livestock line, january 2020 1tezasvipublications.com/llpdf/jan2020.pdf · lower jaw longer;...

LIVESTOCK LINE, JANUARY 2020 1


VOL.13 ISSUE 9 JANUARY 2020

CONTENTS

Editor : B. SHIV SHANKARAssociate Editor : B. KALYAN KUMAR

Printed, Published and Owned by B. Shiv Shankar, Printed at Karshak Art Printers, 40, A.P.H.B. Blocks, Vidyanagar, Hyderabad - 500 044. India.Published at 2-1-444/16, 1st Floor, O.U.Road, Nallakunta,Hyd-44. Editor: B. Shiv Shankar.

TECHNICAL EDITORIAL BOARDDr. P.K. Shukla, Jt.Commissioner Poultry, G.O.I., New Delhi.Dr. V. RAMA SUBBA REDDY, Retd. Professor, Agrl. Uni. Hyd.Dr. D. NAGALAKSHMI, Asst. Professor, S.V.V.U. Hyderabad.Dr. S.T. VIROJI RAO, Sr. Scientist, AGB, S.V.V.U. Hyderabad.Dr. M. KISHAN KUMAR, Sr. Scientist, S.V.V.U. Hyderabad.Dr. M. KOTESWARA RAO, Vet. Asst. Surgeon, RAHTC, KMNR.Dr. P.K. SINGH, Asst. Prof. (A.N.), Bihar Vet. College Patna.Dr. S. NANDI, Sr. Scientist, CADRAD, IVRI, Izatnagar, U.P.Dr. INDRANIL SAMANTA, Lecturer (Micro), WBUAFS, Kolkata.Dr. M. KAWATRA, Sr. Manager-Bayer Animal Health, Thane (W), Mumbai.Dr. DEVENDRA S VERMA, Tech. Mgr, Biomin Singapore B'lore.Dr. R.K.S. BAIS, Sr. Scientist, CARI, Izatnagar, Bareilly.Dr. VIJAY KUMAR M, Asst. Prof., Vet. College Bidar.Dr. MD MOIN ANSARI, Asst. Prof., SKUAST, Srinagar, J&K.Dr. AZMAT ALAM KHAN, Asst. Prof., SKUAST, Srinagar, J&K.Dr. S K MUKHOPADHAYAY, Asst. Prof., (Vety Pathology) WBUAFS, Kolkata.Dr. SUBHA GANGULY, Scientist, AICRP-PHT, Kolkata Centre.Dr. AIJAZ AHMED DAR, Ph.D. Scholar, IVRI, Izatnagar, Bareilly.Dr. SARADA PRASANNA SAHOO, Ph.D. Scholar, IVRI, Izatnagar.Dr. SHRIKANT KATOLE MVSc, Ph.D.(A.N.) Asst. Prof., Anand Agri. UniversityDr. RAKESH ROY, Ph.D, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya,Kalimpong,W.B.Dr. PRASANNA PAL, PhD Scholar, Animal Physiology, ICAR- NDRI, Karnal.

Livestock Line may not necessariltysubscribe to the views expressed in the Articles

published herein.

TEJASVI PUBLICATIONS2-1-444/16, 1st Floor, O.U.Road, Nallakunta,

Hyderabad - 500 044.Ph : 040-27610027 Cell: 98493 68003, 63096 77047

[email protected]

B. Shiv Shankar - Managing PartnerB. Kishore Kumar - Media ExecutiveB. Shailaja - Circulation ManagerJ. Upender Rao - Marketing Manager South TelanganaSathyendranath - Marketing Manager North TelanganaP. Prasad - Head, Designing DepartmentP.N. Nithin - Incharge - PhotographyK. Raghuramaraju - Publication Consultant (09440231211)

INDEX OF ADVERTISEMENTS

1. Alltech Biotechnology Pvt. Ltd. Title Cover II

2. Alembic Pharmaceuticals Ltd. III

3. Jaysons Agritech Pvt. Ltd. Title Cover IV

4. Provimi Animal Nutrition India Pvt.Ltd. Title Cover I

LIVESTOCK LINE˝…’yékÕºø˘ ˝…’Hé

1. Bionomics of Seer Fish- Nitin K. Suyani ...................................................... 4-8

2. CRYPTOCOCCOSIS: .... global consequence- Aakanksha Tiwari ............................................... 5-12

3. nteraction of vitamins with infections- Prachurya Biswal ............................................. 13-16

4. Management of Horses during Summer Season- Rohit Kumar ...................................................... 17-20

5. Microminerals: it’s importance ... animals fertility- Swati Thakur .................................................... 21-24

6. Summer anestrusin buffalo- SouvikDhara ..................................................... 25-29

7. Press Releases ................................................... 30-35

8. Livestock News .................................................. 36-38


1. Introduction: Among marine finfishes, Seerfishes are the highly sought after group for theircommercial importance owing to their high qualitymeat content and unit value. Seer fishes arecommercially important fishes caught all along thecoastal waters of India. These are considered asone of the high value resources due to higheconomic return and export markets (Muthiah etal., 2002).Their landings in India, over the yearsshow year to year fluctuation but with an overallincreasing trend. The catch varied between 4 505tonnes in 1953 and 48 675 tonnes in 2017 (CMFRI,2018).

Seer fish belongs to a family of Scombridae orMackerel family. Species belonging to the generaScomberomorus, Acanthocybium and Grammato-rcynus of the family Scombridae popularly knownas Seerfishes / Spanish mackerels, are esteemedfood fishes in all parts of the world. Out of the 19species known under these three genera, only fivespecies, viz. The King Seer Scomberomorus-commerson, The Spotted Seer S. guttatus, TheStreaked Seer S. lineolatus, The Korean Seer S.koreanus and The Wahoo Acanthocybiumsolandriare known to occur in Indian seas. S. commersonand S. guttatusare the mostabundant, while S.lineolatusand A. solandriare caught sporadically incertain parts of our seas (Sinha et al., 2015). InIndia, it is well known by various names, such asSuramai or Chhapari in Gujarati, vanjaram inTelugu, vanjaram or neimeen in Tamil, ayakkooraor neimeen in Malayalam, anjal inTulu,iswaanorviswan in Konkani and thora inSinhala.

Seer fishes are pelagic fishes, fast swimmers andpredatory in nature, that fight vigorously whencaught. It is also popular game fish, growing up to45 kg, and is a strong fighter that has on occasionbeen seen to leap out of the water when hooked. Itis an excellent table fish. Seer Fishes are primarilycaught by trawl nets, hook and lines, long lines, driftgillnets and purse seines (Sinha et al., 2015).

2. Fishery: Annual average landings of Seer fishesduring 2017 was 48 675 tonnes. 62% of the averagelandings is constituted by king seer followed byspotted seer (37%), and small quantities of wahooand streaked seer.The spotted seerfish fishery isconcentrated mainly in the northern parts of bothwest and east coast of India (Muthiah, 2003a).During the last two decades they are mostlyexploited by bottom trawlers operating in the deeperwaters beyond 50 to 300m depth (Muthiah et al.,2003b). Northeast coast of India offers one of themost diverse fishery resources in Indian ExclusiveEconomic Zone, (Somvanshi, 2003).

Seer fish contributes about 2.47% of total marinepelagic fish landings of India (CMFRI, 2018). It is ahigh valued fish fetching high prices in differentlanding center of maritime states of India.Fisheryoccurred all along the coast of India. Tamil Nadu,Gujarat, Karnataka and Maharashtra were the majorcontributors. Southwest coast (34.7%) was themajor contributor to the landing followed bynorthwest (29.5%), southeast (26.9%) andnortheast coast. King seer formed fishery along theentire coast, whereas spotted seer was abundant

Bionomics of Seer FishNitin K. Suyani1*, Mridula Rajesh1, S. S. Rathore1and Rajesh D. P. 1

1College of Fisheries, Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Mangalore, Karnataka, IndiaCorrespondence: Nitin K. Suyani1*, Department of Fisheries Resources and Management, College of Fisheries,

Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Mangalore-575002Email* - [email protected] Mobile no.* - 8460158193U


Figure 1: Year-wise total seer fish landings ofIndia

Landings of king seerspecies (in tonnes) is plottedagainst each year for the last 11 years and arepresented in figure 2. Landings of king seer is moreor less fluctuating with an average of 37 053 tonnes.The highest landings was observed in the year 2012.

3. Distribution

The king seer (Scomberomoruscommerson) isfound in a wide area centering in Southeast Asia,but as far west as the east coast of Africa and fromthe Persian Gulf and along the northern coastalareas of the Indian Ocean, and as far east as Fiji inthe South West Pacific ocean. They are commondown both sides of Australia as far south as Perthon the west coast and Sydney on the east coast.They are also found as far north as China and evenJapan. The spotted seer (Scomberomorusg-uttatus) is a coastal, pelagic scombrid fishdistributed Indo-West Pacific regions from PersianGulf, India and Sri Lanka to Southeast Asia, northto Hong Kong and Wakasa Bay, Sea of Japan(Collette and Nauen, 1983).

In India the king seer is more abundant all along thecoast of peninsular India whereas, the spotted seeris obtained mostly from northern parts of both westand east coasts of India. The king seer ispredominant along the southeastern (Tamil Naduand Pondicherry coast), southwestern (Keralacoast) and mid-western (Karnataka and Goacoasts) regions. The spotted seer dominates alongthe northeastern region (West Bengal and Orissacoasts) and northwestern region (Maharashtra andGujarat coasts). The dominance of spotted seer inregions of northern latitudes on both coastscoincides with the prevailing low salinity conditionsdue to heavy river discharges (Devaraj, 1986). It isa neritic species and migrates no further than kingseer, has a habitat in less clear waters with lowersalinity.

4. Distinctive characters of king seer

Body elongate, rather strongly compressed.Upperjaw reaching to posterior margin of eye or slightly

towards northern coasts. Wahoo formed a fisheryonly along the southern-most coast of India.

Total seer fish landings (in tonnes) of India is plottedagainst each year for the last 11 years and theresults are presented in figure 1. The seer fishlandings of the country decline from 60 801 tonnesin 2007 to 48 675 tonnes in 2017; compared to lastyear there is a 13.3% decline in the landings. Thelowest landings was observed in the year 2010 andhighest landings was observed in the year 2007.

Figure 2: Year-wise total S. commersonlandings in India


Figure 3: Scomberomoruscommerson(Source:Fishbase)

5. Distinctive characters of Spotted Seer

Body elongate, strongly compressed.Head pointed;teeth moderately compressed, flattened, those inlower jaw longer; gillrakers 1 or 2 on upper limband 7 to 12 on lower limb of first gill arch.Two dorsalfins, the first with 15 to 18 spines and the secondwith 18 to 24 rays followed by 7 to 10 finlets; analfin with 19 to 23 rays.Color: blue on back, silveryon sides; about 3 irregular rows of dark round spots(smaller than eye) along sides of body; spinousdorsal fin dark up to the 8th spine, white posteriorly,with the distal margin black (Lewls et al., 1983).

Figure 4: Scomberomorusguttatus(Source:Fishbase)

6. Biology (Feeding & reproductive)

6.1. King seer (S. commerson)

King seer is a pelagic fish, inhabiting near edge ofcontinental shelf to shallow coastal waters betweendepth range of 10-70 m, often of low salinity andhigh turbidity also found in drop-offs, and shallowor gently sloping reef and lagoon waters (Colletteand Nauen, 1983).

The adults of seer fish species are carnivorous andpredominantly piscivorous, feeding on small pelagicfish such as anchovies and sardines, andoccasionally squids and penaeid shrimps(McPherson, 1987; Anon., 1995). They areaggressive predators. Juveniles below 50 mm sizefeeds more actively than the bigger size groups andthe feeding gradually decreases with growth. Thegut content analysis of Scomberomerusco-mmerson indicated the presence of mackerel,sardine, anchovies, shrimps and squid as reportedby Sinhaet al., 2015.

Spawning is seasonal, but it is protracted in thewarmer waters of the tropics. They spawn inoceanic conditions on reef edges. Eggs and larvaeare pelagic.Many of the fisheries that target thisspecies are based on pre-spawning feeding

beyond; teeth in jaws strong and compressed;gillrakers 0 to 2 on upper limb and 1 to 8 on lowerlimb of first gill arch (total 1 to 8).Two dorsal fins,the first with 15 to 18 spines and the second with15 to 20 rays, followed by 8 to 10 finlets; anal finoriginating below midpoint of second dorsal fin andwith 16 to 20 rays followed by 7 to 12 finlets.Lateralline abruptly bent downward below end of seconddorsal fin.Color: King seer are vivid blue to darkgrey in color along their backs and flanks and fadeto a silvery blue-grey on the belly. Body is markedwith numerous thin, wavy vertical bands; thenumber of bars increases from as few as 20 in a40 cm specimen to as many as 65 at 150 cm.Juveniles are frequently spotted (Lewls et al., 1983).


aggregations. A significant proportion of the femalefish caught in natural waters between July andDecember have either recently spawned or areclose to spawning. In general, spawning times forking seer tend to be associated with higher watertemperatures that promote optimal food availabilityfor the rapid growth and development of the larvae(Jenkins et al., 1984).As the young larvae grow, theymove from the offshore spawning grounds toinshore and estuarine habitats, where they arefrequently found in the juvenile phase of their growthcycle. In the inshore environments, they feed mostlyon the larvae and juveniles of small fish andcrustaceans until they become large enough to eatsmall fish and squid.Based on the study of monthlydistribution of maturity stages, Devaraj (1983) foundthat S. commerson has a protracted spawning fromabout January to September resulting in threebroods, a weak one during January-February, astrong one during the peak spawning in April-Mayand another weak brood in July-August.Length atfirst maturity (Lm) is 85.0 cm; max length: 240 cmFL; common length: 120 cm TL; max publishedweight: 70.0 kg (Collette and Nauen, 1983).

