eChapters

The integration of pharmacology and bioinformatics has ushered in a new era of drug discovery and therapeutic innovati on, particularly in veterinary medicine. This interdisciplinary approach leverages computational tools to enhance the identification of drug targets, optimize treatment strategies, and address challenges such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and species specific drug metabolism. Pharmacogenomics, one of the most promising applications, allows for personalized medicine by tailoring drug therapies based on genetic variations in animals. Additionally, bioinformatics is revolutionizing vaccine development by identifying conserved antigens, aiding in the design of broad-spectrum and species-specific vaccines. In silico screening accelerates drug discovery by predicting drug-target interactions, reducing the time and cost of developing new veterinary therapies. Predictive modeling enables the simulation of disease progression and treatment outcomes, improving disease management. As bioinformatics technologies advance, they are poised to transform veterinary pharmacology, offering more precise and effective therapeutic options. This paper explores the synergies and applications of integrating pharmacology with bioinformatics to improve veterinary therapeutics, combat AMR, and accelerate drug discovery.

Post-traumatic bleeding, caused by accidents or battlefield injuries, is a major worldwide issue due to the associated high fatality rate. Significant efforts have been made to develop hemostatic medications that help reduce post-traumatic bleeding. The use of naturally abundant and highly biocompatible polymers, such as alginate, can have a substantial impact on the efficacy, safety and cost effectiveness of hemostatic medicines.We haveexaminedthe effectiveness of developed hemostatic hydrogel (SA-CZ) containing calcium (Ca2+) and zinc (Zn2+) in treating low-pressure bleeding wounds with the added benefit of promoting faster wound healing. The hydrogel nature of the hemostatic formulation poses limitation as hemostatic material due to its fluid absorption capability. Therefore, we converted the formulation in the form of dry formulation. Further, we explored the use of dry hemostatic particles (SA-CZ DHP) made from sodium alginate supplemented with Ca2+ and Zn2+ to manage excessive blood loss after post-traumatic hemorrhage.SA-CZ DHP showed substantial in-vitro efficacy, as observed by the significant reduction in coagulation time with better blood coagulation index (BCI) and no evident hemolysis in human blood. SA CZ also showed enhanced cellular migration (1.58-fold) in-vitroand improved wound closure (≈70%) as compared with betadine (≈38%) at the 7th-day post-wound creation in-vivo (p<0.005).The safe SA-CZ DHP showed high absorption and accelerated blood clotting kineticswith reduced coagulation time (≈70%, p<0.0001) in whole human blood. SA-CZ DHP significantlyreduced the mean blood loss (≈90% in SD rats tail incision), and bleeding time (≈60%in BALB/c mice tail incision) was at par with commercially available Celox™hemostatic granules.

The Indian subcontinent has a vast costal belt along with the wide range of forest environment, which host large number of unexplored plant/marine species. This diversity has been the source of unique chemical compounds with the potential for industrial development as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, nutritional supplements, molecular probes, fine chemicals and agrochemicals. In recent years, a significant number of novel metabolites with potent pharmacological properties have been discovered from the natural sources including marine and terrestrial plants. Recent move of society towards nature for the treatment of various diseases where there is no satisfactory cure in modern medicine has diverted the attention of natural/medicinal chemists and biologists to unravel their chemical characteristics and biological activities together in order to define their therapeutic potential in the light of modern pathobiological understandings. This move has led collectively to rediscover, design and refine the therapeutic application of medicinal plants/marine sources.

GPCRs are integral membrane proteins that contain seven transmembrane (TM) α-helices, with a short cytoplasmic Helix 8 interconnected to the TM7 and the cytoplasmic C terminal. The amino terminal is extracellularly disposed.

The 7 TM helices are interconnected by 3 extracellular and 3 intracellular loops. On the extracellular side between TM3 and TM4 is located a conserved disulphide bond. GPCRs being allosteric proteins, agonist binding at one site that is accessed from the extracellular space and termed the orthosteric site, promotes allosteric binding to another partner, a heterotrimeric G protein at the cytoplasmic side. Agonist binding not only promotes binding of the receptor to a G protein, but the affinity of the agonist for the receptor is increased by the G protein.

Use of Antimicrobial Agents

The most frequently used classes of antimicrobial drugs in animals include tetracyclines, sulfonamides alone or in combination with potentiators, quinolones particularly fluoroquinolones, aminopenicillins alone as well as in combination with potentiators, first- and second-generation cephalosporins and also third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins, macrolides, and glycopeptides [1]. The “Terrestrial Animal Code”, issued by the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) in 2022 represents recent guidance for the responsible and prudent use of antimicrobials in veterinary medicine [2]. It describes the respective responsibilities of the competent authority and stakeholders in all processes pertaining to veterinary antimicrobial agents ranging from authorization to the administration to the animals.

Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning and Data Analytics seem to be invading all the fields to bring in efficiencies in those respective fields. However, Toxicology field seems to be lagging behind in these areas although there is a huge scope to use these advanced technologies.

AI, data analytics and machine learning can be used for creating toxicology databases on chemicals, predictive modelling and AI for risk assessment, amongst other applications. One such effort was carried out for use of AI in creating a BOT, a ToxBot, for conducting risk assessments on chemicals which helped in gaining lot of efficiencies. The ToxBotwhich was created helped in conducting risk assessments and reducing time for such risk assessments from48 hours to 15 minutes. This also ensured using a uniform database, consistent output and helping toxicologists in arriving at unform conclusions. To begin with, the sponsors need to be very clear about the objective and expected outcome of the AI solution. The first step in creating these AI solutions is creation of a datasbase. While, creating AI solutions for risk assessment two aspects are important- source of Toxicology thresholds and the other one to derive exposure to population to assess safety. Creating a Toxicology data base for deriving thresholds is tedious. Toxicology studies generate huge data on multiple chemicals, drugs and botanicals. However, these data are scattered, not uniformly documented, and there is lack of efforts to compile them. Each constituent has data on each end point and these data are spread across multiple species. Hence the Toxicology data on each constituent has variables such as species, routes, doses, duration and end points. The efforts start with creating a complete Toxicological profile including all available data on each end point in each species by specific route of administration. These profiles then form the basis of a data base, which then enable to derive safety thresholds. The other database or system is to derive the exposure. This depends on the type of product, daily dose, frequency, route, concentration of chemical and the target population. These can be populated through an exposure matrix. For Al, these data need to be documented in uniform manner for subjecting it to Machine Learning and creating AI solutions. The AI experts would then be required to understand the entire process of the desired outcome and how the dataare used, at what points. This helps them in creating an algorithm. Once the algorithm and coding is created, the product is ready to be tested.

Buffalo farming offers a sustainable and economically viable solution to meet the growing demand for safe food production, particularly in regions with rising food insecurity. Buffaloes contribute around 45% of India’s total milk production and are more efficient in converting low-quality feed into high quality milk and meat, making them ideal for marginal farming environments. Buffalo milk, which has higher fat, protein, and mineral content than cow milk, is in demand for value-added dairy products, such as cheese, and fetches higher market prices. This enhances farmers’ incomes, especially small-scale dairy farmers, by ensuring higher returns on investment. Additionally, buffalo husbandry mitigates risks in crop failure due to climate change and provides sustainable employment opportunities. Furthermore, buffaloes produce less greenhouse gas emissions per unit of meat compared to cattle, making them more environmentally sustainable and climate smart. By advancing breeding practices and adopting scientific management, buffalo farming has the potential to drive the future of safe and sustainable food production, contributing significantly to food security and rural development.

Introduction

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a critical public health crisis, with far-reaching implications for human, animal, and environmental health. If unchecked, by 2050, the global toll of AMR-related deaths could exceed 10 million, with Asia and Africa alone projected to account for approximately 4 million fatalities. In a potential ‘superbug’ outbreak scenario, the economic loss could reach as high as USD 100 trillion, especially impacting low- and middle income countries (LMICs) like India (O’Neill, 2014). AMR complicates the treatment of a wide array of infections, transforming previously manageable conditions into fatal threats. In 2019 alone, AMR was directly responsible for approximately 1.27 million deaths and contributed to an additional 5 million fatalities—surpassing the mortality rates of major infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and malaria (Murray et al., 2022). The urgency of addressing AMR is underscored by a World Bank report, which warns that unchecked AMR could cause a global GDP decline of 1.1% to 3.8% by 2050, and averting this scenario may require an estimated annual investment of around 9 billion USD (Aslam et al., 2024).

Introduction

Discovery of the antimicrobial agents in the early twentieth century was a breakthrough to safeguard the public health from the microbial infection. Propensity of these compounds to kill pathogens influenced the discovery of novel antimicrobials. However, since the 1970s, soon after the discovery of the fluoroquinolones, no major antibiotics have been introduced. The prevalent issue is largely attributed to the repercussions of antibiotic overuse or irresponsible utilization across diverse contexts, predominantly in clinical treatment, agricultural practices, animal healthcare, war crisis and the food system. Moreover, the accessibility and availability of antibiotics results in antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Nonprudent use of antibiotics accompanied by genetic plasticity allows microorganisms to adapt to the effect of antimicrobials causing a rapid surge of antimicrobial resistance. Extensive use of antimicrobials in animal husbandry is a major driver of AMR selection and the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria (ARBs) (World Health Organization, 2014).

