of sodium than Tl and T2. Retention of chloride was significantly higher (P<0.05) for T3 and T4 whereas chloride intake was significantly lower (P<0.05) for T3 and T4. Overall evaluation of the results of the present study reveals that dietary cation-anion balance does not have a significant influence on growth performance of broiler chicken.
Effect of dietary potassium diformate on growth performance in large white yorkshire pigs
(Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 2003) Suresh, M; Viswanathan, T V
A study was carried out to assess the influence of potassium diformate on growth performance, digestibility of nutrients and carcass quality in Large White Yorkshire pigs. Thirty weaned male piglings with an average live weight of 13.0 kg were divided into three equal groups as uniform as possible with regard to age and body weight. Pigs were maintained on three experimental diets viz., T j - control standard grower (18 per cent crude protein and 3150 kcal/kg ME) and finisher ration (15.5 per cent crude protein and 3100 kcal/kg ME), T2 - control diet supplemented with 0.75 per cent potassium diformate and T3 - control diet supplemented with 1.5 per cent potassium diformate. The average daily gain of 465,494 and 519 g were recorded for the groups Tj , T2 and T3, respectively. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) between the supplemented group and the group fed control diet. However, there was a trend for a higher growth rate of 6.2 per cent and 11.7 per cent, reported for T2 and T 3 over those fed control diet. The average cumulative feed conversion efficiency were 3.97, 3.74 and 3.55 for the groups Tj, T2 and T3, respectively. Addition of potassium diformate at 0.75 and 1.5 per cent level in the diet of growing-finishing pigs had a higher (Pthose fed control diet. Ther,e was no significant difference (P>0.05) between the supplemented groups. However, there was a trend for a higher feed efficiency for those fed 1.5 per cent potassium diformate supplemented diet. The digestibility coefficients for dry matter, ether extract, crude protein and nitrogen free extract were significantly higher (Ppotassium diformate at both the levels (0.75 and 1.5 per cent). There was no significant difference between the supplemented groups. Dressing percentage, carcass length, back fat thickness, loin eye area and others were not significantly influenced (P>0.05) by the inclusion of potassium diformate at different levels. The costs of feed per kg live weight gain of pigs were Rs.32.82, 32.05 and 31.50, respectively for T1, T2 and T3. The above results indicate that potassium diformate can be economically incorporated at l.5 per cent level in the diet of Large White Yorkshire pigs.
Effect of particle size of maize on the growth performance and digestibility of nutrients in crossbred (Large White Yorkshire x Desi) pigs
(Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2000) Vasudevan, G; Viswanathan, T V
An investigation was carried out to assess the influence of particle size of maize on the growth performance, digestibility of nutrients and carcass quality in crossbred pigs. Twenty four female weaned crossbred (Large White Yorkshire x Desi) piglings with an average live weight of 14.5 kg were divided into three groups (Tj, T2 and T3) of eight animals as uniformly as possible. They were maintained on the same diet containing maize with the particle size of 3 mm, 1 mm and <0.1 mm, respectively for a period of five months. The average daily gains of 317, 335 and 373 g were recorded for the groups Tj, T2 and T3, respectively. The cumulative feed conversion ratios were 5.38, 5.08 and 4.57 for the groups Tl, T2 and T3, respectively. Finely ground maize in the diet of growing-finishing pigs improved average daily gain and feed conversion efficiency by 6 per cent each over medium ground maize and by 18 per cent and 15 per cent over coarsely ground maize, respectively. As the particle size of maize reduced an overall improvement in the digestibility of nutrients was observed. The pigs fed diet containing finely ground maize showed better nutrient digestibility than those fed with coarse or medium ground maize. Results of the studies on carcass traits revealed that there was no significant difference in the dressing percentage, carcass length, back fat thickness and loin eye area due to variation in the particle size of maize. Cost of feed per kg live weight of animals in the three groups Tl, T2 and T3 were Rs. 42.34,40.49 and 37.11, respectively. 2 This decrease in cost of feed per kg weight gain of pigs with reduction in the particle size of maize is due to better feed conversion efficiently as a result of increased nutrient digestibility. The above results confirm the positive influence of fme grinding of maize on the growth performance, feed conversion efficiency and nutrient digestibility in cross bred pigs. The additional benefit of reduced nutrient excretion due to increased digestibility will make swine husbandry more eco-friendly.
