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Natural goat farming is one among various farming systems that are close to nature and sustainability. In Uttrakhand which has 13-15 lakh goats as per animal husbandry department goat farming or rearing mimics how an animal would behave if they were freely living in the wild which therefore provides a more humane experience for the animal.In Uttrakhand, districts like Uttarkashi, Joshimath etc goat rearing is a part of indigenous lifestyle and tradition and is passed down generationally. They operate on no cost or low cost models therefore by default it is close to natural farming. They allow their goats to graze in forests and bugyal which are free from pesticides and fertilizers.Natural goat farming shall aim to use natural breeding methods, minimize stress, taking preventative measures and thereby eliminate the use of allopathic drugs or minimalist use of drug and detain animal health and welfare.Breed selection in natural goat farming should be indigenous as it is genetically adapted to specific or extreme conditions. They will be more productive and production cost will be lower.

India is bestowed with huge livestock population reared under diverse production systems and agro-climatic conditions. Livestock sector is great importance for the sustainability of rural economies and many ecosystems. The economic importance of livestock activity is reflected by the weight of the agricultural sector in the national gross domestic product. The share of livestock sector to the national GDP has increased more than 56% over the span of ten years to 6.17% in 2020-21 from 3.94% in 2010-11. The contribution of the livestock sector, mean while, to total agriculture GVA has increased to 30.87 per cent from 20 per cent during the corresponding period. The livestock sector employs about 8.8% of the population and provides livelihood to two third of rural communities in India.

India occupies first position in terms of goat population and milk production. Since ancient times goat milk has traditionally been known for its medicinal properties and has recently gained importance in human health due to its proximity to human milk for easy digestibility and it’s all round health promoting traits. The goats are also important for chevon production; the most preferred and relished meat in India. As per 20th Livestock Census, the total population of goats in the country is estimated at 148.88 million numbers. Goat milk has continued to play an important role in human nutrition in the area acknowledged as the cradle of modern civilization (Hatziminaoglou and Boyazoglu, 2004). Goat milk is having better digestibility, alkalinity, buffering capacity and certain therapeutic values in medicine and human nutrition in comparison to cow’s or human milk. Goat milk is considered the best milk for infants because of predominance of smaller fat globules causing faster lipase activity which results in easy digestibility of goat milk (Chandan et al.,1992).

Our nation happens to be the largest producer of goat milk globally and it is high time that we use this to our advantage. India happens to be one of the fastest growing economies of the world and the IMF projects our GDP is set to rise at a healthy rate of 5.9 % in 2023, the highest among all other economies.

Goat Production in Field Conditions

We are an agro-based nation with 70% of our population residing in rural areas. As we deliberate today on the best possible ways to facilitate natural goat farming, we have to remember that such traditional agrarian practices is the essence of our Indian ethos, from ancient times. Such wisdom has been passed on for generations and it is great to witness that the world is waking up to the benefits of the natural versus the synthetic be it in clothing or food or lifestyle in general.

With increasing demand from consumers for organically produced and certified food products in the country, organic agriculturein India is growing steadily as more and more farmers are adopting organic practices to meet the increasing demand.. Starting with organic tea and spices, it’s grown to organic f lour, breakfast cereals, fruits, vegetables and many more, the number of food categories sold as organic is growing rapidly in India. Of late, the consumer demand for organically produced livestock products like milk, eggs and meat is also on the rise.