6.2. Spotted seer (S. guttatus):

It is also a pelagic migratory fish inhabiting coastalwaters at depths between 15-200 m; sometimesentering turbid estuarine waters; usually found insmall school.Feeds mainly on small schoolingfishes (especially sardines and anchovies), squidsand crustaceans. Devaraj (1977) reported that thefood of S. guttatus from Gulf of Mannar and PalkBay consists of teleost Sardinella spp., squids andprawns.

Based on the study of monthly distribution ofmaturity stages, Devaraj (1987) found that S.

guttatusalso has an extended spawning seasonfrom January to August releasing a weak brood inJanuary-February, a strong brood in March-July witha peak in April-May and a weak brood inAugust.Length at first maturity (Lm) is 40.0 cm; maxlength: 76 cm FL; common length: 55.0 cm FL(Collette and Nauen, 1983).

7. Conclusion:

The fishery of seer fish in India is mainly supportedby the Indo-Pacific King Seer and Spotted Seerthough other two varieties also are caught in strayquantities from different parts of the country.According to NETFISH MPEDA report the M.L.S.(Minimum Legal Size) of the Seerfish fisheries is50 cm FL (Fork Length) for King Seer and 37 FL forSpotted Seer. The drift gill net with larger mesh sizeto 170-190 mm and hooks and line can beconsidered well suited for the exploitation of thisresource. Operation of these gears may beencouraged for easing the prevailing higher fishingpressure and to increase the seer fish productionas well.

In the present context, the exploitation in India iswell within the sustainable limit as per available data.Fisher-folk along the Indian coast need to be giventraining so that the reporting of species-wise landingis reported to the concerned authorities, which willhelp in assessing the stock status and in long run itwill also help in managing the stock in the daysahead.Resource characteristic studies on thecomponent species of seerfish taken by alldominant gears from all maritime states, especiallyfrom the northern regions of both coasts where goodpotentials are indicated, should form the futureresearch programmes for better assessment,management and conservation of this much valuedresource.


8. References

ANON., 1995. FishBase: Synopsis of biologicaldata on Scomberomoruscommerson (Lacepede,1800), Scomberomorusguttatus (Bloch &Schneider, 1801), and Scomberomoruslineolatus(Cuvier, 1831), and Acanthocybiumsolandri (Cuvier,1831). FishBaseProject, ICLARM, Philippines,Mimeograph, 123pp

COLLETTE, B. B. and C. E. NAUEN, 1983. FAOSpecies Catalogue. Vol. 2. Scombrids of the world.An annotated and illustrated catalogue of tunas,mackerels, bonitos and related species known todate. Rome: FAO Fish. Synop. 125(2): 137

DEVARAJ, 1977. The biology of and fishery forseerfishes of India. Thesis submitted to the MaduraiKamaraJ University for the award of Ph.D. degree,337pp

DEVARAJ, 1983. Maturity, spawning and fecundityof the king seer, Scomberomoruscom-merson(Lacepede) in the seas around Indianpeninsula. Indian J. Fish.,30(2): 203-230

DEVARAJ, 1986. The seerfish resources. R&DSeries for Marine Fishery ResourcesManagement. Central Marine Fisheries ResearchInstitute, Cochin, No. 11, 4pp

DEVARAJ, 1987. Maturity, spawning and fecundityof the spotted seer, Scombermorusguttatus in theGulf of Mannar and Palk bay. Indian J. Fish., 34(1):48-77

JENKINS,G.P.,MILWARD,N.E. andHARTWICK,R.F., 1984. Identification anddescription of larval Spanish mackerel, genusScomberomorus(Teleostei: Scombridae), in shelfwaters of the Great Barrier Reef. Aust. J. Mar.Freshwat. Res., 35(3):341-353

LEWLS, CHAPMAN & SESEWA, 1983. FAOspecies identification sheets. Western IndianOcean (Fishing Area 51), VolII. Food and AgricultureOrganization (FAO of the UN), Rome

MCPHERSON,G.R., 1987. Food of narrow barredSpanish mackerel in north Queensland waters, andtheir relevance to the commercial troll fishery.Queensl. J. Agric. Anim. Sci., 44(l): 69-73

MUTHIAH, C., MOHAMAD KASIM, H., PILLAI,N.G.K., YOHANNAN, T.M., MANOJ KUMAR, B.,SAID KOYA, K.P., UMA, S., BHAT., BALASUBRA-MAIAN, T. S., ELAYATHU, M.N. K., MANIMARAN, C.,DHOKIA, H.K., and SOMARAJU, M.V., 2002. Statusof Exploitation of Seer fishes in the Indian Seas.Management of Scombroid Fisheries, 33-48pp

MUTHIAH, C. and PILLAI, N.G.K.,2003a, Status ofSeer fishery in Indian seas. Proceedings of TunaMeet, 73-85pp

MUTHIAH, C., PILLAI, N.G.K., MOHAMAD KASIM,H. and UMA, S. B., 2003b. Seer Fishes.Status ofExploited Marine Fishery Resources of India, 45-50pp

SINHA, M. K., PREMCHAND and TIBURTIUS, A.,2015. Status of seer fish fishery including somebiological characteristic of Scomberomerus-commerson in Indian waters. FAO-Indian OceanTuna Commission, Revision1

SOMVANSHI, V.S., GULATI, D. K. and PAULPANDIAN, P., 2002, An Integrated approach toevaluate the present status of the Stock ofScomberomorousguttatus along the coasts ofOrissa and Andhra Pradesh.Proceedings of TunaMeet, 112-121pp

U


ABSTRACT: Cryptococcosis is an opportunisticyeast infection caused by a dimorphic fungusCryptococcus affecting a wide range of hostspecies from animals to humans. The virulence ofthe yeast strain and the immune status of the hostorganism are the factors responsible for thepathogenesis of the disease. It is mainly transmittedby the inhalation of the basidiospores of the yeastand causes a wide range of infection including CNS,respiratory, cutaneous and occular affections.Avian droppings serve as an important source ofinfection.

INTRODUCTION: Cryptococcosis or Torulosisor Busse-Busche disease is an infection causedby an encapsulated yeast which can affect almostall the animals and human population worldwide. Itis caused by Cryptococcus neoformans yeastwhich was discovered by Sanfelice in 1984 frompeach juice in Italy. Busse in the same year isolatedthe organism in Germany. In 1902, Frothinghamdiscovered the organism in horse; Holzworth in1952 discovered it in cats, and Seibold and co-workers discovered it in dog in 1953.Theimmunocompromised organisms are severelyaffected by this disease. It has also been reportedthat the patients suffering from AIDS has shown agreater incidence of Cryptococcosis and hence thisdisease has emerged as a life-threatening fungalinfection in AIDS patients [Mitchell and Perfect,1996; Imwidthaya and Poungvarin, 2005]. Theimmune status of the organism plays a critical rolein Cryptococcal infection. It can occur as acute,sub-acute or chronic infection.It has beenestimated that around 1 million cases of

CRYPTOCOCCOSIS: A Prime Mycotic disease ofglobal consequence

Aakanksha Tiwari1 and Abhishek2

(1 PhD. Scholar, Department of Veterinary Microbiology, CVASc., Pantnagar; 2 Scientist (SS), Division ofBacteriology and Mycology, IVRI)U

Cryptococcal meningitis occur worldwide eachyear. Cryptococcosis is an air-borne infection andthe basidiospore of the fungus lodges itself in therespiratory system of the host [Buchanan, 2009]. Ithas been observed that CD4+ T-lymphocytes hasa very major role in protection of the individual fromthe Cryptococcocal infection [Specht et al., 2007].Low CD4+ T-lymphocyte count in an individual hasbeen observed in the affected individuals whichshowed much severe clinical signs [He et al., 2017]

ETIOLOGY: C.neoformans and C.gatti areconsidered as the primary pathogens for thisdisease. Earlier C.neoformans was considered ashaving 2 varieties: C.neoformans var neoformansand C.neoformans var gatti but now they areseparate species. There are 5 serotypes – A, D,AD (C.neoformans) and B and C (C.gatti).C.neoformans is most common in US andworldwide it is associated with the infection fromavian droppings. Most of C.neoformans strains usecreatinine as the nitrogen source and this somehowexplains its presence in creatinine-rich avianfaeces. C.neoformans can also produce melanin.The enzyme phenol oxidase of the fungus acts onthe substrates like dihydroxyphenylalanine orcaffeic acid to produce melanin. The perfect formof C.neoformans is known as Filobasidiellaneoformans. In laboratory conditions the sexualstate of Cryptococcus results in meiosis betweentwo mating types- MATa and MATá and thereoccurs the formation of basidia, basidiospores andclamp connections [Maziarz and Perfect. 2016].The isolate of Cryptococcus gatti is seen to be moreor less virulent than the isolate (similar molecular


serotype) of Cryptococcocus neoformans [Chenet al., 2014].

EPIDEMIOLOGY: Studies from 1992-2004 (12years), in AIIMS stated that with increase in HIVcases; cryptococcosis co-infection increased from20% in 1992-1996 to 30%, 1996-2000, 37% and49% in 2000-2004 [Banerjee, 2005] . This HIV linkedCryptococcal disease is related to the lower levelsof IgM and IgM memory cells [Rohatgi and Pirofski,2015]. Cases of Cryptococcal meningitis are mostlyobserved in sub-Saharan Africa (countries lyingsouth of Sahara desert)

HOST: It affects a wide range of hosts fromanimals to man. It affects cats, dogs, horses,bovine, caprine, ferrets, fox, monkey, humans, etc.[Pal and Mehrotra, 1985, Pal et al., 1984, Pal, 1991and Lester et al., 2004]. It is very rare in birds.

TRANSMISSION: This yeast is transmitted throughinhalation of basidiospores or yeast cells. Aviandroppings serve as the major source oftransmission of the fungus [Mitchell and Perfect,1995] or from the contaminated soil. [CDC, 2008]

PATHOGENESIS: After inhalation the yeast goesand resides inside the host’s respiratory system.In the absence of T-cell immunity, the organismproliferates to the other organs of the bodyespecially CNS developing meningitis. GCS(Glucosylceramide synthase) is reported as theessential factor in C.neoformans survival in thisextracellular environment before phagocytosed bythe alveolar macrophages [Philipp et al., 2006]. Afterinhalation C.neoformans is phagocytosed byalveolar macrophages. Capsule of C.neoformansplays a significant role in its pathogenesis.Thefungus’ acidic starch molecule capsule can changethe blood pH of the host which shows the ability ofthe host’s immune cells to act againstC.neoformans. Neutrophils, monocytes andmacrophages cannot phagocytose the fungalorganism because of its capsule [Buchanan, 2009].

Unencapsulated yeast is readily phagocytosedunlike the capsulated forms. The pathogenecity ismainly due to the capsule, PL-B, proteases andsuperoxide dismutase.

HOST RESPONSE: It involves cellular as well ashumoral immune response. Antibodies against theCryptococcal antigen intensify the macrophagesand lymphocyte mediated immune response.Macrophages, NK-cells, T-lymphocytes act againstthe fungal organism.

CLINICAL SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS: PulmonaryCryptococcosis involve – cough, pleuritic chestpain, low grade fever, dyspnea, weight loss,sneezing, snoring, muco-purrulent or sero-sanguinous nasal discharge. CNS symptomsinclude- headache, lethargy, nausea, vomiting,coma, seizures, and ataxia. Cutaneous lesionsinclude- papules, pustules, nodules, ulcers. Inbovine, caprine and ovine it causes mastitis-inflammed udder, grey-white milk, decreased milkflow, firmness of affected quarter [Pal and Dave,2006; Pal et al., 2011]. In horse it causes nasalgranulomatous growth. In cats respiratory, CNS,cutaneous and occular involvement is there. In dogsCNS and ocular involvement is present. In sheepand goat pulmonary affection as well as mastitis ispresent.