Effect of two common liming materials on the growth, nodulation and yield of cowpea (Vigna Unguiculata)
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1980) Viswanathan, T V; Viswambharan, K; Raveendran, C S
Evaluation of feeding value of rubber seed cake for promoting growth in calves
(Department of Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1977) Viswanathan, T V; Ananthasubramaniam, C R
A detailed investigation was carried out to assess the value of rubber seed cake as an ingredient in the concentrate mixture of calves to study the growth rate, nutriture, feed efficiency and economics of rearing. Twenty four, Jersey x Sindhi cross – bred calves of 8 – 14 months of age belonging to the University Livestock Farm, Mannuthy were divided into three equal groups and distributed under three dietary treatments, T1, T2 and T3, the animals being fed concentrate mixtures containing 0, 15 and 30 per cent levels of rubber seed cake respectively for a period of six months. Paddy straw served as the sole roughage. Rubber seed cake at 30 per cent level promoted better weight gains, body size and feed efficiency. Incorporation of rubber seed cake in the concentrate mixture improved the digestibility coefficients of nutrients as also the balance of nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus in the animals. Animals fed rubber seed cake maintained perfect health as evidenced from their haematological values and were free from any toxic effect as adjudged from the histopathological examination of the internal organs and their carcass quality. The cost of feed was found to be 14 per cent lower for kg body weight gain when rubber seed cake was incorporated at 30 per cent level in the concentrate mixture of growing calves. The overall results obtained during the course of the present investigation indicate that rubber seed cake can be incorporated in the concentrate mixture for growing calves at 30 per cent level to achieve both biological and economic efficiency.
Evaluation of kacholam (kaempferia galanga L.) types for morphological variability and yield
(Department of Agricultural Botany, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1994) Latha, E V; Viswanathan, T V
An investigation on the evaluation of Kacholam (Kaempferia galanga L.) types for morphological variability and yield was undertaken at the College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 1993-94. The experiment was aimed at studying the extent of morphological variability and yield contributing characters in the local collection of Kaempferia and to identify types with high yield potential for large scale cultivation. It was also aimed to compare the performance of the types under open and as intercrop in coconut garden. The salient results of the investigation are abstracted below. There was considerable amount of variability for the characters, number of leaves, leaf area index, days to flowering, spread of flowering, plant spread, number of main and secondary zhizomes, frash rhizome yield, dry rhizome yield, biological yield and oil percentage both under open and shaded condition. Under coconut garden in addition to the above characters, length and width of leaves and number of suckers per plant showed variability. There was difference in the performance of the types under open and shaded conditions. Fresh rhizome yield was more under open condition whereas dry rhizome yield was comparable which indicates that Kacholam can be grown as an intercrop in coconut garden. Ponnukkara can be considered as a stable type which performed well under both the conditions. Vellanikkara Seln. Br was found to be a shade sensitive type and the performance of Palakkad was poor under open and shaded conditions. Regarding oil yield Vellanikkara Selections were the superior types both under open and shaded conditions. Rhizome yield and oil yield were found to be two independent characters. This necessitates separate selection criteria for types with high rhizome yield and oil yield. Under open condition number of leaves, leaf area index, days to flowering and spread of flowering had high correlation and direct effect on yield with moderately high heritability and appreciable genetic advance. So selection will be effective for these characters. For the crop under shade, selection will be effective for the characters, number of leaves 5 months after planting, leaf area index and spread of flowering. Under shade plant spread was an important character which had high correlation and direct effect on yield. But the character recorded moderately high heritability but low genetic advance. No morphological character was found to be correlated with oil yield. So independeant selection has to be made for identifying varieties with high oil content per unit area.
Evaluation of selections and hybrids of vetiver (Vetivena zizanieides (Linn ) Nash)
(Department of Agricultural Botany, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1991) Radhakrishnan, G R; Viswanathan, T V
Evaluation of selections and hybrids of vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides (Lin n .) Nash.)