Domestic organic food products market in India is witnessing a growth rate of around 20% CAGR in the recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic has also led to consumer awareness about the quality of foods and contributed to the growth of organic food market in the country. As a result, informal markets for organic products are getting established to serve the niche consumers and simultaneously, producer to consumer market is also gaining momentum. Local markets are also now vending perishable organic foods like fruits and vegetables. During 2020-21 in India, there were around 16 lakh organic producers under NPOP production system producing 34.9 lakh tons of organic products in 43.3 lakh hectares of land including 16.8 lakh hectares under wild harvest. During this period, 8.88 lakh tons of organic products worth Rs.7078 crores were exported from India. Under Participatory Guaranty System (PGS) in India, as of September 2021, there are about 42 thousand organic farmer groups comprising of around 12 lakh farmers producing organic products in 75 lakh hectares of land. Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh are the major organic production states in the country and the major commodities produced are oil seeds, fibre, sugar, cereals, millets, spices and condiments. USA, EU, Canada and Australia are major export destinations of Indian organic products and the major organic products exported from India are processed foods, oil seeds, cereals, millets, spices and tea.

The livestock sector is a pillar of the global food system and a contributor to poverty reduction, food security and agricultural development. Livestock play a major role in sustainable food systems—for example, manure is a critical source of natural fertilizer, while livestock used as draft animals can help boost productivity in regions where there is low mechanization. Livestock are important assets for vulnerable communities.

Natural Animal Farming

Government of India is promoting natural farming, through National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) and organic farming through ParamparagatKrishiVikasYojna (PKVY) and Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER).On the initiative of NITI Ayog, Natural Farming defined as is a chemical-free traditional farming method. It is considered as an agroecology based diversified farming system which integrates crops, trees and livestock with functional biodiversity. Natural farming is a system where the laws of nature are applied to agricultural practices. This method works along with the natural biodiversity of each farmed area, encouraging the complexity of living organisms, both plants, and animals that shape each particular ecosystem to thrive along with food plants. Natural Farming builds on natural or ecological processes that exist in or around farms. Several studies have reported the effectiveness of natural farming in terms of increase in production, sustainability, saving of water use, improvement in soil health and farmland ecosystem. It is considered as a cost- effective farming practices with scope for raising employment and rural development.

Indian farming community is dominated by the marginal and small farmers who account for nearly 86 percent of farm holdings in India. As these farmers have small land holdings of less than 2 hectare, their income from farming is meagre and not sufficient to meet family expenses (Lalji et al., 2019). As a result, these farmers often follow family income augmentation strategy either by taking land on lease, working as wage earner or livestock rearing. Among all these family income augmentation activities, livestock rearing is the most frequently adopted strategy they undertake to augment their family income. It is observed that in India in general, farmers follow livestock integrated farming system (Paramesh et al, 2022). Popularity of livestock activity to augment farm family income of poor farmers is due to synergy of livestock rearing with the farming. Agriculture waste in the form of green and dry fodder contribute important inputs in livestock rearing. Whereas, farm animals are important source of farm energy needed for cultivation. Livestock waste helps in maintaining soil fertility and protein supply to farm families. Animal rearing also help in managing cash flow for farm family as it generates cash from the sale of milk and other animal products on the daily basis. Sale of live animals help in meeting contingency expenses of farm family. Thus, it solves peculiar problem of farm family cash paradox where farmer gets income through sales of agriculture harvest only during harvest season which happens only two / three times in a year but he needs cash on daily basis to meet his other health, educational, social etc. family needs.

Mathura, Uttar Pradesh Livestock plays a crucial role in agriculture and rural economies, affecting livelihoods, food security, public health, and economic development. The Gross Value Added (GVA)of livestock sector is about Rs. 11,14,249 crore at current prices during FY 2020-21 which is about 30.87%of Agricultural and Allied Sector GVA and 6.17%of Total GVA. At constant prices (2011-12), the GVA of livestock sector is about Rs. 6,17,117crore during FY2020-21with a positive growth of 6.13% over previous financial year (DAHD, 2022).Livestock contributed 16% to the income of small farm households that indicates importance of livestock sector as a whole. Despite the presence of limited land and water resources, India has the world’s largest livestock population accounting for over 35.94% of cattle, 20.45% of buffalo, 26.40% of goats and 12.17% of sheep of the world’s population. The goat population in the country was 148.88 million in 2019, increased by 10.1% over previous census BAHS, 2012 (DAHD, 2019).In India the goat sector contributes 8.4 percent to the Indian livestock GDP that is 1,16,400 crores through meat Rs64,000 crores, through milk 22000 crores, through skin Rs3345 crores, through manure Rs2535 crores, and others Rs4360 crores. India rank f irst in goat population and possessregistered37 goat breedsin different agro climatic zones.Goats (Capra hircus) are one of the oldest domesticated species and it provides meat (Chevon), milk, yoghurt, cheese and other by-products such as hair and skin. Goats rearing provide much needed livelihood support to the landless and weaker sections and also hold considerable potential for commercializationas well as provide job opportunities in rural India.