Cutaneous cryptococcosis- ulcerated skinnodules [Pennisi et al., 2016]


DIAGNOSIS: By clinical signs and symptoms.Clinical specimens include: sputum, skin and nasalexudates, CSF, urine, etc. They can be examinedin India ink or Nigrosin for the presence ofcapsulated yeast cells. Bird/Niger seed agar forisolation shows brown- coloured colonies ofC.neoformans. It can also be grown on SDA.Immunological tests like Latex agglutination andmolecular technique like PCR, RAPD can also beused [Pal and Dave, 2006]. Animal pathogenecitytests are done by inoculating fungal culture in Swissalbino mice through intracerebral or intraperitonealroute. The mice died in 7-10 days [Pal, 2004].Smearfrom brain of dead mice when stained with PAStechnique shows capsulated C.neoformans cells.

TREATMENT: Includes Amphotericin B (0.25-1mg/kg BW, iv), Flucytosine (25-50 mg/kg BW, po),Itraconazole (10 mg/kg BW, po) and Fluconazole(2.5-5 mg/kg BW, po). Ketoconazle andItraconazole in combination is found to be effectivein cats and in animals with CNS involvement [Paland Dave, 2006]. Treatment of cryptococcosisconsists of three main aspects: antifungal therapy,intracranial pressure management forcryptococcal meningitis, and restoration of immunefunction with antiretroviral therapy (whencryptococcosis is accompanied with HIV infection)[Srichatrapimuk, 2016].

PREVENTION AND CONTROL: Strategiesinclude: avoiding access to avian habitats. Housingand milking sheds should be kept disinfected. Usesterile syringes and canulas for treatment ofmastitis. Teats should be disinfected beforetreatment [CFSPH, 2013]. A Cryptococcal GXM-Tetanus Toxoid conjugate vaccine is recentlydeveloped [Devi et al., 1991].

CONCLUSION: Cryptococcosis, an infectious,opportunistic, ubiquitous infection is very hazardousaffecting a variety of host species. Theimmunocompromised organisms are at high riskfor this fungal infection. Soil or areas contaminatedwith avian droppings is the ultimate source ofinfection. It may infect pulmonary, meningeal,cutaneous, occular systems and mammary glands.Its early diagnosis and treatment is essential andprevention against its transmission should be takencare of C.neoformans leads to substantial amountof morbidity and mortality in humans and animals.Cryptococcosis is seen to be more severe in males,individuals infected with serotype A and HIV infectedpatients [Dromer et al., 2007]

REFERENCES:

Banerjee U. Progress in diagnosis of opportunisticinfections in HIV/ AIDS. Indian J Med Res. (2005);121:395–406.

Chen S. C.-A., Meyer W., & Sorrell T. C.Cryptococcus gattii Infections. Clinical MicrobiologyReviews. (2014). 27(4), 980–1024.

CFSPH. Cryptococcosis Torulosis,European blastomycosis, Busse-Buschke’sdisease. Center for Food Security and Public Health,College of VeterinaryMedicine, Iowa State University.( 2013); Pp. 1-14.

Devi S.J.N., Schneerson R., Egan W., Ulrich T. J.,Bryla D., Robbins J B. et al. Cryptococcusneoformans serotype Aglucuronoxylomannan- protein conjugate vaccines: synthesis,

Naso-facial Cryptococcosis- swelling anddeformity [Pennisi et al., 2016]


characterization, and immunogenicity. Infection andImmunity (1991); 59: 3700 -07.

Dromer F., Mathoulin-Pélissier S., Launay O.,Lortholary O., the French Cryptococcosis StudyGroup. Determinants of Disease Presentation andOutcome during Cryptococcosis: The CryptoA/DStudy . PLoS Medicine. (2007). 4(2), e21.

Harrison T.S. Cyrptococcus neoformans andCryptococcosis. Journal of Infection. (2000); 41:12-17.

He Q., Ding Y., Zhou W., Li H., Zhang M., Shi Y., SuX. Clinical features of pulmonary cryptococcosisamong patients with different levels of peripheralblood CD4+ T lymphocyte counts. BMC InfectiousDiseases. (2017). 17, 768.

Imwidthaya P. and Poungvarin N. Cryptococcosisin AIDS. Postgrad Med J (2000); 76: 85–88.

Lester S.J., Kowalewich N.J., Bartlett K.H.,Krockenberger M.B., Fairfax T.M., Malik R.Clinicopathologic features of an unusual outbreakof Cryptococcosis in dogs, cats, ferrets, and a bird:38 cases (January to July2003). Journal of AmericanVeterinary Medical Association (2004); 225: 1716-22.

Maziarz E. K., & Perfect J. R. Cryptococcosis.Infectious Disease Clinics of North America. (2016).30(1), 179–206.

Mitchell T.G., Perfect J.R. Cryptococcosis in the eraof AIDS - 100 years after the discovery ofCryptococcus neoformans Clinical MicrobiologyReview (1995); 8: 515-548.

Pal M. and Mehrotra B.S. Studies on the occurrenceof Cryptococcal meningitis in small animals. Mykosen(1985); 28: 607-611.

Pal M., Dube G.D., Mehrotra B.S. PulmonaryCryptococcosis in a rhesus monkey (Macacamulatta). Mykosen (1984); 27: 309-12.

Pal M. and Dave P.Cryptococcosis: A global fungalzoonosis. Intas Polivet (2006); 6:412-20.

Pal M. Feline meningitis due to Cryptococcusneoformans var and review of feline cryptococcosis.Mycoses (1991); 34: 313-317.

Pal M. Pathogenecity of environmental strains ofCryptococcus neoformans var neoformans inmurine model. Revista Iberoamericana DeMicologia (2005); 22:129.

Pal M., Tesfaye S., Dave P. Cyptococcosis: a majorlife-threatning mycosis of immunocompromisedpatient. Indian journal of social and natural sciences.(2011); 1:19-28.

Pennisi M.G. et al. The Cryptococcosis incats guidelines. J Feline Med Surg. (2013, Revisedin 2016), 15: 611-618.

Rittershaus Philipp C., Kechichian Talar B., Allegood Jeremy C., Merrill Alfred H., Hennig M., Luberto C., Poeta M.D. Glucosylceramidesynthase is an essential regulator of pathogenicityof Cryptococcus neoformans. J Clin Invest. (2006);116(6): 1651–1659.

Rohatgi S., & Pirofski L. Host immunity toCryptococcus neoformans. Future Microbiology.(2015). 10(4), 565–581.

Saag M.S., Graybill R.J., Larsen R.A., Pappas P.G.,Perfect J.R., Powderly W.G. Practice guidelines forthe management of Cryptococcal disease.Infectious Diseases Society of America. Clin InfectDis. (2000); 30(4):710-8.

Specht C.A., Nong S., Dan J.M., Lee C.K., LevitzS.M. Contribution of glycosylation to T cellresponses stimulated by recombinantCryptococcus Neoformans mannoprotein. J InfectDis. (2007); 196(5): 796–800.

Srichatrapimuk S., & Sungkanuparph S. Integratedtherapy for HIV and cryptococcosis. AIDSResearch and Therapy. (2016); 13, 42.

U


Introduction

A vitamin is an organic molecule (or related set ofmolecules) as well as an essential micronutri-ent that an organism needs in small quantities forthe proper functioning of its metabolism. Essentialnutrients cannot be synthesized in the organism,either at all or not in sufficient quantities, andtherefore must be obtained through thediet. Vitamins have diverse biochemical functions.Vitamin A acts as a regulator of cell and tissuegrowth and differentiation. Vitamin D provides ahormone-like function, regulating mineralmetabolism for bones and other organs. The Bcomplex vitamins function as enzyme cofactors(coenzymes) or the precursors for them. VitaminsC and E function as antioxidants. Both deficient andexcess intake of a vitamin can potentially causeclinically significant illness, although excess intakeof water-soluble vitamins is less likely to do so.Infection is the invasion of an organism’s bodytissues by disease-causing agents, theirmultiplication, and the reaction of host tissues tothe infectious agents and the toxins theyproduce. Infectious disease, also known astransmissible disease or communicable disease,is illness resulting from an infection.

Effect of vitamin A on infection

Vitamin A (Vit A) is a group of unsaturatedmonohydric alcohols that contain an alicyclic ring.Vit A is insoluble in water but is fat soluble (Sommer,2008). In 1928, Green and Mellandy reported thatVit A could enhance the anti-inflammatory responseof organisms and called Vit A the “anti-inflammationvitamin” (Mellanby, 1928). Later, the anti-

Interaction of vitamins with infectionsPrachurya Biswal1*, Susheel Kumar2 and Arun Somagond1

1PhD scholar, LPM section, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly-243122, Uttar Pradesh2Veterinary officer, Veterinary poly clinic, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh

Corresponding author*[email protected]

inflammatory capacity of Vit A was widely studiedin the 1980s and 1990s. Vit A exists in the form ofretinol, retinal, and retinoic acid (RA), among whichRA shows the most biological activity. RA exists intwo significant derivatives: 9-cis-RA and all-trans-RA (ATRA). The primary biological functions of VitA include maintenance of vision, growth, and theintegrity of epithelial and mucous tissue. However,the immunoregulatory mechanisms of Vit A are notentirely understood.

Vit A and Its Impact on the Immune System

Immune organs are organs or tissues that realizeimmune function, and are places where mostimmunocompetent cells proliferate, differentiate,mature, aggregate, and respond to immunity.Research has shown that crucial immune organsneed constant dietary intake to maintain Vit Aconcentrations, and RA was previously shown bothto promote the proliferation and to regulate theapoptosis of thymocytes. In the thymus,endogenous retinoid synthesis and retinoids similarto glucocorticoids might, indeed, be involved in theregulation of thymic proliferation and selectionprocesses, by being present in the thymus infunctionally effective amounts (Kiss et al.,2008).In mice, Vit A and D leads to a defect in both T cell-mediated and antibody-dependent immuneresponses (Bennekum, 1991). Infection is often anearly complication and leads to substantial mortalityprior to the development of exophthalmia. VitaminA-deficient animals raised under germ-freeconditions develop many of the classic keratinizinglesions of Vitamin A deficiency but continue tosurvive. In contrast, equally Vit A-deficient littermates


raised in a conventional environment acquireinfection and die prematurely (Glass, 2000). It isreported that vitamin A plays a pivotal role inmaintaining resistance to infection .As theinterdisciplinary approach continues to develop inresearch, people have been paying increasingattention to the relationship between nutrition andimmunity. Furthermore, the influence ofmicronutrients on the immune function of theorganism has been widely studied. Vit A has bothpromoting and regulatory roles in both the innateimmune system and adaptive immunity; therefore,it can enhance the organism’s immune function andprovide an enhanced defence against multipleinfectious diseases. Currently, the Vit A’s effect onimmune function has been studied at the molecularlevel, and more research is ongoing about thetherapeutic effects of VitA on preventing and curingvarious infectious diseases. As increasing evidenceappears with time, Vit A will likely play more criticalroles in modern therapeutics.

The Role of Vitamin D in Prevention andTreatment of Infection

Vitamin D is well known for its classic role in themaintenance of bone mineral density. However,vitamin D also has an important “non-classic”influence on the body’s immune system bymodulating the innate and adaptive immunesystem, influencing the production of importantendogenous antimicrobial peptides such ascathelicidin, and regulating the inflammatorycascade. Multiple epidemiological studies in adultsand children have demonstrated that vitamin Ddeficiency is associated with increased risk andgreater severity of infection, particularly of therespiratory tract. Although the exact mechanismsby which vitamin D may improve immuneresponses to infection continue to be evaluated,vitamin D supplementation trials of prevention and

adjunct therapy for infection are underway. Givenits influence on the immune system andinflammatory cascade, vitamin D may have animportant future role in the prevention and treatmentof infection. In addition, there are now clear datathat the active form of vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25OHD) is a hormone thatregulates gene expression in multiple signalingpathways apart from those impacting bone mineraldensity, specifically those affecting immunefunction and inflammation. Indeed vitamin D hasimmunomodulatory effects on both the innate andadaptive immune system, modulates theexpression of antimicrobial peptides such ascathelicidin, and influences the inflammatorycascade. However, the optimum levels of 1,25OHDconsidered “sufficient” to optimize vitamin D’sactions on these other signaling pathways are notyet confirmed. Given its increasingly recognized roleas an immunomodulator, numerous studies havebegun to explore the relationship between vitaminD deficiency and the incidence and severity ofinfection in adults and children. Many of thesestudies have focused on respiratory disease,although there is now evidence that vitamin Ddeficiency is associated with systemic infection(Kempker and martin, 2013). We will briefly reviewrecent studies exploring the role of vitamin D as animmunomodulator, especially as it relates hostsusceptibility to infection, and identify importantgaps in our understanding of these mechanisticpathways. Additionally, we will examineepidemiological studies linking relative vitamin Ddeficiency to risk of infection, as well as completedand ongoing clinical trials assessing the efficacyof vitamin D supplementation for prevention andtreatment of infection. The growing body of evidenceimplicating vitamin D as a key component ofimmune regulation has led to further questions


about its mechanisms of action and its therapeuticpotential that will require further study.

