Use of mobiles in dairying for information dissemination: A multi-stakeholder analysis in India

Among all the information and communication technology (ICT) tools, mobile phone has emerged as one of the widely accepted and adopted instruments for delivery of agriculture and livestock related information. Though, mobile use in dairying is considered as an emerging tool in Indian dairy industry, there is a need to study its impact at field conditions. With this theoretical background, the study has focused on the efforts of government of India for mobile message delivery, perception and per cent gap among multi-stakeholders with regards to relevance, profitability and sustainability of mobile use in dairying. The study included primary data using 360 dairy farmers, 80 research scientists and 40 extensionists in North India and also relevant secondary data. The study revealed that perception of scientists and extension experts was more favorable towards relevance, profitability and sustainability of mobile use in dairying, while the perception of farmers was less favourable towards mobile use. The study also observed that there was a wide gap (higher per cent gap) among farmers-scientists and farmers-extensionists withn regards to relevance, profitability and sustainability, while the gap was very narrow among scientists and extensionists. The study concluded that researchers and extension experts need to be familiarized about use of mobiles to disseminate information and improve productivity in the dairy sector. Further, the scientists have to generate and transfer field relevant, profitable and sustainable tools and techniques with the involvement of farmers as the partners of research and extension for effective generation and transfer of dairy innovations

Estimation of genetic parameters as well as trends for growth traits in Harnali sheep

The current study focussed on the growth traits pertaining to Harnali sheep maintained at Sheep Farm, LUVAS, Hisar and data were recorded from pedigree sheets of 1278 animals. Growth traits considered were birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), six-month weight (6MW), yearling weight (YW), and pre-weaning average daily gain (PRWDG) and least-squares means for corresponding traits found to be 3.28±0.02 kg, 12.89±0.07 kg, 17.06±0.06 kg, 24.36±0.06 kg, and 106.74±0.61 g, respectively. Effect of different factors like period of birth, sex of animal and dams’ weight at lambing was studied on growth traits. Except YW, significant effect of period of birth was observed on all the growth traits. Sex had significant influence on BW only however, dams’ weight at lambing affected significantly all the considered growth traits except YW. By leveraging the sire component of variance and covariance from mixed model analysis, the paternal half-sib correlation method was used to estimate genetic as well as phenotypic parameters. Estimates of heritability for BW, WW, 6MW, YW and PRWDG were 0.28±0.07, 0.33±0.07, 0.31±0.07, 0.12±0.04 and 0.27±0.06, respectively. Genetic as well as phenotypic trends for WW and PRWDG were found to be positive. Moderate range of genetic variability at weaning weight and its positive genetic and phenotypic correlations with growth traits specially six month’s weight indicated that genetic improvement could be possible through early selection at weaning weight in Harnali sheep

Non-linear modelling to describe lactation curve in Gir crossbred cows

Abstract Background The modelling of lactation curve provides guidelines in formulating farm managerial practices in dairy cows. The aim of the present study was to determine the suitable non-linear model which most accurately fitted to lactation curves of five lactations in 134 Gir crossbred cows reared in Research-Cum-Development Project (RCDP) on Cattle farm, MPKV (Maharashtra). Four models viz. gamma-type function, quadratic model, mixed log function and Wilmink model were fitted to each lactation separately and then compared on the basis of goodness of fit measures viz. adjusted R2, root mean square error (RMSE), Akaike’s Informaion Criteria (AIC) and Bayesian Information Criteria (BIC). Results In general, highest milk yield was observed in fourth lactation whereas it was lowest in first lactation. Among the models investigated, mixed log function and gamma-type function provided best fit of the lactation curve of first and remaining lactations, respectively. Quadratic model gave least fit to lactation curve in almost all lactations. Peak yield was observed as highest and lowest in fourth and first lactation, respectively. Further, first lactation showed highest persistency but relatively higher time to achieve peak yield than other lactations. Conclusion Lactation curve modelling using gamma-type function may be helpful to setting the management strategies at farm level, however, modelling must be optimized regularly before implementing them to enhance productivity in Gir crossbred cows

Influence of age, sex and season on morbidity and mortality pattern in goats under village conditions of Madhya Pradesh