Goats are the backbone of the Indian rural economy as it helps in sustaining the livelihood of rural poor in difficult terrains. The value output from the sheep and goat meat sector has been worth Rs123177 crores during 2020 2021 (Central Statistical Organisation, GoI ). India has diverse small ruminant genetic resources with 44 sheep and 37 goat breeds registered with the ICAR National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal. The goat population has colossally increased by 215% (47.2 vs 148.9 million) from 1951 to 2019. Of late, the last two censuses revealed that the goat population in the country increased by 10.1% (135.17 to 148.88 million). The goats are 27.8% of the total livestock population in the country. Their contribution to total meat production is 13.63%. The goat and sheep contributed 1467 million kg of meat in 2021-22 (BAHS, 2022). Goat meat is increasing and is mostly preferred in North and Western India. Meat consumption in India is showing an upward trend but still, there is a lot of scope for improvement in per capita availability. The global Covid-19 pandemic altered the food preferences of the consumer with more demand for safe foods produced under the natural system. The organic food production system may be aptly suited and has potential to meet out demands of consumers. This change in the consumer attitude is gradually increasing the scope and opening more avenues for organic food production and marketing. Food safety legislation in different countries is also working towards improving the safety standards of food and, at the same time, consumers are increasingly willing to pay for quality foods as their disposable incomes rise.

Organic Animal Husbandry happens to be an emerging area which requires attention given its growing potential for domestic as well as export market. The start-ups including farmers engaged in organic farming and entrepreneurs need support in terms of information, technical knowledge, financial, incubation, hand-holding and marketing of organic animal products. Organic animal husbandry has been defined as a system of livestock production that promotes the use of organic and biodegradable inputs from the ecosystem deliberately avoiding the use of synthetic inputs such as drugs, feed additives and genetically engineered breeding inputs, while ensuring the welfare of animals. There are four principles of organic farming viz; principle of ecology, principle of health, principle of fairness, and principle of care, which organic systems must always take into consideration. In order to achieve the animal welfare, environmental protection, resource-use sustainability and other objectives, certain key principles are adhered to under organic livestock production systems. The organic livestock & poultry standards have been notified by APEDA under National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP). All operations related to organic livestock including goat & poultry production are to be governed by these standards in India.

India is home to rich animal resources; it is a source of sustainable livelihood and support during the subsistence crisis of farmers. As per the “First Revised Estimates of National Income, Consumption Expenditure and Capital Formation for 2020-21” released by National Statistical Office (NSO), MoSPI the Gross Value Added (GVA) of livestock sector is about Rs. 11,14,249 crores at current prices during FY 2020-21 which is about 30.87% of Agricultural and Allied Sector GVA and 6.17% of total GVA. At constant prices (2011-12), the GVA of livestock sector is about Rs. 6,17,117 crores during FY 2020-21 with a growth of 6.13% over previous financial year. It contributes about 3.9% to national GDP and 24.8% to agricultural GDP (At 2011-12 Prices) in 2013-14 (GoI 2022). According to the report Situational Assessment of Agricultural Households by the NSSO, a compounded annual income growth rate of 13.7% was observed between 2003 and 2013. Restructuring agriculture processes & policy interventions required to increase the income in real terms (ICFA, 2016). About 29% rural population in the country is below poverty line .Major source of livelihood of rural people is crops, however, it is largely restricted by uncertain and erratic precipitation and low input production system, compelling them for poverty and distress migration. Whereas, small ruminants possess an mechanism for coping up draught because of better adaptability and mobility as compared to crops and large ruminants. Livestock particularly sheep and goat rearing in India is closely interwoven with crop farming. Households cultivating less than 2.0 ha of land (marginal and small) are the main custodian and possess more than 76% goat and 70% of sheep population of the country respectively.