Vitamin C and Infections

Vitamin C was identified in the early twentiethcentury in the search for a substance, thedeficiency of which would cause scurvy(Hemilä,2006). Scurvy was associated withpneumonia in the early literature, which implies thatthe factor that cured scurvy might also have aneffect on pneumonia. Alfred Hess (1920)summarized a series of autopsy findings asfollows: “pneumonia, lobular or lobar, is one of themost frequent complications (of scurvy) andcauses of death” and “secondary pneumonias,usually broncho-pneumonic in type, are of commonoccurrence and in many (scurvy) epidemicsconstitute the prevailing cause of death” He latercommented that in “infantile scurvy a lack of theantiscorbutic factor (vitamin C) which leads toscurvy, at the same time predisposes to infections(particularly of the respiratory tract). Similarsusceptibility to infections goes hand in hand withadult scurvy” (Hess, 1932). In the early 1900s,Casimir Funk, who coined the word “vitamin”, notedthat an epidemic of pneumonia in the Sudandisappeared when antiscorbutic (vitamin C-containing)

treatment was given to the numerous cases ofscurvy that appeared at about the same time Thegreat majority of mammals synthesize vitamin Cin their bodies, but primates and the guinea pigcannot. Therefore, the guinea pig is a useful animalmodel on which to study vitamin C deficiency.Bacteria were often found in histological sectionsof scorbutic guinea pigs, so much so that someearly authors assumed that scurvy might be aninfectious disease. However, Hess (1920)concluded that such results merely showed thatthe tissues of scorbutic animals frequently harbor

bacteria, and “there is no doubt that the invasion ofthe blood-stream does occur readily in the courseof scurvy, but this takes place generally after thedisease has developed and must be regarded asa secondary phenomenon and thereforeunessential from an etiological standpoint. Indeedone of the striking and important symptoms ofscurvy is the marked susceptibility to infection”.When summarizing autopsy findings ofexperimental scurvy in the guinea pig, Hess alsonoted that “Pneumonia is met with very frequentlyand constitutes a common terminal infection”.Vitamin C was considered as an explanation forscurvy, which was regarded as a disease of theconnective tissues, since many of the symptomssuch as poor wound healing implied crucial effectson the connective tissues. Therefore, themainstream view in medicine regarded vitamin Cas a vitamin that safeguards the integrity ofconnective tissues (Englard and Seifter, 1986)

Vitamin E and infection

Vitamin E is the major lipid-soluble component inthe cell antioxidant defence system and isexclusively obtained from the diet. It has numerousimportant roles within the body because of itsantioxidant activity. Oxidation has been linked tonumerous possible conditions and diseases,including cancer, ageing, arthritis and cataracts;vitamin E has been shown to be effective againstthese. Platelet hyperaggregation, which can leadto atherosclerosis, may also be prevented byvitamin E; additionally, it also helps to reduce theproduction of prostaglandins such as thromboxane,which cause platelet clumping.

Vitamin E has been found to be very effective inthe prevention and reversal of various diseasecomplications due to its function as an antioxidant,its role in anti-inflammatory processes, its inhibitionof platelet aggregation and its immune-enhancing


activity. Vitamin E was first used as a supplementin Canada by the physicians Shute and Shute;based on the positive results it achieved, theybegan using it regularly in their practices. Sincethen, well-designed experimental and clinicalstudies have progressed steadily and increasedour knowledge of vitamin E. The antioxidativeproperties of vitamin E have been found to play avital role in the battle against various diseases suchas atherosclerosis, oxidative stress, cancer, andcataract. This focussed on the important functionsof vitamin E in some diseases; in addition to these,this vitamin has been found to be effective againstasthma, allergies and diabetes, among others.Discussion of the dietary sources, RDA and theinteraction of vitamin E supplements with otherdietary factors, has demonstrated the need for andsignificance of vitamin E in the human context.Thus, raising awareness of the role of dietaryantioxidants in maintaining better health wouldbenefit a number of lives. Apart from the enormousbenefits reported, there has always been debateabout the exact function of vitamin E and its role invarious diseases. The primary hindrance indetermining the roles of vitamin E in human healthis the lack of validated biomarkers for vitamin Eintake and status, which would help to relate intakesto possible clinical outcomes. In conclusion,although the data surrounding vitamin E iscontradictory, the current literature appears tosupport the view that the benefits outweigh the side-effects.

Conclusions

Currently, the vitamins effect on immune functionis studied at the molecular level, and more researchis ongoing about the therapeutic effects of vitaminson preventing and curing various infectiousdiseases. In addition, more research needs to becompleted to further define the mechanisms by

which vitamins may regulate immune responsesto potentially prevent or reduce the severity ofinfection. While there is still much progress to bemade, the balance of evidence continues to supportvitamin supplementation as a promising interventionfor infection.

References

Bennekum, A.M.;Wong Yen Kong, L.R.; Gijbels,M.J.; Tielen, F.J.; Roholl, P.J.; Brouwer, A.; Hendriks,H.F. Mitogen response of B cells, but not T cells, isimpaired in adult vitamin A-deficient rats. J. Nutr.1991, 121, 1960–1968.

Englard, S.; Seifter, S. The biochemical functionsof ascorbic acid. Annu. Rev. Nutr. 1986, 6, 365–406.

Glass, C.K.; Rosenfeld, M.G. The coregulatorexchange in transcriptional functions of nuclearreceptors. Genes Dev. 2000, 14, 121.

Hemilä, H. Do vitamins C and E affect RespiratoryInfections? Ph.D. Thesis, University of Helsinki,Helsinki,Finland, 2006.

Hess, A.F. Diet, nutrition and infection. N. Engl. J.Med. 1932, 207, 637–648.

Kempker JA, Martin GS. Vitamin D and Sepsis:From Associations to Causal Connections.Inflamm Allergy Drug Targets. 2013; 12(4):000.

Kiss, I.; Rühl, R.; Szegezdi, E.; Fritzsche, B.; Toth,B.; Pongrácz, J.; Perlmann, T.; Fésüs, L.; Szondy,Z. Retinoid receptor-activating ligands are producedwithin the mouse thymus during postnataldevelopment. Eur. J. Immunol. 2008, 38, 147–155.

Mellanby, E.; Green, H.N. Vitamin A as an anti-infective agent. Br. Med. J. 1928, 2, 691–696.

Sommer, A. Vitamin a deficiency and clinicaldisease: An historical overview. J. Nutr. 2008, 138,1835–1839.

U


Introduction: Summer season predisposes a horseto heat stress, sunburns and disturbance due toincreased insect activity in the barn. These factorscause discomfort to horse and also affect theirwelfare. Generally horses are more tolerant to hotweather in comparison to cattle and they can keepthemselves cool very effectively under normalconditions during summer season. However, theyare not tolerant to sunburns (especially light coloredhorses) and disturbance due to high insect activityin the barn that makes these conditions to bemanaged well. Sweating is the primary mean ofthermoregulation in horses and 65% portion ofhorse’s cooling process can be attributed to thesweating during the summer heat. This furtherdepends upon the ambient temperature and relativehumidity. As humidity rises there is less sweatevaporation and effectiveness of cooling mechanismin horses is affected. This measure of effectivenessof cooling mechanism in horses can be determinedby the sum of ambient temperature and the relativehumidity. For example when the ambient temperatureis 80°F and the relative humidity is 50% then thesum of these two factors would be 130. When thesum is less than 130, it is easier for the horses tokeep themselves cool. The ability to effectivelymaintain a proper body temperature decreaseswhen the sum of these factors is between 130 and150. When the sum of these factors is above 150,the ability of horses to keep themselves coolsignificantly decreases. Once this rises above 180,the horse owners should use caution when exercisingthe horses. Under such condition the horses canshow the signs such as dehydration, muscle spasmsand the development of colic. Horses can alsobecome heat stressed and heat stroke can occurwhich is a more critical condition and if not treatedin time the death may occur. Especially, when thehorses are performing hard work or exercising duringhot weather they are more prone to becomeoverheated because heat production increases up

Management of Horses during Summer SeasonRohit Kumar1*, Sanjay Choudhary1, Vinod Kumar Gupta1 and Jyotimala Sahu1

1Ph.D, Scholar, Livestock Production Management Section, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal,Haryana- 132001, India. *Corresponding Author, E-mail: [email protected]; Mobile no.: +91-8988207211

to 50 % during such conditions. This heat productiondue to muscular work along with external factors likehigh temperature and high humidity will hamper thenormal response to heat stress that is increase insweating rate, increase in movement of blood tocapillaries under the skin and increase in respiratoryrate. Thus, the horses are unable to cope up withthe hot environment and heat stress managementand treatment become necessary to save their life.

Causes and contributing factors to heat stress

There are various factors like hot weather, highhumidity, poor ventilation, excessive work load,Intense exercise, Riding too fast for horse’s fitnesslevel, dehydration, heat generated in muscles,transport stress, insufficient time to acclimatize towarm climate, excessive time spent in direct sunlightand obesity which can lead to heat stress in horses.Horses under heat stress commonly shows the signsof anhidrosis, skin becomes hot and dry, horse lacksmajor cooling system (evaporation), rapid heart rateat rest (>50) , rapid breathing at rest (>20/ minute)and high rectal temperature (104 °F).

Strategies to combat heat stress in horses

There are some basic things which we can do tomake sure that our horse does not get overheatedduring the summer season.

Provision of fresh clean water throughout theday

On an average, an 1100 pound horse consumes 4to 9 gallons of water in a normal day. This waterneed can get doubled during summer seasondepending on your horse’s activity level, health, andfood. A temperature of 100 °F increases the waterrequirement of the horse to approximately 20 gallons/day. Horses will drink about one pint of water forevery pound of feed consumed when the ambienttemperature is 0°F and about one gallon for everypound of feed consumed when the ambienttemperature is 100°F. Horses prefer water kept at

U


temperatures below the ambient temperature duringhot weather. Placing water tanks in shaded areaswill help maintain lower water temperatures.Therefore, make sure that your horse is gettingenough clean, fresh and cool water to stay hydratedenough throughout the day. If you’re traveling andyour horse is reluctant to drink water from differentsources then try getting them used to a flavoringagent (e.g. a capful of honey). This way the problemcan be resolved and the horse will find the new watersources still have a similar taste.

Electrolytes supplementation

When horses sweat they lose body salts(electrolytes) in addition to water. Horses shouldhave free access to salt at all times. Salt can beprovided in the block form or loose. A simpleelectrolyte mixture can be fed to horses those areunder work during periods of high temperatures orwhen horses have an increased rate of sweating.Feeding about two ounces per horse of a mixture ofthree parts lite salt (potassium chloride) and onepart limestone daily will help replace electrolyteswhich are lost.

Conditioning

Overweight, out of shape and even thin under-muscled horses are more prone to extra stressassociated with heat. Therefore, we need to learnhow to assess the body condition of a horse. If ahorse has been in regular work since the winterweather subsided, he will be more likely to be ableto handle the rising temperatures. If a horse hasn’tbeen in a regular exercise program then we need toslowly build up their fitness and stamina as the heatand humidity rises. This slow and steady approachwill help in ensuring that a horse will stay healthyand will not get overstressed during the summer.

Provision of shade

Horses under shed obviously have shade all thetime but they also need shade when they are turnedout for grazing during daytime. Provision of shadecan help in prevention of direct sun exposure to thehorses. Pastures covered with good trees canprovide a good environment to the horses duringgrazing. Shade can provide relief against heat stress

and sunburns in the horses. Provision of wateringfacilities should also be in the shaded areas ofpastures.

Acclimating horses to the heat stress

A period of 15 to 21 days should be given as anacclimation period for horses from cooler or drierclimates traveling to compete or reside in hot, humidclimates. Acclimation increases the horse’s toleranceto heat and exercise. Still horse should be monitoredduring training and competition in hot and humidclimates.

Precautions during transport

Owner must be aware of trailing safety of the horsesduring the hot weather as it can predispose thehorses to stress. It is important that horse ownerstake precautions during transport to safeguard theirhorses against heat related ailments. There aresome safety tips which can be utilized duringtrailering:-

1.) Trailering should be avoided during warmesthours of the day.

2.) Provision of airflow and ventilation should beproper in the trailer vent and there should not beany kind of obstruction.

3.) Two to three gallons of drinking water per horseshould be carried and should be offred when stoppingfor fuel or at rest area. Capillary refill time is a goodindicator of hydration of a horse and can be checkedeasily through a trailer window.

4.) When parking try to find shaded area with someair movement.

5.) During traffic jams try to provide maximumventilation in the trailer without unloading the horses.It can be useful if you can get information regardingsome accident or traffic problem in advance so thatyou can avoid the route.

6.) Condition of the vehicle should be good and itmust be in its top running order. Spare tires shouldbe there in advance. There should be reliableroadside assistance program for horses’ safety.

Riding and work under hot and humid weather

Ridding should be avoided when the combinedtemperature and relative humidity surpass 150.


