eChapters

• Allergic Tests

 • Single intradermal test

 • Tuberculin test

 • Johnin test

 • Double intradermal test

 • Comparative test

• Mallein test

 • Immunofluorescence Techniques

 • Direct method

• Indirect method

 • Immunoperoxidase Techniques

 • Detection of antigen

• General considerations

 • Agglutination

 • Slide agglutination test

 • Tube agglutination test

 • Capillary tube agglutination test

 • Plate agglutination test

 • Hemagglutination test

 • Hemagglutination-inhibition test

 • Coagglutination test

• General considerations

 • Scope

 • Microscopic examination techniques

 • Smear

 • Vital staining

• Routine histopathological techniques of sectioning

 • Collection of tissues

 • Fixation

 • Washing

 • Dehydration

 • Clearing

 • Impregnation

 • Casting of blocks

 • Trimming

 • Section cutting

• General Consideration

 • Post-mortem examination of large animals

 • Post-mortem examination of poultry

 • Steps in post-mortem examination

 • Writing of post-mortem report

 • Collection, preservation and dispatch of specimens for laboratory

diagnosis

• General considerations

 • Scope

 • Exfoliative cytopathology

 • Interventional cytopathology (Biopsy)

 • FNAC

 • Imprint cytopathology

 • Crush smear cytopathology

• General considerations

 • Direct examination

 • Culture methods

 • Some important tests used in identification of bacteria

 • Characteristics of some organisms

 • Gram positive cocci

 • Gram positive rods

 • Gram negative rods

 • Mycobacteria

 • Leptospira/spirochete

 • Rickettsia

 • Chlamydia

 • Mycoplasma

 • Fungi

 • Virus

 • Antibacterial sensitivity testing

• General considerations

 • Volume

 • Colour

 • Reaction

 • Concentration of spermatozoa

 • Motility

 • Live and dead count

 • Microbiological examination

• General considerations

 • Indications

 • Collection of cerebrospinal fluid

 • Sub-occipital puncture

 • Lumbar puncture

 • Examination

 • Physical examination

 • Chemical examination

 • Cytological examination

 • Microbiological examination

 

• General considerations

 • Collection of synovial fluid

• Examination of synoival fluid

 • Physical examination

 • Chemical examination

 • Cytological examination

 • Microbiological examination

 • Examination for immune complexes

 • Miscellaneous examination

 • Inflammatory conditions of joints

 • Non-infectious arthritis

 • Infectious arthritis

 • Immune complex mediated arthritis

• General considerations

 • Examination of skin scrapings for mange

 • Examination of skin scrapings for fungi

 • Cultural examination

General Considerations

The skin scrapings are examined for the diagnosis of skin diseases, including parasitic, fungal and bacterial infections and infestations.

• General considerations

 • Collection of milk sample

 • Storage

 • Examination of milk

 • Physical examination

 • Chemical examination

 • Cytological examination

 • Bacteriological examination

• General considerations

 • Collection of feces

 • Storage

 • Examination of feces

 • Gross examination

 • Microscopic examination

 • Examination of feces for flukes

 • Examination of feces for blood

 • Culture of feces for nematode larvae

 • Sporulation of coccidia.

• General considerations

 • Collection

 • Preservation

 • Examination

 • Physical examination

 • Chemical examination

 • Microscopic examination

 • Organized sediment

 • Unorganized sediment

 • Cultural examination

• General considerations

 • Indications

 • Limitations

 • Techniques of bone marrow examination

 • Cell types

 • Cellular composition of bone marrow

 • Morphology of the cells

 • Interpretation of bone marrow examination

• General considerations

 • Blood glucose

• Total serum protein

 • Serum albumin

 • Serum globulin

 • Serum gamma globulin

 • Serum calcium

 • Serum inorganic phosphorus

 • Serum magnesium

 • Serum cholesterol

 • Serum creatinine

 • Serum urea

 • Serum chloride

 • Serum sodium

 • Serum potassium

 • Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase

 • Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase

 • Serum alkaline phosphatase

• General considerations

 • Collection of blood

 • Storage

 • Examination of blood

 • Coagulation time

 • Bleeding time

 • Determination of movement of parasites under wet film

• Total erythrocyte count

 • Total leucocyte count

 • Differential leucocyte count

 • Hemoglobin

 • Erythrocyte sedimentation rate

• Hematocrit value

 • Mean corpuscular volume

 • Mean corpuscular hemoglobin

 • Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration

 • Erythrocyte fragility test

Introduction

Crop models can be broadly classified into two categories: dynamic or process-based crop simulation models (CSMs), and reduced form statistical models. Since simulation models are based on various plant-related processes, they develop or alter in tandem with plant growth (Chetty 2009); as a result, they are inherently nonlinear (Olmstead 2009). To run, calibrate, and validate, they require a significant amount of date input. However, statistical models are helpful in situations where there is a lack of data because they describe the relationships between a subset of variables while keeping the others constant. (Chetty 2009).