(Department of Agricultural Botany, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1991) Radhakrishnan, G R; Viswanathan, T V
Investigations on evaluation of selections and hybrids of vetiver Vetiveria zizanioides (Linn.) Nash, were undertaken using 9 cultivars of vetiver including 5 national collections, 3 hybrids and one South Indian type (ODV-3) . The observations on root characters revealed the superiority of ODV-3 in almost all root characters except root diameter. National collections had roots with maximum diameter. Hybrid 8 was also found superior in root characters. Shoot weight was the highest in ODV-3. No significant difference was observed among the different treatments with respect to shoot root ratio. National collection, in general produced highest percentage of oil per 100 g root especially NC 66415 and NC 66403 whereas ODV-3 produced the lowest percentage of oil. Hybrid 8, had maximum oil yield on per hectare basis. Studies on physico-chemical properties revealed that national collections had in general high specific gravity, refractive index and optical rotation. Oil from national collections was found laevo- rotatory whereas ODV-3 had dextro-rotatory oil. Acid value was higher in hybrids. Ester content, ester value and total vetiverol were higher in national collections. ODV-3 also had high total vetiverol. GLC studies revealed the superiority of NC 66416 with respect to oil quality. It had high vetiverol, vetiverone and low terpene content. Vetiverol was maximum in ODV-3 but had minimum vetiverone in its oil. Hybrid 8 was also found superior with maximum vetiverone content and fairly high content of vetiverol. But terpene content was higher it. Results of the experiment in pots showed that crops had better performance in pot condition with respect to almost all characters, but for oil content. . The observations on plant morphology indicated no clear- cut morphological features employable for exact identification of hybrids, North Indian and South' Indian types. However, data on root characters had shown that the South Indian types had in general long roots with maximum number and weight, than national collections. Root diameter in South Indian types was less. Performance of hybrids was better than national collections.
Influence of rendered fat in the diet of large white yorkshire sows on litter performance
(Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2003) Thiruveni, S; Viswanathan, T V
Investigations on the manifestation of hybrid vigour in brinjal (Solanum melongena Linn.)
(Division of Agricultural Botany, Agricultural College & Research Institute, Vellayani, 1967) Viswanathan, T V; Kumara Pillai, P
The present investigation was carried out in the Agricultural Botany division of the Agricultural College and Research Institute, Vellayani during the year 1966-1967. A detailed study on the first generation hybrids of eight crosses involving 5 parental varieties of brinjal viz. Muktakeshi, White long, Pusa purple long, Purple long Dutta, Banaras giant were made on 11 characters.
Karyomorphology, Pollen sterility and seedset in Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides (Linn) Nash.)
(Department of Agricultural Botany, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1989) Mini, K S; Viswanathan, T V
Investigations on karyomorphology, pollen sterility and seedset in Vetiveria zizanioides were undertaken using eleven cultivars of Vetiver, including North Indian type, South Indian type and one hybrid. The observations on plant morphology indicated no clearcut morphological features employable for exact identification of North Indian and South Indian types of Vetiver. The somatic chromosome number was observed constant in all cultivars ie. 2n = 20. However, the different cultivars differed cytologically with respect to chromosomal characters like size and shape, total chromatin content and meiotic configurations during different stages of division. Presence of meiotic abnormalities like bridges and laggards were observed in all cultivars with highest frequency in O D V - 4. This cultivar also showed high percentage of pollen sterility. A direct relationship between meiotic abnormalities and pollen sterility was noticed. Studies on seedset pattern of different cultivars revealed very low set, mostly nil upon selfing, while all the cultivars produced fairly high quantity of seeds upon open pollination.
Lily caterpillar polytela gloriosae fab.(Noctuidae : Lepidoptera), a serious pest of gloriosa superba L.