Ridding schedule should be done during the coolerhours of the day (ride early in the morning or late atnight).Work should be kept light and should includefrequent breaks. The horse should not be kept underwork beyond its fitness level and should be monitoredfor normal sweating. Air flow should be created usingfans and if possible then provision of shades shouldbe there in the working area. Provision of access tocool, clean water should be there and water shouldbe offered frequently during work.

Management of horse in the barnProper space per animal, proper ventilation in thebarn and use of fans, sprayers and misters etc.should be done inside the barns. These things canhelp the horse to better adapt himself against hightemperature. Using misting fans is the most efficientmethod of all methods. In fact, Olympic horses arekept cool with this method. The mist causes coolingby conduction and evaporation, while the fans’breeze improves both evaporation and convection.

Facility of hosing the horse with cool water shouldbe available in the shed. After hosing the water layershould be scraped of immediately as it can blockthe heat loss from the horse. Hosing the horse downis useful during the high temperature period of theday and it provide relief to horse against heat stressalso.

Cooling of an overheated horseProlonged exposure to high temperatures can resultin heat stress, heat stroke and problems likedehydration, muscle spasms and colic. First step insuch cases should be to stop all kind of activitiesand move the horse to shady area and provide thefans in the area to create wind flow and properventilation. Cold water should be used to spray thelegs and the body of the horse should be hosedwith the cold water. After hosing the water layer mustbe scraped off from the body as it may block theheat loss from the body. Horse should be allowed todrink small quantity of water frequently andelectrolytes should be provided for rehydration andto maintain the electrolytes balance in the body. Ifthe condition is severe then a veterinarian must beapproached for further treatment. He can providecold water enema to horses as well as can providetreatment for dehydration which can help in cooling

down the temperature. Once the horse becomeoverheated it is more likely to become overheatedagain. Therefore, care must be taken and the horseshould be monitored regularly. Moving such horsesto the cooler parts of the country for a period canhelp with this kind of conditions. For furtherprevention of overheating during summer the horsesshould be provided regularly with electrolytes in hotweather, amount of grains in the ration should bedecreased and forages should be increased as itcan lead to reduction in heat production inside thebody. Owner can switch towards supplementationof high fat feed or can add high fat supplement inthe horse’s diet. Fat is digested, absorbed andmetabolized more efficiently than any other nutrientand it produces less metabolic heat. There arevarious readymade feed formulations available forfeeding during hot weather which contain the fatcontent up to 25%.Sunburn managementA horse with bald face or light colored skin is moreprone to sunburn. The best way to manage thiscondition is through prevention. Clinical signs ofsunburns may include dark pink or red colored skin,blisters or scab and head shyness when the face isburnt or equally painful response when other partsof the body are affected. Various ways to preventthe sunburn are explained in brief below:-1.) Avoid sun exposureExposure to sun should be avoided during peak sunhours. The sunburn prone horses should be keptindoors during peak sun hours timings and theturnout timings should be limited only during duskand night time during spring and summer season.2.) Use of sunscreenAt least sunscreen with SPF 30 should be used andapplied frequently during daytime. Some horsespecific sunscreen includes additional ingredientsfor treating sunburn-caused scabs & blisters alsorepel insects, such as flies, that are drawn to openwounds.3.) Use of fly repelling & UV blocking masksThese kind masks can be usefull in blocking UV-rays as well as repelling the flies. These are usefullin preventing sunburns in bald face regions andnuisance due to face fly in horses.


4.) Use of sun sheets

These sheets have property of blocking UV rays andcan be used over the horse which can act as aphysical barrier to protect his back, body and neckfrom sun. These sheets can protect the horse fromflies also.

5.) Monitoring for sunburn on cloudy day

During spring and summer season, the horsesshould be monitored for sunburns during cloudydays also. If a horse shows signs of sunburns onsuch day then use of sunscreen & his sun protectioncloth should be done.

Strategies to control insects in the barns

As summer comes it brings insects also. Insects areknown to cause nuisance and disturbance in animalsand they aid in heat stress also. Therefore, varioussteps for controlling the insects should be taken inthe barns. Use of fly sheets and insect repellentshould be done during the active insect times of theday. Horses should be moved inside the barn andfans should be used to create the airflow. The airflowcan foil the ability of flying insects to hover aroundthe horse and create disturbance by affecting thehorse behavior as many biting insects are poorfliers. Beside these general practices the use of flytraps can be adopted in the barns. There are varioustypes of fly traps available in the market with goodefficiency to capture and kill the insect e.g. sticky flytraps, light based fly traps and pheromone basedfly traps. Pheromone based fly traps should not beused inside the barns as they can attract all the fliesfrom outside to inside the barns. They can be usedin conjunction with sticky and light based fly traps. Itcan be more effective if we use sticky and light basedfly traps inside the barn and pheromone based flytraps outside the barn. This can help in attractingfly towards pheromone based fly traps and therewill be less population of insects inside the barn thatcan be reduced further by sticky and light based flytraps. Chemical control through use of insecticidecan be adopted but at present there is a developingresistance to various chemicals and their negative

effect on animal and human health is also animportant issue. Integrated pest management (IPM)can be adopted in the barn area to control the flypopulation in a biological way instead of chemicalcontrol. It includes use of fly predators along withpesticides. In this chemical controls is limited to flybaits, sprays & other application techniques that willnot come in contact with manure and kill theparasites. In this the only insecticides that arecompatible with parasitoids are used. Theparasitoids are simply fly predator species which feedon the pupae of the flies which are common in thehorse barns i.e. stable fly and house fly. These flypredators larvae are available in market and can beordered online also. These should be used in thefly breeding areas like manure pits and near drainsetc. they help in reducing fly population by feedingon their pupae and breaking their life cycle. However,the population of these parasitoids needed to bereplaced every year.

Conclusions

It can be concluded in the end that all the strategiesdiscussed above have good impact in managementof problems associated with the high temperatureand humidity during summer season. It can besuggested that acclimation period can help in betteradaptability of horses against problem of heat stressand precautions taken during transport cansafeguard the horses against occurrence of heatrelated ailments due to transportation stress.Similarly, sunburns can be managed efficiently bymonitoring of the horses for sunburn problems,application of sunscreens, use of UV blocking masksand sun sheets on horses. Insect repellents, flysheets and use of fly traps wisely can preventnuisance and disturbance caused by the insects inthe barns. Integrated pest management can be moreuseful over chemical control of insects in presentscenario.

References

Corresponding author can be contacted throughemail for references.

U


Introduction

Microminerals in dietarysupplements to domesticanimals have immense benefits and it improvesanimalfertility. There is an interaction betweennutritional status and animal fertility whereinsufficient contents of microminerals in animaldiets results into poor health status and lowproductivity. Micromineralsare importantfor animal’sfertility including Zinc, Copper, Cobalt, Iodine, Iron,Chromium, Molybdenum, Manganese, Magnesiumand Selenium. These microminerals work effectivelywith some of the fat-soluble vitamins and B complexvitamins as well.Microminerals involved in severalways of biological processes in the body such ascomponent of metallo-enzymes and enzymecofactor.Adequate intake of microminerals and theirefficient absorption in alimentary tract is requiredfor various physiological functions in growth,reproduction and immune response to pathogenicchallenges. Microminerals areessential for thesynthesis of hormones anddeficiencyof which itaffects steroid hormone production.

Good managerial practices and along with balancednutrition of microminerals and vitamins in dailyfeedintake are very essential in a productive animalfor efficient fertility. Once the body developsdeficiencies of microminerals, body immunity andenzyme functions are compromised first followedby a reduction in normal growth and fertility. Thesewill occurprior to the evidence of clinicaldeficiency.Subclinical or marginal deficiencies maycreate a huge problem than acute mineralsdeficiency, since specific clinical symptoms are notclear enough to recognize their deficiencies.Thereby subclinical micromineral deficiencies will

Microminerals: it’s importance in domestic animals fertilitySwati Thakur*, Ruokuobeinuo Houzha1,SouvikDhara 2 and Sunil Kr. Rastogi3

College of Veterinary and Animal Science, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology,Pantnagar-263145, UttarakhandU

adversely affects the reproduction before the clinicaldeficiency symptoms are observed.

Role of different micronutrients inreproductive fertility

• Zinc (Zn):

Zn is essentially important for sexual maturity andonset of estrus in young female animals. Znis animportant mineral for epithelial integrity and formaintaining the lining of reproductive organs asrepairment of uterine lining following calving to attainnormal estrus cycles again. It alsomaintains theuterine lining necessary for implantation of embryosduring gestation. Inadequate Zn intake in cattle hasbeen associated with fertility problems such as lowconception rate, failure of implantation, reducedlitter size, abortions, fetal mummification, lower birthweight and prolonged labor.Inpregnant animals,fetus requires Zn for normal healthy growth anddevelopment.

In males, Zn is essential for sexual maturity,reproductive efficiencies and spermquality.Deficiency of which will results into lowerconcentration of FSH and LH causing atrophy ofsemeniferous tubule and abnormal testiculardevelopment in young male viz.reduced testicularsize, lack of libido and disturb the spermatogenesisprocess. Both Zinc and copper togetherindirectlyaffect reproduction by maintaining hoof and jointhealth. Since lame bulls are unable to identify cowsin estrus, fail to mount estrus females and difficultto ejaculate semen.

Normal daily requirement of Zn in cattle is 30-40ppm and sheep is 20-33 ppm.


Similarly â-carotene the precursor of vitamin A isessential to maintain integrity of epithelial lining ofmucosal surfaces of alimentary, respiratory,reproductive and urinary tracts. Deficiency ofvitamin A in feed, there is loss of integrity of epitheliallining of mucus membranes andincreasedsusceptibility to infections. In males,vitamin A deficiency causes degeneration ofgerminal epithelium of semeniferous tubule andcause sterility. Cholesterol synthesis requiresvitamin A and in deficiency of which may decreasesteroidogenic activity in gonads. Vitamin A and itsprecursor are richly present in animal origin andplants. Normal daily requirement of vitamin A inanimals is 1000-2000 IU per day.

• Copper (Cu)

Copper status is important for leukocytefunctions,antibody production and forms a vital componentin many enzyme systems as cofactor such ascytochrome oxidase for electron transport inmitochondria and energy metabolism of ATPdependent biosynthetic reactions. Cu deficiencyaffects reproductive efficiency such as delayedestrus, decreased conception rates, infertility, earlyembryonic death, necrosis of placenta and centralnervous system abnormalities in young ones. Highlevel of iron, sulfur or molybdenum in soil oradditional feed supplements can further exaggeratethese deficiency symptoms especially in grazinganimals.

In males, Cu deficiency leads to decreased libidoand lower semen quality that may render bull tosterility. Supplement of Cu in pregnant females iscritical to maintain body stores in newborns, sincematernal Cu deficiency has been linked toincreased mortality and morbidity in lambs andcalves. Cu requirement varies among the speciesand it depends on the inter-relationship with otherminerals in diet such as molybdenum, sulphate and

iron. Normal dailybody requirement of copper indairy cattleis 10-15 ppm and in sheep is 7-11 ppm.Additional supplementation of copper is necessaryfor quality semen production.

• Chromium (Cr)

Chromium in dietary supplementation is requiredfor health and immune response in ruminants.Higher concentration of Cr is present in nuclearproteins isimportant for gametogenesis, fetalgrowth and development.During pregnancy,specificproteins are secreted from uterine endometriuminfluenced by Cr. This is important for recognitionof pregnancy and preventing early embryonicmortality.Cr exerts a significant influence onfollicular maturation and decreases the calvinginterval. Deficiency of Cr in maleshas leads to poorsperm count and decreased fertility.

• Manganese (Mn)

Manganese is an essential part of several enzymesthat are involved in various body functions as:

1. Immune response and nervous function,

2. Antioxidant production as an integral part ofsuperoxide dismutase

3. Carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.

It acts as a cofactor in cholesterol synthesisrequired for synthesis of steroid hormones. Mndeficiency in domestic animals depends on calciumand phosphorus ratio of the ration.Thisresultsintoinfertility in both male and female, congenital limbdeformity and poor growth rate in calves. Deficiencyin femaleis associated with suppression of estrus,silent estrus, irregular estrous cycle, cystic ovary,poor follicular development with delayed ovulation,and increase in embryonic mortality andreducedconception rate.In males, dietarydeficiencies result into decreasedlibido, motility ofspermatozoa and spermatozoa concentration.


Normaldaily Mn requirement in both cattle andsheepis 20-40 ppm, pig is 2-4 ppm for growth and10 ppm for reproduction.

• Magnesium (Mg)

Magnesium usually does not have direct impact onreproduction of animals but maintains antagonisticrelation with calcium. Any disturbance to Ca-P-Mghomeostasis willreducethe reproductive efficiency.