Introduction

Nanopesticides are pesticides that use nanomaterials or nanotechnology to improve their effectiveness and safety in agriculture. Nanomaterials are materials that have at least one dimension between 1 and 200 nm. Nanomaterials have different properties than their bulk counterparts, such as higher surface area, reactivity, and mobility. Nanopesticides can be formulated in various ways, such as nanosized active ingredients, molecular active ingredient nanocarrier complexes, or active ingredients encapsulated or coated by nanomaterials (Deka et al., 2021; Xu et al., 2022).

Introduction

Nanofertilizers are products of nanotechnology that are created or modified from conventional fertilizers, bulk fertilizer materials, or plant extracts. They use different methods such as chemical, physical, mechanical, or biological processes to produce nanosized particles that can enhance soil fertility, crop productivity, and quality (KhetiGaadi 2022). Nanofertilizers have a size range of 0.1–100 nm, which is similar to the size of plant cell wall (20 nm), making them easier to be absorbed by plants (Tiwari 2022).

Introduction

Nanotechnology is a scientific and technological field that manipulates matter at the nanoscale to create, design, characterize, and use structures, systems, and devices with novel properties (Sattler 2016). Nanoparticles are one of the most important products of nanotechnology, as they exhibit different features from their bulk counterparts due to their size and shape (Sabir et al., 2014). Nanoparticles have applications in various disciplines, such as materials science, medicine, agriculture, physics, and chemistry.

Introduction

Precision farming, also known as precision agriculture, prescription farming, and site-specific farming, is grounded on the principle of managing fields based on their heterogeneity (Nowak 2021). In the past, crop management decisions were made for the entire field, treating it as a homogenous unit, despite significant variations in soil characteristics, weed infestations, and plant growth within a field (Nowak 2021). Precision agriculture integrates modern technology with past experience to manage farming on a grid-by-grid basis (Nowak 2021).

Introduction

In order to cater to the nutritional needs of a rapidly growing population, it is imperative to increase food grain production on the same land while maintaining the soil’s productive capacity. This necessitates comprehensive research to establish a scientific foundation for enhancing and sustaining food production and soil productivity with minimal environmental impact (Rathore et al., 2010). Balanced nutrition extends beyond the application of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium in specific quantities through fertilizers. It entails ensuring that the soil contains the right proportions of available nutrients to meet the crop’s requirements for optimal yield (Rathore et al., 2010).

Introduction

To address the escalating food demands of the global population, a transformation in the agricultural sector is imperative (Velten et al., 2015; Lampridi et al., 2019). The current overdependence on finite resources is leading to their overexploitation, largely due to irresponsible usage (Velten et al., 2015; Lampridi et al., 2019). By adopting a site-specific approach, farmers can apply inputs only where they are necessary in the field (Velten et al., 2015; Lampridi et al., 2019). This method can enhance output, decrease labor costs, and mitigate the environmental damage caused by excessive input use (Velten et al., 2015; Lampridi et al., 2019).

Introduction

Site-specific nutrient management (SSNM) is the dynamic, field-specific management of nutrients in a particular cropping season to optimize the supply and demand of nutrients according to their differences in cycling throughsoil–plantsystems(Sarkar etal.,2017).Thisnewmethodofnutrient recommendationsisprimarilybasedontheinitialnutrientstatus(INS)from thesoil andthecrop’sneedfornutrients toachieve thedesiredyield.

Introduction

Agriculture is a vital sector in the world economy, as it helps to reduce poverty and promote sustainable development, especially in developing countries. However, agriculture also faces challenges such as increasing productivity and reducing environmental impacts. Therefore, new technologies and methods are needed to improve agricultural practices. One of these methods is precision agriculture (PA), which is based on the principle of sustainable agriculture and healthy food production. PA is a science that uses high technology sensors and analysis tools to improve crop yields and support management decisions. PA is a new concept that aims to increase production, reduce labor time, and optimize the management of fertilizers and irrigation processes.

Introduction

Crop discrimination is the process of using remote-sensing technologies to identify and characterize different types of crops based on their electromagnetic behavior at different wavelengths. Each crop has a unique spectral signature that reflects its response to the incident radiation. However, the spectral signature can also vary depending on the season, the angle of the sensor, crop’s features, illumination intensity, weather phenomenon, and topography among other external factors (Parida et al., 2023).

Introduction

A thematic layer is defined as a layer with a set of logical feature data placed under single theme such as soil type, pH level, salinity, and water table. The features in these layers determine real world objects and are created using geometries such as points, lines and polygons (Tickoo 2017). Thematic layering is the spatial representation of analyzed data of elements that belong to the same type. Thematic maps are used to create these layers, which show how one or more specific data themes vary across different geographic areas.