Present study was undertaken to investigate the modulatory effect of Eucalyptus citriodora leaves extract and Cefixime on inflammatory biomarkers in experimentally induced endometritis in Wistar rats. Uterine discharge of clinical and subclinical endometritis cases having history of repeat breeding (43%) and abortion (57%) were found to have E. coli (60%) Staphyloccocus aureus (40%). Eucalyptus citriodora leaves methanolic extracts exhibited promising antibacterial activity against both clinical isolates as determined by disc diffusion method. Rat endometritic model was developed by inoculating the mixture of E. coli (1? 106)and Staphloccocus aureus (1? 108)in to uterine horns during diestrus stage followed by cervical ligation and the model was confirmed based on presence of visible pus in the uterus, edematous uterine horn, thinning of endometrial lining and presence of large number of polymorphonuclear cells and bacterial load in uterine flushing.

Hydrogen sulphide, a gas with rotten egg smell, is traditionally considered as a toxicant and an environmental pollutant but recently, it has gained attention as a mediator of physiological and biological processes. The present study was undertaken to unravel the effect of H2 S on myometrial activity and its underlining mechanism in non-pregnant buffaloes. L-cysteine is considered to be main endogenous amino acid responsible for hydrogen sulphide formation due to the action of two cytosolic enzymes- cystathione ? synthase (CBS) and cystathione y lyase (CSE/CGL). Sodium hydrogen sulphide and GYY4137 are major hydrogen sulphide donors were used in this present study. In vitro- exposure of isolated buffalo myometrial strips to L-cysteine (10nm to 3mM) produced concentration- dependent uterotonic effect. L-cysteine induced uterotonic action is dependent on the activity of cystathione ? synthase (CBS) and cystathione y lyase (CGL/CSE) as evidenced by rightward shift of the DRC of L-cysteine in the presence of enzyme blockers (AOAA and PAG, respectively) it is to be further noted that following blockade of CBS and CSE enzyme, possibly some relaxant mechanism may get activated by L-Cysteine to produce uterine relaxation. The existence of CBS enzyme of molecular weight, 63kDa and CSE/CGL of 45kDa was observed by western blot technique. L-cysteine failed to produce any appreciable contraction in the absence of extracellular calcium. Further, in the presence of nifedipine, the uterotonic action of L-cysteine was completely abolished.

Present study was embarked upon to extricate the underlying calcium signaling mechanisms responsible for spasmogens (PGF2α , and oxytocin) induced muscular contractions in oviducts of non-pregnant buffalo in oestrous stage. Isometric tension in longitudinal oviductal in both ampulla and isthmus strips was recorded under the resting tension of 1 ± 0.2 g following mounting the tissue in Ringer–locke solution. Following an equilibration period of about 120 to 150 min, oviductal strips both ampulla and isthmus presented a consistent and rhythmic pattern of spontaneity. Mean Integral Tension (MIT) and amplitude (g) of ampulla and isthmus in normal spontaneous tissue did not differ significantly. The frequency (BPM) of ampulla and isthmus in normal spontaneous tissue differed significantly (P<0.05). PG2α produced significantly (P<0.05) greater contraction than oxytocin in both ampulla and isthmus of buffalo oviduct in concentration-dependent manner. In isthmus the contraction produced by oxytocin was negligible. PGF2α produced a significant change in tonic contraction between ampulla and isthmus but the change in phasic contraction between ampulla and isthmus was not significant. PGF2α produced significantly (P<0.05) greater contraction in ampulla than in the isthmus of buffalo oviduct.