• Iodine (I-2)

Iodine functions as important component of thyroidhormoneproduction and in energy metabolism forgrowth and development in young animals.Iodinemetabolism is disturbed when animals are fed withforages and other feedstuffs grown in iodinedeficient areas or goitrogens rich feeds like whiteclover, raw soybean and rapeseed meal. Feedingof such feeds may require more iodine supplementin producing animals. Deficiency of I-2duringpregnancycauses abortions or abnormalities inyoung animals such as being born hairless, blind,weak or high mortality.In adult females, I-2

deficiency is characterized by irregular cycling, lowconception rate and retained placenta.Iodinesupplementation in sheep will increase number oflambs by 14 to 21% and reduce lamb mortalityrate.Domestic animals in the absence ofgoitrogenic, I-2supplement in diet requires 0.2-0.4ppm for monogastric animals and in non-lactatingruminants. Normal daily requirement in dairy cowsis 0.6 ppm, since 10 % of daily intake of I-2isexcreted in the milk and in sheep is 0.10-0.20 ppm.

• Molybdenum (Mo)

Molybdenum is interdependent with Copper. Properbalance of both in soil and plant is essential fornormal absorption in ruminant’salimentary tract. Inmales, Mo deficiency decreases libido andspermatogenesis that mayresult into male sterilitywhereas in femalesit causedelayed puberty,

reduced conception rate and anestrus. Normal dailyrequirement of Mo in cattle is 1-2 ppm and in sheepis 0.5 ppm.

• Iron (Fe)

Iron in blood cells assist in transport of oxygen totissues, maintains the oxidative enzyme systemand is required for synthesis of hemoglobin andmyoglobin. Deficiency in adult animals is rare dueto its ubiquitous presence in feedstuffs. Irondeficiency in animal cause poor reproductiveperformance. This may bedue to anemia, reducedappetite, poor body condition, repeat breedingproblems and abortion.Normal daily requirement ofFe in cattle is 50 ppm, sheep is 30-50 ppm and inpig is 15mg per day or intramuscular injection ofFe dextran (100-150mg) in piglet.

• Selenium (Se)

Selenium act like an antioxidant that works inconjugation with vitamin E (tocopherol) asprevention and repair cellular damages.Seis alsoassociated with thyroxinein regulating metabolismof all peripheral tissue cells. During gestation, Seis transferred through placenta to young ones. Thisdirectly affects health and thriftiness of the calf.Sedeficiency in female, increases incidence ofembryonic death, still birth, uterine infection anddecreased fertility. Se deficiency predisposes dairycows to perinatal metritis, retained placenta andimpairs immune response. In males, Se deficiencydisturbs testosterone production and spermato-genesis leading to infertility. Supplementation ofSeto dairy cows reduces incidence of mastitis,ovarian cysts, retained placenta and improvespostpartum uterine involution.Normal dietarysupplement of Se in animals is approximately 0.1–0.3 ppm but supplementation of 0.5-40 ppmbecome hazardous and toxicity. Suggested feedinglevel of vitamin E in total diet is 1000 IU/ day for drycows, 500 IU/ day for lactating cows.


• Cobalt (Co)

Cobalt in ruminant diet is essential for the synthesisof vitamin B12 by rumen microbes and is requiredfor efficient fiber digestion in rumen. However,complete replacement of Co by vitamin B12 inruminant diet is not possible. Co content infeedstuffs varies greatly according to geographicallocation and soil characteristics. Co deficient dietin animals result into gradual loss of appetite, weightloss, muscle wasting anemia and eventuallydeath.Infertility is likely to arise as a secondaryconsequence in debilitatedanimal condition. Codeficiency in female, it causes delayed uterineinvolution, irregular estrous cycle and decreasedconception rate. Ruminants require Co in dietarysource used solely for vitamin B12 production byrumen microflora. Normal dietary Co requirementin ruminants is 0.07-0.11 ppm, lactating dairy cowsis 0.1 ppm, sheep is 0.10-0.20 ppm and pig is 0.01-0.02 ppm.

Conclusion

Microminerals are necessary for good health,growth, production, reproduction and are essentialfor immune responses as well. They act as cofactorfor a number of enzymes and proteins that areinvolved in numerous physiological and biologicalprocesses in the body.Animal’s response tomicrominerals supplementsare affected by severalfactors such as duration of feeding, concentrationin feeds, metabolism and absorption in the body,physiological status ofthe animal, absence orpresence of dietary antagonists and environmentalstress. It is necessary to consider all these factorswhile microminerals dietary supplements areprovided to farm animals. Thereby efficientreproduction is achieved and well maintained inthese domestic animals.

*Corresponding author and MVSC Scholar,Veterinary Physiology & Biochemistry, C.V.A.SC.,G.B.P.U.A&T, Pantnagar E-mail: [email protected]

1 Assistant professor, Deptt. of VeterinaryPhysiology & Biochemistry, C.V.A.SC.,G.B.P.U.A&T, Pantnagar

2 MVSC Scholar, Deptt. of Veterinary Gynecology&Obstetrics, C.V.A.SC., G.B.P.U.A&T, Pantnagar

3.Professor, Deptt. of Veterinary Physiology &Biochemistry, C.V.A.SC., G.B.P.U.A&T, Pantnagar

References:

Smith, O.B. andAkinbamijo, O.O.2000.Micronutrients and reproduction in farm animals.Animal reproduction science,60-61:549-560.

Amin, B.Y., Dar, R.R., Ali, A., Malla, J.A. andShubeena, S. 2016. Role of micronutrients in bovinereproduction.Theriogenology Insight, 6(1): 57-65.

Yasothai, R. 2014. Importance of vitamins onreproduction in dairy cattle. International Journal ofScience, Environment and Technology, 3(6):2105-2108.

Kumar, S., Pandey, A.K., Rao, M.M. and Razzaque,A.A.2010. Role of …-carotene/ vitamin A in animalreproduction. Veterinary World, 3(5): 236-237.

Weiss, W.P. Recommendations for trace mineralsfor dairy cattle. Department of animal science,OARDC, The Ohio State University.

Sontakke, U., Kumar, M. and Kaur, H. 2014. Roleof micronutrients in immunity and fertility of animals.Dairy cattle nutrition unit, National Dairy ResearchInstitute, Karnal.

Chaudhary, S. and Singh, A. 2004. Role of nutritionin reproduction. Intaspolivet, 5: 229-234.

U


Abstract: Summer anestrus in buffalo is a majorproduction problem along with an incidence of36.6% to 59.5% characterized by inactive andsmooth ovaries, abnormal hormonal profiles etc.Various factors like environmental, hormonal,nutritional, uterine disease are responsible to causesummer anestrus in buffalo. There are variousways of treatments are recently practiced to tacklesuch reproductive problems in buffaloes. Goodmanagement system during extreme seasons likeharsh summer and winter will minimize thereproductive problems that are encountered bybreeding buffaloes. Various hormonal therapy forestrus induction to treat the summer anestrus isdescribed by practitioners and researchers likeprogesterone, PRID, PGF2a, FSH, clomiphenecitrate etc. alone or in combination.There are othertreatments protocols like prolactin inhibitors,antioxidants such as vitamin E and mineralselenium are also suggested by variousresearchers.

Key words: summer anestrus, buffalo, hormonal,environmental, estrus induction.

Introduction

Buûalo is one of the most important generatingsources of income among dairy animalsconcentrated largely in tropical and sub-tropicalcountries. Buûalo alone contributes approximately67.76% in India,96.78% of the total milk to the dairyindustry in Asia (Metha WANAPAT, 2013), andapproximately 12.92% of the total world milkproduction. Domestic buûaloes have a tendencyto breed seasonally, showing a suspension ofsexual activity during summer (Hafez1955;

Chaudhry 1988; Shah 1990), due to sexuallyinactive without any signs of oestrus. This conditionis popularly known as summer anoestrus. Theincidence of summer anoestrus generally variesbetween 36.6% and 59.5% (Luktuke and Sharma1978; Singh et al. 1989) where the condition ischaracterized by inactive and smooth ovaries (Royet al. 1972), abnormal hormonal proûles (Razdan1988). Several factors like environment, hormones,nutrition and management have been proposed tocause summer anoestrus in buûaloes.Environmental factors including thermal stress,photoperiod or daylength, temperature, relativehumidity and rainfall are either alone or incombination playing signiûcant roles in controllingsuch reproductive behaviour (Ribeiro et al. 2003).Among which photoperiod has a marked inûuenceon the reproductive pattern through the pineal glandsecretion that response to suprachiasmatic nucleiin controlling the shift betweenlight and dark(Parmeggianiet al. 1994; Zicarelli 1994; Borgheseet al. 1995).Good managerial practices especiallyduring extremeenvironmental conditions areimmensely benefits the breeding buffaloes.Besides which

Factors responsible for Summer Anoestrus

• Environmental factors

Environmental factors have a direct eûect on theneuroendocrine regulation in buûalo (Razdan 1988).Buûaloes are very susceptible to thermal stress(Pandey and Roy 1966), especially when exposedto the direct sunrays as they have poor cutaneousevaporative cooling mechanism owing to lowdensity of sweat glands. They get little protection

Summer anestrusin buffaloSouvikDhara*, Ruokuobeinuo Houzha1, Swati Thakur2

College of Veterinary and Animal Science, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture &Technology,Pantnagar-263145, UttarakhandU


by virtue of their scanty hair coat (Acharya 1988;Cockrill 1993). High relative humidity furtheraccentuates the condition (Mishra et al. 1963).Thermal stress causes hyper-prolactinemia,reduced luteinizing hormone (LH) frequency, poorfollicle maturation and decreased oestradiolproduction in anoestrus buûaloes (Heranjalet al.1979b; Kakeret al. 1982; Aboul-Ela and Barkawi1988; Paltaet al. 1997) leading to ovarian inactivity.

• Endocrine factors

Hormones play a pivotal role in the development ofsummer anoestrus in buûaloes, attributed to theinherently sub-optimal function of hypothalamo–hypophyseal–gonadal axis (Rao andSreemannarayan 1982). Buûaloes with aberrantreproduction during summer exhibit alterations inhormonal secretion (Madan 1988; Razdan 1988;Singh et al. 2000) due to heat stress (Shethet al.1978; Takkaret al. 1983) especially being linked tothe photoperiod (Zicarelli 1997). Hormones likeprolactin (PRL), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH),LH, progesterone (P4) as well as estradiol-17b aredirectly associated with the condition (Shethet al.1978; Heranjalet al. 1979b; Razdanet al. 1981). Inaddition, hypothyroidism has also been implicatedin the condition (Roy et al. 1968). The highthyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) levels, a resultof negative feedback mechanism, may beresponsible for the increased prolactic (PRL)concentration. Persistently high PRL duringsummer exerts a suppressive eûect on thesecretion of gonadotrophins and ovarian steroidsleading to the development of summer anoestrus(Razdanet al. 1981).

• Nutritional factors

Generally, buûaloes remain underfed due to pooravailability of nutrients particularly protein as tropical

forages get ligniûed during summer months(Mudgal 1979). Nutritional stress alters the feedbackmechanism between oestradiol and LH surge,through the reduction of circulating concentrationsof metabolic hormones (e.g. insulin and IGF-I),which reduces the sensitivity of follicles togonadotrophins in cattle (Schallenberger andProkopp 1995; De Rensis and Scaramuzzi 2003),perhaps more further detail studies are still requiredin buûaloes.

• Reproductive organs factors

Summer heat stress has multifarious eûects onovaries, such as ovarian follicle consisting offollicular ûuid and oocytes (Wolfensonet al. 2000).The histological studies indicated that there is areduced follicular growth and plenty of follicularatresia of primary to tertiary follicles in ovarianhypofunction (Ribeiro et al. 1987). Follicular growthand atresia during anoestrus is attributed to theinadequate secretion of gonadotropins by thehypophysis or hormonal imbalance is proposed forother mammalian species (Guraya, 1973). Heatstress has a deleterious eûect on the oocyte qualityin buûaloes.

Treatment protocols

1. Managemental practices: good managementsystem during extreme seasons like harsh summerand winter will minimize the reproductive problemsthat are encountered by breeding buffaloes. Theseincludes -

• Environmental management: Protection fromdirect solar radiation is the principle rule ofmanagement during extreme hot summer months.A modern managerial practice has also beenrecommended for optimization of reproductiveeûciency and production in buûaloes duringsummer, which includes protection against stressand improving nutritional status of the animals.


These are done by provision of shade, loosehousing system and application of water on thebody surface by sprinkling or providing wallowingfacilities such ponds or water bodies. Showering,splashing, sluicing or spraying of water on the body,appropriate housing and a shift from day to nightgrazing practices are also advocated in hot andhumid areas for improving the reproductive andproductive eûciency.

• Daily routine activities such as heat detection:Buûaloes are nocturnal in the onset of oestrusespecially during summer months more difficult todetect estrus. Since buffaloes are normally knownfor exhibiting silent estrus. Hence, the system of

heat detection during cooler part of the day or nighthours using a dummy bull may improve theeûciency of heat detection.

• Feeding management: Feeding buûaloes withbalanced dietof roughage during night will reducethe heat load on the animal (Acharya, 1988).Feeding green fodders, silage, hay, provision fornight feeding and allow grazing only in the morningand late in the afternoon, supplementation ofmineralsand vitamins can improve the eûciency ofreproduction during summer.