Introduction

Spectral signature: A spectral signature is the unique pattern of reflection and emission of a target at different wavelengths. This difference helps to classify remote sensing images based on the spectral signatures of different objects.

Electromagnetic (EM) spectrum: The EM spectrum is the range of all types of EM radiation. Some examples are visible light from a lamp, radio waves from a radio station, microwaves, infrared light, ultraviolet light, X-rays, and gamma rays.

Spectral response patterns: A spectral response pattern is the amount of energy that an object reflects or emits at different wavelengths. It shows how the object interacts with the EM radiation.

Introduction

We use our five senses to perceive the world around us. Some senses, like touch and taste, need contact with the objects. But we get most of our information about the environment through sight and hearing, which do not need close contact with the external objects. In scientific terms, we are doing remote- sensing all the time. Remote- sensing is the process of recording/observing/ perceiving (sensing) objects or events from a distance. Remote- sensing is a way of monitoring and detecting the features, usually physical, of a specific area by measuring its reflected and emitted radiation (usually from satellite or aircraft).

Introduction

Global Positioning System (GPS) is a system of satellites and ground stations that provide location and time information for any place on earth, regardless of the weather. GPS is a type of GNSS, which stands for global navigation satellite systems. GPS has many applications in precision farming, such as farm planning, field mapping, soil sampling, tractor guidance, crop guidance, variable- rate applications (VRAs) and yield mapping. GPS helps farmers work in low- visibility conditions such as rain, dust, fog, and darkness. India has its own GPS system called IRNSS or NavIC, which uses about seven satellites. GPS is owned and operated by the U.S. government, specifically the U.S.

Introduction

A geographical information system (GIS) is a kind of database that has software tools for handling, analyzing, and presenting spatial data and descriptions of phenomena that have a location component. This system can also involve human users and support staff, procedures and workflows, a body of knowledge about relevant concepts and methods, and institutional organizations in a wider sense. GIS technology is a key part of spatial data infrastructure, which the White House describes as “the policies, technologies, standards, human resources, and related activities that are necessary to acquire, process, distribute, use, maintain, and preserve spatial data.”

Chapter Overview

This chapter provides an in-depth examination of Gender Budgeting in India, exploring its historical development, principles, and the tools used to promote gender-sensitive budgeting. It delves into the key concepts, institutional frameworks, and the necessity for gender budgeting. The tools for deepening gender budgeting, such as the Five-Step Framework and gender-sensitive checklists, are explained in the context of the Livestock sector. Furthermore, it elucidates the importance of valuing unpaid work and the role of gender budgeting in monitoring policy goals.

Chapter Overview

This chapter delves into the concept and application of gender mainstreaming within the context of animal husbandry and the livestock sector. Gender mainstreaming is a comprehensive strategy aimed at promoting gender equality by integrating a gender perspective into all aspects of policies, programs, and projects. It recognizes and addresses the distinct roles, needs, and contributions of women and men involved in animal husbandry. This chapter provides insights into why gender mainstreaming is essential in this sector and outlines practical approaches for its implementation.

Chapter Overview

The need for gender analysis in various contexts, including the livestock sector, is vital for understanding and addressing differences and inequalities between men and women. This chapter explores the crucial role of gender analysis in the context of the livestock sector, focusing on animal husbandry and related activities. It delves into the significance of understanding and addressing gender disparities in livestock farming, highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities experienced by both men and women. The chapter emphasizes the need for equitable and sustainable development within the sector.

Chapter Overview

This chapter discusses the crucial concept of gender sensitization in the context of livestock production. Gender sensitization involves raising awareness about gender equality concerns, challenging stereotypes, and promoting equitable practices in the livestock sector. The chapter covers the stages of gender sensitization, offers guidelines for veterinarians and veterinary students, provides real-world examples, outlines a sensitization strategy, and underscores the pressing need for gender sensitization in livestock production.

Chapter Overview

In this chapter, we delve into the pivotal role of women in livestock production, particularly in the context of India. Women emerge as the backbone of livestock care, contributing significantly to rural communities’ well-being and the nation’s economy. We explore their diverse and indispensable contributions, from feeding and general management to health and breed management, processing, and marketing. Despite their crucial roles, women face numerous obstacles and constraints in livestock production, including limited access to resources, gender biases, and cultural norms.

Chapter Overview

This chapter provides a comprehensive understanding of the intersection of gender and animal husbandry, emphasizing the influence of culture, society, and history on our perceptions of gender and sex. It explores the interconnectedness of these concepts and their significance in shaping roles and expectations of the members of a society in livestock production. This chapter delves into the complex concepts of gender and sex, shedding light on their intricate nature and exploring their implications for animal husbandry.