Aim: To study factors affecting morbidity and mortality pattern in goats in Chambal division of Madhya Pradesh under village conditions. Materials and Methods: The sampling scheme adopted during study was stratified three stage random sampling and data on 549 goats were recorded. Results: The overall morbidity and mortality rate was 20.58% and 10.20% respectively. Proportional mortality due to diarrhoea was highest (35.71%) followed by pneumonia (28.57%) and miscellaneous causes (12.5%). Pattern of morbidity in male and female was almost similar. Age of goats was the most important factor and accounted for 39.29%, 28.57% and 32.14% mortality in 0-3 month, 6-9 month and above 9 months, respectively. The effect of season on goat mortality was significant (p<0.05).The incidence of mortality were 41.07%, 37.5% and 21.43% in winter, rainy and summer season respectively. Conclusion: In goats mortality was significantly influenced by age groups and suggesting that more care and attention need to be paid in kids 0-3 months age irrespective of season. Mortality due to various diseases in kids and adults could be minimized by identifying the cause and giving proper treatment. [Vet World 2013; 6(6.000): 329-331

Comparative evaluation of marginal accuracy of different provisional restorative materials fabricated by direct technique: An in vitro study

Objective: The most essential requirement of a provisional crown is an adequate marginal fit which is necessary for maintaining optimal periodontal health and protect the tooth from physical, chemical, thermal, and bacterial injuries. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate and compare the vertical marginal accuracy of provisional crown materials using four different material systems (Autopolymerized PMMA powder-liquid system, light-activated UD single paste system, chemically activated Bis-GMA two paste auto mix system and dual cure polymerized resin two paste auto mix system) using a direct technique. Materials and Methods: Two customized stainless-steel dies, simulating prepared and unprepared tooth were used to fabricated a total no. of 48 provisional crowns. A vacuum-formed polypropylene sheet was used as a matrix. Twelve crowns, each of the four material systems used in the study (n = 12 × 4) were fabricated using the direct technique. The vertical marginal accuracy was analyzed by using stereomicroscope 20X magnification at four different points.&nbsp

Prevalence of babesiosis in bovines of India: a meta-analytical approach for 30 years (1990-2019)

AbstractBackground India has a massive population of bovines, which makes the framework of the economy mainly relying on milk and meat production. Parasitic diseases such as babesiosis are detrimental to bovines by decreasing animal welfare and production efficiency.Aim Performing a meta-analysis of the prevalence of babesiosis over 30 years viz 1990 to 2019 within India to pool out individual studies from different country regions.Material and Methods The studies were reviewed thoroughly to assess the quality, and it was done by following the Preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) and MOOSE protocols. The prevalence of babesiosis in cattle and buffaloes was calculated using meta-analysis tools using R-software and Q Statistics.Results The systematic review and meta-analysis performed on 47 studies among bovine, 48 studies among cattle, and 13 studies among buffaloes revealed the (pooled) prevalence of babesiosis in India as 10.9% (6.3%-18.2%; Q = 5132.03, df = 46, P < 0.001), 11.9% (6.9%-19.8%; Q = 5060.2, d.f.=47, P < 0.001), and 6.0% (2.6%-13.2%; Q = 500.55, d.f.=12, P < 0.001), respectively, which provides a rather exact scenario of the prevalence of this haemoparasitic disease across the country. In addition, cattle were having higher risk of babesiosis than buffalo.Conclusion The findings from the meta-analysis showed that the disease is prevalent across the country, and that bovines are highly affected by it.Clinical Relevance Appropriate prevention and control measures should be taken to mitigate this disease and enhance welfare and production performances of bovines

Comparative analysis of tuberculin and defined antigen skin tests for detection of bovine tuberculosis in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in Haryana state, India