2. Hormonal treatments: Now-a-days mostpopular treatment done is hormonal therapy byusing various hormones alone or with

Table 1: Various hormonal treatments for estrus induction in buffaloes.


combinationgives satisfactory results to control thesummer anoestrus and induce estrus in buffalo.Some of these combinations are given in Table 1.

3. Others treatments: There are other treatmentsprotocols like prolactin inhibitors, antioxidants suchas vitamin E and mineral selenium arealsosuggested to be used in which is mentioned inTable 2.

Conclusion:

Summer anoestrus is one of major reproductiveproblems faced in buffalo farm which causes ahuge economic loss in worldwide. Several factorsare responsible, amongst which thermal, hormonal,nutritional factors and poor management systemall combined together caused summer anoestrus.The exact mechanism by which endocrinologicalchange over occurs during this time are still notwell known. Good managerial practices in entireyear-roundare considered to be the best way tomanage such reproductive problem in buffalo herd.Besides these, recent hormonal therapies are alsodone widely with varying results.

*- Corresponding author and MVSC Scholar,Email: [email protected]

1 Assistant professor, Deptt. of VeterinaryPhysiology & Biochemistry, C.V.A.SC.,G.B.P.U.A&T, Pantnagar

2 MVSC Scholar

References:

1. Abou-Zeina HAA, Hassan SG, Sabra HA, HamamAM, 2009: Trials for elevating adverse eûect of heatstress in buûaloes with emphasis on metabolicstatus and fertility. Glob Vet 3, 51–62.

2. Barile VL, Gallaso A, Carretta A, Marchiori E,Borghese A, 2001: Evaluation of diûerent timedinseminations on conception rate in synchronisedItalian buûaloes. In: Proceedings of Sixth WorldBuûalo Congress, Maracaibo, Venezuela, 20-30May, pp. 172–178.

3. Bhosrekar MR, Phadnis YP, Gokhale SB,Mangurkar BR. Behavioural responses andconception rates in oestrus synchronisedbuffaloes. Proceedings, 4th World BuffaloCongress, São Paulo, Brazil. 1994; 3:468-470.

4. C Singh., Response of Anestrus Rural Buffaloes(Bubalusbubalis) to Intravaginal ProgesteroneImplant and PGF2alphaInjection in Summer., J VetSci. 2003 Aug;4(2):137-141. English. Publishedonline Feb 13,2019. https://doi.org/10.4142/jvs.2003.4.2.137

5. Dahiya V, Lohan IS, Saini MS, Kaker ML, MalikRK, 2003: Ultrasonographic assessment of ovarianchanges in anoestrus buûaloes treated withnorgestomet. Indian J Anim Sci 73, 1033–1036.

6. Ghuman SPS, Singh J, Honparkhe M, DadarwalD, Dhaliwal GS, Jain AK, 2008: Induction of ovulationof ovulatory size non-ovulatory follicles and initiation

Table 2: Other treatments protocol for estrus induction in buffaloes.


of ovarian cyclicity in summer anoestrus buûaloheifers (Bubalusbubalis) using melatonin implants.Reprod Dom Animdoi 10.1111/j. 1439-0531.2008.01310.

7. GK Das and FA Khan., SummerAnoestrus inBuûalo – A Review., Reprod Dom Anim 45, e483–e494 (2010); doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2010.01598.x ISSN 0936-6768.

8. Irikura CR, Ferreira JCP, Martin I, Gimenes LU,Oba E, Jorge AM, 2003: Follicular dynamics inbuûalo heifers (Bubalusbubalis) using the GnRH-PGF2a – GnRH protocol. Buûalo J 3, 323–327.

9. Kadu MS, Chede SA, 1992: Studies on hormonaland nonhormonal treatments for summeranoestrus in buûaloes. Indian J AnimReprod 13,168–170.

10. Karaivanov C, 1986: Comparative studies onthe superovulatory eûect of PMSG and FSH in waterbuûalo (Bubalusbubalis). Theriogenology 26, 51–59.

11. Met Ghuman SPS, Singh J, Honparkhe M,Dadarwal D, Dhaliwal GS, Jain AK, 2008: Inductionof ovulation of ovulatory size non-ovulatory folliclesand initiation of ovarian cyclicity in summeranoestrus buûalo heifers (Bubalusbubalis) usingmelatonin implants. Reprod Dom Animdoi 10.1111/j. 1439-0531.2008.01310.x.

12. Metha WANAPAT., World Buffalo Production:Challenges in Meat and Milk production, andMitigation of Methane Emission., Buffalo Bulletin Vol.32 (special issue 1): 1-21., 2013.

13. Murugavel K, Antoine D, Raju MS, Lopez-GatiusF, 2009: The eûect of addition of equine chorionicgonadotropin to a progesterone-based estroussynchronization protocol in buûaloes

(Bubalusbubalis) under tropical conditions.Theriogenology 71, 1120–1126.

14. Neglia G, Gasparrini B, Palo RD, Rosa CD,Zicarelli L, Campanile G, 2003: Comparison ofpregnancy rates with two estrus synchronizationprotocols in Italian Mediterranean Buûalo cows.Theriogenology 60, 125–133.

15. P. Perisic et. al., The importance of buffalo inmilk production and buffalo population (2), p 255-263., 2015.

16. Patel DM, Sarvaiya NP, Patel AV, Parmar AP,Dugwekar YG. Induction of estrus and hormonalprofile in buffalo treated with norgestomet earimplant. Indian J AnimReprod. 2003; 24:67-68.

17. Rathour KK, Pandit RK, Agrawal RG, QuadriMA, Shrivastava OP, 2005: Some bloodbiochemical indices and fertility following treatmentof anestrus in Murrah buûaloes. Indian JAnimReprod 26, 129–132.

18. Rao AVN, Venkatramiah P, 1991: Induction andsynchronization of oestrus and fertility in seasonallyanestrous buûaloes with GnRH and PGF analogue.AnimReprod Sci 25, 109–113.

19. Singh C, 2003: Response of anoestrus ruralbuûaloes (Bubalusbubalis) to intravaginalprogesterone implant and PGF2a injection insummer. J. Vet. Sci. 4, 137–141.

20. Singh G, Singh GB, Sharma RD, Nanda AS,1983: Experimental treatment of summer anoestrusin buûaloes with norgestomet and PRID.Theriogenology 19, 323–329.

21. Verma HK, Sidhu SS, Panqwanker GR,Dhablania DC, 1992: Treatment of summeranoestrus in buûaloes with Bromocriptine. Indian JAnimReprod 13, 19.

U


Maize and soya de oiled cake are major ingredientsused in poultry feed, contributing the greatest inputcost for poultry production. In the past year, the priceof maize rose by 70%, and soya de oiled cakeremained high. This was due to an increasedsupport price for farmers and low availability ofthese ingredients due to various reasons. Poorcrop yield, lack of adequate storage facilities, panicbuying, erratic rainfall and fall armyworm infestationcreated a surge in the price of these ingredients,resulting in higher feed costs and cost of productionof animal products.

To give an impression of how the kharif crop willlook over the next few months, Alltech India teammembers visited many key production areas ofthese ingredients. They spoke to farmers tounderstand their concerns and investigate thequality and supply of these key ingredients to theanimal feed industry.

It was observed that lower acreage sowing byfarmers, heavy rains at time of harvest and fallarmyworm infestation had resulted in poor yield ofmaize and soya crops. Soybean ProcessorsAssociation of India (SOPA) has estimated thatsoya crop output will be around 8.8 million metrictonnes in 2019, compared to approximately 11

Crop Survey – India, Kharif 2019million metric tonnes in the previous year, which isalmost 20% less.

Further, maize and soybean samples werecollected from the Indian states Karnataka,Maharashtra, Telangana and Madhya Pradeshduring the first week of November 2019. These wereassessed for quality, yield and risk associated withthese in the feed chain. Samples were tested usingthe Alltech 37+® mycotoxin analysis,whichassessed the mycotoxin contamination in theseingredients using the LCMS-MS method.

Maize moisture was high due to rains, and grainquality was poor due to fall armyworm and fungalinfestation.

All samples showed mycotoxin contamination. Onaverage, 5.3 different mycotoxins were observed.Of the samples, 43% showed more than sixdifferent mycotoxins.

The most present contaminant was fusaric acid(96.7%) followed by aflatoxins (83.3%), type Btrichothecenes (70%) and fumonisins (66.7%).Some samples also contained ochratoxins, citrininand ergot toxins, as well as many other types ofmycotoxins produced by Aspergillus and Fusariumspecies, which go unnoticed under typical testingprocedures.

PRESS RELEASE


Risk Equivalent Quantity (REQ) was calculated for maize when used in poultry feeding. It was observedthat 70% of maize samples were at high risk. Overall, aflatoxins and type B trichothecenes were significantmycotoxin risks.

Average Mycotoxin Assessment for Performance Impairment for Poultry - Starters


U

A potential loss of 18.15% in feed conversion and 0.32 eggs/hen/week may occur when such maize isused in broiler and laying birds, respectively.

Summary of the survey:

• Due to late rains and fall armyworm infestation,maize crop is heavily affected by poor quality grains,has high moisture and mycotoxin producing fungus.

• Aflatoxins, deoxynivalenol, fumonisins and fusaricacid are the most present mycotoxins in kharifmaize of all states. Multiple mycotoxins is aprevalent challenge.

• Constant monitoring is the key to reducingmycotoxin risk. Feed producers must use a suitablemold inhibitor and broad-spectrum mycotoxin binder

• Soya output is expected to have a 20% reductionin the 2019 crop year. Prices of soya DOC willremain high.

For more information, please contact

Author- Dr. Lokesh Gupta

Technical Manager – Poultry (South Asia)

[email protected]

-Ends-

About Alltech:

Founded in 1980 by Irish entrepreneur and scientistDr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech is a cutting-edge

technology company in a traditional industry,agriculture. Our products improve the health andnutrition of plants and animals, resulting in morenutritious products for people as well as less impacton the environment.

With expertise in yeast fermentation, solid statefermentation and the sciences of nutrigenomicsand metabolomics, Alltech is a leading producer ofyeast additives, organic trace minerals, feedingredients, premix and feed.

Together, with our more than 5,000 talented teammembers worldwide, we believe in “WorkingTogether for a Planet of Plenty™.”With the adoptionof new technologies, the adaptation of better farmmanagement practices and the ingenuity inherentin the human spirit, we believe a world ofabundance could be ours.

Alltech is a private, family-owned company, whichallows us to adapt quickly to our customers’ needsand stay focused on advanced innovation.Headquartered just outside of Lexington, Kentucky,USA, Alltech has a strong presence in all regionsof the world. For further information, visitwww.alltech.com/news. Join us in conversation onFacebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.


[HYDERABAD, India] – The Alltech stall at PoultryIndia 2019 became a stage for announcements withthe launch of the Alltech Art Contest calendar. Dr.Mark Lyons, Alltech president and CEO, and Dr.Aman Sayed, India managing director and SouthAsia regional director, unveiled the calendaralongside chief guest, Mr. Dhiraj Chaudhary,managing director of Hitech Nutrition.

This is the fifth year of the Alltech Art Contest, aimedat children aged 5–16 years. This year, Alltech Indiareceived 800 submissions from across the country,which beautifully displayed the imagination of India’syouth. All participants were awarded a participatorycertificate and gift, and the 39 finalists wererewarded with a cash prize along with gifts.

5th Annual Art Contest 2019 Winners:

Alltech launches 5th annual art contest calendar andalso unveils mycotoxin survey documentary and

Raptor mobile app in Poultry India 2019The theme of this year’s competition was “A Planetof Plenty™” — the new Alltech vision invitingcollaboration across industries and geographies fornew technologies and practices that will improvethe well-being of our world and all of its inhabitants.

The second day of Poultry India marked anotherimportant event, with the launch of the fresh harvestmaize and soya mycotoxin survey results anddocumentary. Dr. Lyons raised the curtain on thesurvey documentary and celebrated the momentwith champagne and cake.

Alltech India surveyed maize and soya to betterunderstand the ground reality for the high price ofraw materials. Concentrating on the major maizegrowing states like Karnataka, Maharashtra andTelangana, along with Madhya Pradesh for soybean,

PRESS RELEASE


the team reached out to farms and markets tounderstand the issues and collect samples. Thesesamples were then tested for quality at the Alltech37+® mineral analysis laboratory in Dunboyne,Ireland.

Fall armyworm and excess rain were observed asmajor factors in crop loss, resulting in a supplycrisis and increased prices. Dr. Manish Chaurasia,South Asia poultry marketing manager, explainedthe objectives of taking up the survey, while Ms.Raksha P R, marketing executive, described thegroundwork done for the survey. Dr. Lokesh Gupta,South Asia poultry technical manager, then brokedown the results of the 37+ testing, stating that,average of number of mycotoxins found in collectedsample was five.