In recent years several plant pathological laboratories have been using molecular techniques for identification of the fungal plant pathogens isolated from the diseased plants. These are specifically used for the confirmation of the pathogen identified based on their cultural and microscopic characteristics. With the help of fungal genomic studies, not only the genus but also the species of the pathogen is identified based on the genomic sequences available with NCBI, and provide the accurate identification of the fungal isolate. This identification method involves the following steps:a

The pioneering German microbiologist, Robert Koch, identified a set of four conditions that need to be satisfied to establish that a particular organism is the causative agent of a particular disease. These conditions, known as Koch’s postulates, are:

1. The suspected pathogen must be found associated with the disease in all the diseased plants examined.

2. The organism must be isolated from the diseased tissue and grown in pure culture on nutrient media, with its characteristics described (non obligate parasites) or in a susceptible host plant (obligate parasites), and its appearance and effects recorded

12.1. Routine Media for Fungal Isolation

In recent years commercially available readymade culture media have been used in research laboratories for the isolation of fungal plant pathogens. These culture media are standardized and they are in different types. Some media are used for general purposes while some others are used for the isolation and growth of specific pathogens e.g.

11.1. Fruit Rots

11.1.1. Alternaria

Please refer “Alternaria” section in Chapter 10.

11.1.2. Colletotrichum

Please refer “Colletotrichum” section in Chapter 9.

11.1.3. Fusarium

Please refer “Fusarium” section in Chapter 10.

10.1. Black Tip

The black tip of grain infection is mostly observed on the wheat grains.

The fungal pathogen involved in causing the black tip of grain includes the species of the fungal genus Alternaria and Helminthosporium.

10.1.1. Alternaria

The genus stands distinct from other genera by its transversely and longitudinally septate (muriform) conidia. The conidia are usually formed in chains. These are dark brown, typically obclavate with a distinct oval body and beak.

9.1. Fruit Spot and Blisters

9.1.1. Colletotrichum

The pathogen forms papery or watery brownish areas at the site of infection, with a large number of acervuli on the infected parts. In the acervulus, the conidiophores are slightly curved, short, and club-shaped. The conidia are hyaline and falcate, borne singly on the conidiophores. Numerous black colored and thick-walled setae are also produced in the acervulus. In culture, most isolates produce cottony, fluffy, or suppressed colonies (Fig. 9.1).

8.1. Malformation

8.1.1. Fusarium

The classical example of Fusarium infection is Fusarium moniliforme which induces malformation in inflorescence, causing mango malformation disease.

The fungal mycelial morphology may vary significantly on different media, and the descriptions here are based upon growth on potato flakes agar (PFA) at 25° C with on and off fluorescent light cycles of approximately 12 h each. The mycelial colony has rapid growth.

7.1. Die-Back

7.1.1. Colletotrichum

The pathogen forms a large number of acervuli on the infected parts. The conidiophores are slightly curved, short, and club-shaped. The conidia are hyaline and falcate, borne singly on the conidiophores. Numerous black colored and thick-walled setae are also produced in acervulus. In culture, most isolates produce cottony, fluffy, or suppressed colonies (Fig. 7.1).

6.1. Leaf Spot, Blight, and Blast

Leaf spots are irregular or round blemishes found on either side or both sides of the leaves. A typical spot is “zonal,” meaning it has a definite edge and a darker border. When lots of spots are present, they can grow together to cover the larger areas of the leaves. Different fungi are responsible for the leaf spots and sometimes a particular fungus causes a peculiar type of leaf spot and includes the fungi.

5.1. Gummosis

5.1.1. Phytophthora\

Phytophtora citrophthora, Phytophtora nicotianae, Phytophtora syringae are the phytophthora species associated with citrus gummosis; while Phytophtora pistaciae sp. nov. and Phytophtora melonis are the principal causes of pistachio gummosis.

4.1. Damping Off

4.1.1. Pythium

Pythium has filamentous (thread-like), hyaline, and coenocytic (non-septate) mycelial growth. The asexual or vegetative stage of Pythium produces sporangia (that germinate directly to produce a hypha or indirectly to give rise to a vesicle outside the sporangium, within which zoospores are formed) and sometimes hyphal swellings (spherical sporangia-like structures that do not give rise to zoospores).

3.1. Terminology Used in the Description of the Fungal Pathogen

3.1.1. The Mycelium

The hypha or mass of hyphae that make up the body of a fungus.

3.1.1.1. Coenocytic or aseptate mycelium

For visualization and identification of fungal specimens into their genus and species, the staining of the fungal specimens and their microscopy are necessary. The simple binocular microscope can be used for microscopy of the fungal specimens.

2.1. Stains to be Used in Microscopy

1. Methylene blue stain

2. Lacto phenol cotton blue stain

3. Crystal violet stain

4. Safranin