Abstract Background Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a chronic disease that results from infection with any member of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. Infected animals are typically diagnosed with tuberculin-based intradermal skin tests according to World Organization of Animal Health which are presently in use. However, tuberculin is not suitable for use in BCG-vaccinated animals due to a high rate of false-positive reactions. Peptide-based defined skin test (DST) antigens have been identified using antigens (ESAT-6, CFP-10 and Rv3615c) which are absent from BCG, but their performance in buffaloes remains unknown. To assess the comparative performance of DST with the tuberculin-based single intradermal test (SIT) and the single intradermal comparative cervical test (SICCT), we screened 543 female buffaloes from 49 organized dairy farms in two districts of Haryana state in India. Results We found that 37 (7%), 4 (1%) and 18 (3%) buffaloes were reactors with the SIT, SICCT and DST tests, respectively. Of the 37 SIT reactors, four were positive with SICCT and 12 were positive with the DST. The results show that none of the animals tested positive with all three tests, and 6 DST positive animals were SIT negative. Together, a total of 43 animals were reactors with SIT, DST, or both, and the two assays showed moderate agreement (Cohen’s Kappa 0.41; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.23, 0.59). In contrast, only slight agreement (Cohen’s Kappa 0.18; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.34) was observed between SIT and SICCT. Using a Bayesian latent class model, we estimated test specificities of 96.5% (95% CI, 92–99%), 99.7% (95% CI: 98–100%) and 99.0% (95% CI: 97–100%) for SIT, SICCT and DST, respectively, but considerably lower sensitivities of 58% (95% CI: 35–87%), 9% (95% CI: 3–21%), and 34% (95% CI: 18–55%) albeit with broad and overlapping credible intervals. Conclusion Taken together, our investigation suggests that DST has a test specificity comparable with SICCT, and sensitivity intermediate between SIT and SICCT for the identification of buffaloes suspected of tuberculosis. Our study highlights an urgent need for future well-powered trials with detailed necropsy, with immunological and microbiological profiling of reactor and non-reactor animals to better define the underlying factors for the large observed discrepancies in assay performance, particularly between SIT and SICCT

Comparative analysis of tuberculin and defined antigen skin tests for detection of bovine tuberculosis in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in Haryana state, India.

Acknowledgements: The authors are thankful to the Deputy Directors and Veterinary Surgeons of Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Haryana of both districts for their help in selection of dairy farms and animal testing.BACKGROUND: Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a chronic disease that results from infection with any member of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. Infected animals are typically diagnosed with tuberculin-based intradermal skin tests according to World Organization of Animal Health which are presently in use. However, tuberculin is not suitable for use in BCG-vaccinated animals due to a high rate of false-positive reactions. Peptide-based defined skin test (DST) antigens have been identified using antigens (ESAT-6, CFP-10 and Rv3615c) which are absent from BCG, but their performance in buffaloes remains unknown. To assess the comparative performance of DST with the tuberculin-based single intradermal test (SIT) and the single intradermal comparative cervical test (SICCT), we screened 543 female buffaloes from 49 organized dairy farms in two districts of Haryana state in India. RESULTS: We found that 37 (7%), 4 (1%) and 18 (3%) buffaloes were reactors with the SIT, SICCT and DST tests, respectively. Of the 37 SIT reactors, four were positive with SICCT and 12 were positive with the DST. The results show that none of the animals tested positive with all three tests, and 6 DST positive animals were SIT negative. Together, a total of 43 animals were reactors with SIT, DST, or both, and the two assays showed moderate agreement (Cohen's Kappa 0.41; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.23, 0.59). In contrast, only slight agreement (Cohen's Kappa 0.18; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.34) was observed between SIT and SICCT. Using a Bayesian latent class model, we estimated test specificities of 96.5% (95% CI, 92-99%), 99.7% (95% CI: 98-100%) and 99.0% (95% CI: 97-100%) for SIT, SICCT and DST, respectively, but considerably lower sensitivities of 58% (95% CI: 35-87%), 9% (95% CI: 3-21%), and 34% (95% CI: 18-55%) albeit with broad and overlapping credible intervals. CONCLUSION: Taken together, our investigation suggests that DST has a test specificity comparable with SICCT, and sensitivity intermediate between SIT and SICCT for the identification of buffaloes suspected of tuberculosis. Our study highlights an urgent need for future well-powered trials with detailed necropsy, with immunological and microbiological profiling of reactor and non-reactor animals to better define the underlying factors for the large observed discrepancies in assay performance, particularly between SIT and SICCT