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1992) Lyla, K R; Reghunath, B R; Viswanathan, T V
Nutritive evaluation of carcass meal for growth and carcass characteristics in large white yorkshire pigs
(Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1998) Marie Sinthiya, V; Viswanathan, T V
An investigation was carried out to assess the effect of carcass meal, a product processed from slaughter house by-products, on the growth rate, feed conversion efficiency, carcass quality and economics of production in growing and finishing pigs. The conventional animal protein supplement fish meal was replaced with carcass meal. Twenty four Large White Yorkshire female piglets with an average live weight of 20 kg were divided into four groups (Groups I, 11, III and IV) of six animals each as uniformly as possible. They were maintained on four isoproteimic and isocaloric diets T1, T., T) and T. containing 0, 6, 12 and 18 per cent in grower rations and at 0, 4, 8 and 12 per cent in finisher rations respectively of carcass meal replacing fish meal. The animals under all the four dietary treatments had similar growth rates with an overall average daily gain of 381, 389, 382 and 376 g for the groups I, II, III and IV respectively. The total feed intake of the animals in different groups were similar. There was no significant difference in the feed conversion efficiency among groups, the overall average values being 4.36, 4.56, 4.35 and 4.48 for the groups I, II, III and IV respectively. Results of the studies on carcass characteristics revealed that there was no significant difference in the dressing percentage, carcass length, backfat thickness, loin eye area and weight of ham among the groups. Cost of production per kg live weight of animals in the four groups I, II, III and IV were Rs.39.78, 43.70, 43.73 and 45.11 respectively which is attributed to the high cost of carcass meal as compared to fish meal. The above results indicate that carcass meal can be effectively included in the diets of growing and finishing pigs without affecting either the growth performance or the carcass characteristics.
Nutritive evaluation of prawn waste for growth in large white yorkshire pigs
(Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2002) Madhukumar, U; Viswanathan, T V
An experiment was conducted to assess the nutritive value of prawn waste for growth in Large White Yorkshire pigs. Thirty female pigs with an average body weight of 31.4 kg were divided into three equal groups as uniformly as possible with regard to age and body weight. The three groups of pigs were maintained on three different experimental diets viz., Tl control standard grower (16 per cent CP) and finisher ration (14 per cent CP), T2 - 25 per cent of total protein in Tl replaced by protein from prawn waste and T 3 - 50 per cent of total protein in T 1 replaced by protein from prawn waste. The average daily gain recorded for the three groups T1, T2 and T3 were 385.5, 393.3 and 381.1 g respectively. The cumulative feed conversion efficiencies were 4.87, 4.73 and 4.89 for the groups T1, T2 and T3 respectively. The digestibility coefficients of nutrients were significantly higher in T2 for dry matter (p<0.05) and crude protein (pwas found significantly higher (p and T2. The digestibility coefficients of crude fibre and ether extract were almost similar for all the three groups. Study of the carcass characteristics revealed that dressing percentage, carcass length, back fat thickness, loin eye area and ham weight were not significantly influenced by the inclusion of prawn waste at different levels. The cost of feed per kg weight gain of animals in different treatments Tl and T2 and T3 were Rs. 29.95, 23.84 and 21.18 respectively. The above results indicate that, prawn waste can be used economically to replace the protein of the grower and finisher rations for pigs up to 50 per cent level.
Performance of black gram varieties in rice fallows
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1991) Kavitha K Mydin; Viswanathan, T V
PTB-1 (Kanakamani) a high yielding variety of cowpea
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1979) Viswanathan, T V; Viswambharan, K; Chandrika, P
Comparative yield trial of four varieties and two improved cultuies of Cowpea was undertaken at Rice Research Station, Paltambi during 1974 — 75, Kharif season onwards with a view to isolating and releasing high yielding varieties suitable to Kerala condition. This was continued for three years. The consistently highest yielder Kunnamkulam local was recommended for release for general cultivation in Kerala during December 1977 under the popular name "Kanakamani".
Response of cowpea (Viga sinensis Endl). to different levels of N, P & K
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1978) Viswanathan, T V; Viswambaran, K; Chandrika, P
A field trial was conducted at .the Rice Research Station, Pattambi to find out the response of cowpea to graded doses of N, P and K, under high rainfall conditions. The test variety PTB, exhibited significant response to N and P. The optimum doses of nutrients for maximum yield were 31 .67 kg N and 37.37 kg P205/ha. The economic doses of fertilisers were, 23.13 kg N and 23.55 kg P2O5 per ha Response to applied potash was not significant.