Present study was undertaken to evaluate the ameliorative potential of α-tocopherol, curcumin and/or in combination with cisplatin following 28 days continuous exposure. Forty-eight male wistar rats of 190-210 g were divided into eight groups group I (NSS, i.p.), group II (corn oil, oral gavage) served as vehicle control, group III received cisplatin, group IV (α-tocopherol), group V (curcumin), group VI (cisplatin + α-tocopherol), group VII (cisplatin + curcumin), group VIII (cisplatin + curcumin + α-tocopherol). Cisplatin was given by intra-peritoneal route @ 0.5mg/kg b.wt., while α-tocopherol @ 100 mg/kg b.wt. and curcumin @ 50 mg/kg b.wt. by oral gavage continuously for 28 days. Cisplatin produced apparent signs of toxicity like rough coat, cachexia, decreased activity but no mortality in rats. Body weight and percent weight gain in rats with cisplatin alone and in combination with α-tocopherol and curcumin treated groups were significantly lower. Absolute and relative organ weight did not differ between different groups. Significant reduction in Hb on 21 day and 28 days after exposure was observed. Marked reduction in PCV, TLC and platelet count in cisplatin alone treated group following 28-day exposure however DLC remain unaltered. Significant decrease in creatinine clearance in all cisplatin exposed groups when compared to control groups.

The present study was carried out to assess the role of endogenous cannabinoids in regulating aortic vascular response during early and late phases of sepsis. Polymicrobial sepsis was induced by caecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in mice. Besides, recording the isometric tension in arterial rings, estimation of haemato-biochemical parameters, histopathological examinations of vital organs, mRNA expression of CB1 receptor and MAGL enzyme and their role in the vasoconstrictor response to noradrenaline in the aorta of septic mouse were studied. Sepsis significantly reduced RBC, Hb and WBC counts during both early (CLP-6h) and late (CLP-20h) phases of sepsis whereas neutrophil count was increased during early phase. There was also a marked fall in lymphocyte count during late phase of sepsis indicative of immunosuppressive state. Significant rise in the plasma ALT, AST, BUN and creatinine levels during early and late phases of sepsis were suggestive of liver and kidney dysfunctions which were further substantiated byhistopathological examinations of these vital organs. Sepsis produced a state of hypoproteinaemia with significant reduction in plasma albumin level.

The objective of the present study was to explore the therapeutic potential of Gymnema sylvestre and ITK formulation against obese streptozotocin-induced type II diabetes and diabetic cardiomyopathy in male Wistar rats. In Phase I study, 80% hot methanolic extract of Gymnema sylvestre leaves and hot aqueous extract of ITK formulation (ingredients gum acacia, black cumin, wheat and barley) was prepared and evaluated for in vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic activity of extracts. Extracts have potent antioxidant (studied by 2, 2-Diphenyl 1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2, 2’-Azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6 sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging assay), antidiabetic (determined by in vitro α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity) and glucose uptake potential in cultured lymphocytes and were observed to possess alkaloids, f lavonoids, saponins, anthraquinones and phenols in Gymnema sylvestre leaves with additional resins, tanins, proteins, glycosides and fixed oils and fat in ITK formulation after screening by qualitative tests and further confirmed to possess active principles having antidiabetic, antioxidant, cardioprotective, nephroprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties.