Following the ceremony, Dr. Nick Adams, Alltech®

Mycotoxin Management team, global director,launched Raptor, a mobile application for analysingmycotoxin results.

Other highlights from the Alltech stall were themezzanine space for l ive instrumentdemonstration, the magic mirror selfie booth andhappy hours with mocktails to educate andentertain customers.

-Ends-

Contact:Dr. Manish Chaurasia,Marketing manager, Poultry (South Asia)[email protected]; +91 8130890989

About Alltech:

Founded in 1980 by Irish entrepreneur and scientistDr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech is a cutting-edgetechnology company in a traditional industry,agriculture. Our products improve the health andnutrition of plants and animals, resulting in morenutritious products for people as well as less impacton the environment.

With expertise in yeast fermentation, solid statefermentation and the sciences of nutrigenomicsand metabolomics, Alltech is a leading producer ofyeast additives, organic trace minerals, feedingredients, premix and feed.

Together, with our more than 5,000 talented teammembers worldwide, we believe in “WorkingTogether for a Planet of Plenty™.”With the adoptionof new technologies, the adaptation of better farmmanagement practices and the ingenuity inherentin the human spirit, we believe a world ofabundance could be ours.

Alltech is a private, family-owned company, whichallows us to adapt quickly to our customers’ needsand stay focused on advanced innovation.Headquartered just outside of Lexington, Kentucky,USA, Alltech has a strong presence in all regionsof the world. For further information, visitwww.alltech.com/news. Join us in conversation onFacebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

About Alltech 37+®:

Mycotoxins have been shown to reduce feed intake,damage gut integrity and cause poor fertility andeach of these issues can be a major cost toproducers. Identifying and addressing these hiddenchallenges is very important and with the Alltech37+ test, mycotoxins can’t remain hidden for long.

The Alltech 37+ mycotoxin analysis test is thecornerstone of our mycotoxin control program andbetween our labs in Lexington Kentucky andDunboyne Ireland, we have run over 24,000samples, each searching for over 50 mycotoxinsin animal feed.

Alltech 37+ test results provide a realistic pictureof feed contaminants in feed ingredients or TMRsto speed up the process of diagnosis, suggesteffective remediation and help move toward aneffective mycotoxin control plan.

Find out more at knowmycotoxins.com.U


[HYDERABAD, India] – On November 27, the IndianPoultry Journalists Association honoured the lateDr. Pearse Lyons with the Lifetime AchievementAward at the official IPJA Award Night held inHyderabad.Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech andson of Dr. Pearse Lyons, received the award, alongwith his wife, Mrs. Holly Lyons, on behalf of his fatherfrom Mr. Etela Rajendra, health minister ofTelangana.“He was driven by his curiosity, and that curiositybrought him here to India, to plant trees that hewould never see grow,” said Mark. “His passiontoward science and innovation was enormous, andhe was able to use all these skills to unleash ideasinto the world.”An Irish entrepreneur and scientist, Dr. Lyons wasa visionary who transformed the agricultureindustry, beginning with his innovative applicationof yeast technology in animal nutrition. The Dundalknative emigrated to the United States in the late1970s, where he set up Alltech in his garage inKentucky with an initial investment of $10,000.Thecompany focuses on improving animal, crop andhuman health and performance through itsinnovative use of yeast fermentation, enzymetechnology and nutrigenomics.Describing Alltech as a purpose-driven company,Mark quoted Dr. Lyons’ own words, “The legacy Iwould like to leave is: We made a difference. It’snot about making money; it’s about making adifference.”Concluding, Mark shared Alltech’s new vision of‘Working Together for a Planet of Plenty™, stating,“agriculture has the greatest potential to shape thefuture of our planet. It is an invitation to worktogether, across industry sectors and geographical

IPJA honours Alltech founder, the late Dr. PearseLyons, with Lifetime Achievement Award

PRESS RELEASE

boundaries, to create a place where animals, plantsand people thrive in harmony. Through innovationand inspiration, we will work together to build aplentiful planet.”-Ends-Contact: Dr. Manish Chaurasia,Marketing manager, Poultry (South Asia)[email protected]; +91 8130890989About Alltech:Founded in 1980 by Irish entrepreneur and scientistDr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech is a cutting-edgetechnology company in a traditional industry,agriculture. Our products improve the health andnutrition of plants and animals, resulting in morenutritious products for people as well as less impacton the environment.With expertise in yeast fermentation, solid statefermentation and the sciences of nutrigenomicsand metabolomics, Alltech is a leading producer ofyeast additives, organic trace minerals, feedingredients, premix and feed.Together, with our more than 5,000 talented teammembers worldwide, we believe in “WorkingTogether for a Planet of Plenty™.”With the adoptionof new technologies, the adaptation of better farmmanagement practices and the ingenuity inherentin the human spirit, we believe a world of abundancecould be ours.Alltech is a private, family-owned company, whichallows us to adapt quickly to our customers’ needsand stay focused on advanced innovation.Headquartered just outside of Lexington, Kentucky,USA, Alltech has a strong presence in all regionsof the world. For further information, visitwww.alltech.com/news. Join us in conversation onFacebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

U


Corn growers considering grazing cattle on no-tillcorn residue don’t have to worry about compaction,according to University of Nebraska (U of N)research. Yields of subsequent crops don’t suffereither from grazing of the previous crop’s aftermath.If anything, grazing of the residue could slightlyincrease yields of subsequent crops.

“Many crop farmers are concerned that cattletrampling will adversely affect soil physical propertiesand subsequent crop productivity,” says MaryDrewnoski, U of N beef systems specialist. “Ourstudies have found that grazing in late fall or winterdoes not result in biologically significant compactionon cropland or in negative impacts on subsequentcrop yields.”

What the Study FoundA recent three-year study looked at the effects onsoil properties and subsequent crops of three corn-residue treatments:

• Grazing• Baling• Control, where residue was left on the fieldSix cooperator sites from across the state wereselected for the research. All but one of the siteswere in no-till. Four were irrigated, and two were indryland production. Some sites were in continuouscorn production; some were in a corn-soybeanrotation.

“Our goal for the grazing treatments was to take only12% to 15% of the residue,” says Drewnoski. “Cowsare selective grazers, and they’ll eat the husks andthe leaves first. These are the most nutritiouscomponents of the corn residue and make up about30% of crop aftermath. If cows have to start eatingthe stalks, they will no longer be able to maintaintheir body condition.”

In the grazed treatment, actual residue reduction wasjust under 20%, according to measurements takenin the spring following the grazing of the cows inNovember, December, and January. The grazed

Grazing corn residue proves its worthUniversity of Nebraska research shows cattle on cornfields are more help than harm.

treatment had 77.5% cover, the baled treatment had45.8% cover, and the control treatment had 88.7%cover.

“Some of the residue is lost due to wind, and withgrazing, some is trampled into the soil surface,” shesays. “The trampled residue combined with manurefrom the cattle returns about 90% of the dry matterfrom the residue back to the soil. In more long-termstudies of cattle grazing corn residue, we seeincreases in soil microbial activity. That maycontribute to the yield bump we see in the subsequentcrop.”

The stocking capacity for grazing corn residuedepends on corn yield. “Corn is consistent in termsof the relationship between stover and corn yield,”says Drewnoski. “We suggest stocking fields at arate of one cow for one month for every 100 bushelsof corn. You can increase the stocking rate whenshortening the grazing period.”

In Nebraska, the customary fee for grazing cornresidue is $15 per acre, assuming a corn yield of180 bushels. “That provides grazing for one cow forabout 54 days, at a cost of 28¢ per day,” she says.“That’s less than a quarter of the cost of feedinghay. The cattle owner typically provides water andchecks the cows.”

Potential roughening of the soil surface from thehooves of the livestock can be avoided by matchinggrazing time to surface cover. Fields that are justbeing transitioned to no-till are best grazed inDecember or January, when the surface is frozen.Because of their more stable surface structure, long-term no-till fields can be grazed in late fall or earlyspring, when periodic thawing softens the surface.

Such a grazing strategy also prevents a potentialtemporary increase in penetration resistance at thesoil surface that could impact the performance ofseeding equipment in spring.

“Grazing cattle is a way for crop farmers to generateadditional income and a way for cattle producers toreduce wintering costs,” says Drewnoski.”

LIVESTOCK NEWS

U Courtesy: agriculture.com


LIVESTOCK NEWS

On the Channel 4 documentary Apocalyse Cow:How meat killed the planet, British environmentalistand vegan George Monbiot presented the UK asstripped of woodland by grass-eating sheep,crowded with the “agricultural sprawl” of industrialfarms, and with streams polluted by manure.Monbiot insisted that the British countryside isn’t apicturesque escape, but an ongoing ecologicaldisaster.

The way food is grown in most parts of the worldcreates these conditions, which harm wildlife andrestrain natural habitats. In its place, Monbiot offerspossible solutions. Some, we are told, look ratherlike science fiction.

Visiting a Welsh farm, Monbiot meets livestockfarmer turned cultured meat entrepreneur, IlltudDunsford. Instead of rearing animals to beslaughtered for meat, Dunsford is now working ongrowing meat using animal cells. A Finnish biotechcompany that Monbiot visits can also create flourand other foodstuffs using bacteria.

Monbiot’s vision is that vast herds of methane-producing cows may no longer be necessary tomeet the world’s appetite for food, helping to reducegreenhouse gas emissions from farming. If mostof the food we eat could be grown in a lab, he

Apocalypse Cow: documentary’s vision for thefuture of food could leave farming in the past

My interest here is cultured meat. I’m a sociologistand have spent 12 years documenting the politicsand culture of the people working in this industry:people like Dunsford, the CEO of Cellular AgricultureLtd, who I have occasionally worked with. He movedaway from his career as a livestock farmer aftertravelling South America and seeing deforestationin the Amazon.

Dunsford returned to the UK and became a leadingfigure in the UK cultured meat sector. Working withthe University of Bath, he showed Monbiot a smallwork-in-progress bioreactor, used for growinganimal muscle cells. As Monbiot noted, to somethis is Frankenstein food. Dunsford himselfadmitted that it took a while for him to adjust too.“Anything that’s alien to you can be slightly scary,”he said.

From the land to the lab

Dunsford’s story is unusual. The dual identity of alivestock farmer turned cultured meat entrepreneurcaptures a tension in the politics of lab-grown food.Many cultured meat companies have no link toconventional farming. Most are rooted in a venturecapitalist tech culture that grew out of Silicon Valleyand many companies – including New Age Meats,Finless Foods, and Mission Barns – are locatedwithin the San Francisco Bay Area.

argues, then a fraction of thespace currently reserved forfarming would be needed.

With characteristic zeal,Monbiot asserts that hugetracts of Earth’s surface,instead of being carefullymaintained to grow food,could be returned to naturalhabitat like forests,meadows and marshes.


entrepreneurs suggest cultured meat factoriescould be hosted on farms that grow plant-basedinput materials, or that farmers could rear animals(potentially from rare breeds) as cell donors.Notions like Monbiot’s farmfree food undermine thework of keeping farmers on board.

This idea sits uncomfortably with the start-upculture surrounding much of the cultured meatindustry. Many patents have already been filed.Some in the industry, such as charity and researchfunding organisation New Harvest, align withMonbiot’s approach of patent-free open sourcetechnology. For others, the idea of giving upintellectual property rights is difficult to contemplate,as selling or licensing technology forms part ofpotential business plans.

The issue of whether to be with or against globalfood giants is another strategic difference betweenMonbiot and the main approach of the culturedmeat industry. Many in the sector see thetechnology’s route to success through a business-savvy market-based approach, as opposed tofighting against big agriculture or underminingagricultural capitalism, as Monbiot prefers.

Closing the show, Monbiot describes howincreasing deer numbers prevent trees taking rootin the Scottish countryside, as he joins a hunt toshoot (and then, it seems, eat) a wild deer. Theexercise is intended to control deer for the benefitof the local ecology, allowing forests to return andrewild the landscape, free from the voraciousappetite of deer.

The same day Apocalypse Cow wasscreened, Monbiot published aGuardian opinion piece in which hedescribed this as “farmfree food” that“will allow us to hand back vast areasof land and sea to nature”.

The relationship between traditionalfarming and the cultured meat industryhas been tricky to balance. On onelevel, as Monbiot suggests, the aim isto replace industrial animal farming. Onanother, the cultured meat communityhas been careful not to exclude farmersentirely, with some insisting thatcultured meat can broaden the “proteinportfolio” alongside livestock. Some

The world’s first cultured hamburger, ready to be friedon August 5 2013

Across the documentary, Monbiot mayhave antagonised many viewers,including potential allies. Certainlylivestock farmers, but also possiblyvegans. And perhaps also some in thecultured meat community, who in generalwill appreciate his positive message, butbe less keen on how he positionscultured meat in strong opposition tofarming, and repudiates a possible routeto profit.

Courtesy: theconversation.comU

livestock line, january 2020 1tezasvipublications.com/llpdf/jan2020.pdf · lower jaw longer;...

Documents