The objective of the present study was to explore the therapeutic potential of Tribulus terrestris and ITK formulation against obese streptozotocin- induced type II diabetes and diabetic nephropathy in male Wistar rats. In Phase I study, 70% hot ethanolic extract of Tribulus terrestris fruits and hot aqueous extract of ITK formulation (ingredients gum acacia, black cumin, wheat and barley) was prepared and evaluated for in vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic activity of extracts. Extracts have potent antioxidant (studied by 2, 2-Diphenyl 1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2, 2’-Azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6 sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging assay), antidiabetic (determined by in vitro α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity) and glucose uptake potential in cultured lymphocytes and were observed to possess carbohydrates, alkaloids, proteins and amino acids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, fixed oils and resins in Tribulus terrestris fruits with additional glycosides in ITK formulation after screening by qualitative tests and further confirmed to possess active principles having antidiabetic, antioxidant, nephroprotective, cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory properties.

The present study was designed to assess the cardio-protective role of oleic acid in myocardial injury. Myocardial injury was induced in rats by intra-peritoneal injection of isoprenaline (ISO; @ 110 mg/kg b.wt) for two consecutive days at 24 h interval. Oleic acid was administered orally (@ 5 mg/kg b.wt or 10 mg/kg b.wt) for 21 days before inducing myocardial injury to evaluate its ameliorative potential. Samples (blood, heart) were collected from different groups of experimental animals 24h after last injection of isoprenaline. Besides evaluation of heart weight to body weight (HW/BW) ratio, myocardial infarct size, oxidative stress parameters and haemato-biochemical parameters, cardio specific biomarkers of injury, ECG, isolated right atrial response and mRNA expression of gene coding for cardiac uncoupling protein-2 (UCP-2) were also quantified. Isoprenaline administration significantly increased the HW/ BW ratio, myocardial infarct size, lipid profiles (total cholesterol, HDL-C, triglyceride) in ISO-induced myocardial injured rats.

The objective of present study was to evaluate the influence of pre-exposure of chromium @ 1 mg/kg body weight and arsenic @ 38 ppb in drinking water continuously for 30 days in experimentally streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetes in male Wistar rats and after 30 days of continuous exposure ameliorative potential of an ITK formulation @ 435 mg/kg body weight and its comparative efficacy with metformin @ 50 mg/kg body weight on diabetes induced testicular dysfunction.

Eighty four obese male Wistar rats were divided into fourteen groups viz. Normal Control, Obese, Non-diabetic + Chromium, Non-diabetic + Arsenic, Non-diabetic + Chromium-Arsenic combination, Obese Diabetic + chromium, Obese Diabetic + Arsenic, Obese Diabetic + Chromium-Arsenic combination, Obese Diabetic + Chromium + Metformin, Obese Diabetic + Arsenic + Metformin, Obese Diabetic + Chromium-Arsenic combination + Metformin, Obese Diabetic + Chromium + ITK, Obese Diabetic + Arsenic + ITK, Obese Diabetic + Chromium-Arsenic combination + ITK, consisting six animals in each group, were induced diabetes with streptozotocin @ 30 mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneally single dose after 30 days of pre-exposure to chromium and arsenic. After induction of diabetes ITK formulation and metformin were given by oral gavage continuously for 30 days.

Present study was undertaken to assess the effect of sepsis on purinergic signaling with special reference to P2Y6 and P2X7 receptors in mouse aorta; and to unravel the interplay between purinergic receptor (P2Y6) and angiotensin II type I receptor (AT1R) in mediating vascular hyporeactivity during sepsis. Sepsis significantly decreased total erythrocytes count, haemoglobin level, total leukocytes count and differential leukocytes count compared to sham-operated mice (SO). Sepsis significantly increased plasma levels of ALT, AST, BUN, creatinine values. Similarly, sepsis significantly increased total bacterial count in peritoneal lavage, blood and spleen compared to healthy control. Functional studies revealed that in mice of SO groups, high K+-depolarising solution produced almost equal contraction in the aortic rings having the intact-endothelium or denuded. But compared to the SO group, mice of the sepsis group, irrespective of the presence or absence of endothelium in aortic rings, exhibited significantly reduced contractile response following exposure to high K+-depolarising solution.