This study aimed to optimize the incorporation levels of whole egg powder (WEP) and skim milk powder (SMP) and to evaluate the storage stability of the resulting protein-rich pasta. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with a Central Composite Design was employed for optimization; thirteen formulation combinations were tested. The best formulation was identified as 5% WEP and 10% SMP. This optimal mix resulted in a significant improvement in the proximate composition of the fortified pasta compared to the control. Both the control and fortified pasta were stored under aerobic conditions at 20-30±5°C in aluminium foil-LDPE laminate pouches for 60 days. The pasta samples were analyzed at intervals of 1, 15, 30, 45, and 60 days. Storage studies revealed an increase in TBARS, FFA, peroxide values, and microbial counts in both pasta types, but the control samples exhibited a significantly lower rate of increase (p<0.05). Sensory evaluation showed lower scores for the fortified pasta compared to the control. Despite these findings, the fortified pasta with 5% WEP and 10% SMP maintained its physicochemical, colour, textural, microbiological, and sensory qualities over the 60-day storage period. Microstructure studies revealed increased interaction between added protein (WEP & SMP) and starch molecules, indicating a potential option to produce high quality pasta with enhanced nutritional and functional properties, thereby enhancing the practical implications of the research.

With the recent advances in cognitive science and applied ethology, it become imperative to assess the effect of various negative stimuli on the animal welfare and meat quality in goats during slaughter. The present study was designed to assess the effect of exposure of goats to slaughter ambient such as the smell of blood, vocalization, noise, movement of equipment, and unfamiliar workers could initiate stress responses, thereby affecting animal welfare and meat quality. Boer cross bucks (age 8-12 months of age, 25-30 kg live weight, n=18) were halal slaughtered into three groups viz., Control (slaughtered alone), E (exposed to act of slaughter), and S (slaughtered in front of E). The vocalization and avoidance behavior were present in 50% of goats upon exposure to slaughter ambient. The time to death and bleed out percentage did not differ significantly among treatments. The exposure of the goats to the slaughter resulted in a significant (p<0.05) increase in the nor-adrenaline, and β-endorphin. Based on the present study, it can be concluded that exposure to slaughter ambient had an effect on behavioral responses, carcass, and blood biochemical factors. Thus, the present study highlighted the issue of emotional stress and slaughter empathy in goats. These findings could help in harmonizing all practices of slaughter and improving animal welfare while fulfilling religious and customary demands.

Species determination in meat products is crucial for traceability and preventing fraud, especially in the buffalo meat industry, which faces significant price disparities across regions. The complex global trade networks, with many intermediaries and processing stages, increase the risk of obscured provenance and adulteration. This not only poses serious public health risks but also leads to economic losses. Thus, there is an urgent need for rapid, reliable testing methods to verify buffalo meat authenticity and detect mislabeling. Existing protein-based and DNA-based assays, including isothermal and non-isothermal amplification techniques, often lack sensitivity, specificity, practicality, repeatability, and accessibility. The present study introduces a Point-of-Care (POC) polymerase spiral reaction (PSR) assay for rapid, on-site identification of buffalo tissue, especially in resource-limited settings. The PSR method uses chemical-free snap-chill DNA extraction, highly specific mitochondrial d-loop gene primers for amplification, and unique chromogenic indicators for visual detection, overcoming the limitations of current detection methods. The effectiveness of the chromogenic indicators was validated against SYBR Green I and agarose gel electrophoresis methods. The assay showed high specificity, with no cross-amplification in common meats like beef, mutton, chevon, and pork, and sensitivity down to 10 fg of buffalo DNA. It detected buffalo meat adulteration as low as 0.1%. The assay’s accuracy was confirmed through comprehensive validation using diverse, blind, and processed samples, compatibility testing with a commercial DNA isolation kit, and comparison with standard buffalo-specific PCR. This study is the first to report a PSR colorimetric assay identifying buffalo tissue within 90 minutes in resource constrained settings.

The present study was envisaged to develop kodo millet incorporated chicken meat nuggets and to explore the effect of kodo millet flour on the shelf life of chicken meat nuggets. The chicken meat nuggets were developed by using kodo millet flour (KMF) at three different levels (T1-6%, T2-8% and T3-10%) by replacing lean meat. Appearance/colour and flavour score, juiciness and overall palatability were found significantly higher (P < 0.05) for T1. On the basis of sensory scores, control and T1 were selected for further comparison and storage studies in refrigerated temperature for 28 days and assessed for microbial analysis at regular interval of 7 days. Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) and standard plate count (SPC) values increased significantly (P < 0.05) in both variants during storage. These values were found lower in treatment. Results of sensory evaluation studies during storage also revealed decrease in sensory scores in almost all occasions. T1 (treatment containing 6 % KMF) was rated higher for flavour, texture, juiciness and overall palatability throughout the storage period. It was concluded that functional chicken nuggets could be developed by replacing the chicken meat in standardized formulation at the level of 6 % kodo millet flour. The developed product maintains better physiochemical, microbiological and sensory qualities during refrigerated storage and was acceptable up to 14 days of storage.

In the present study, chicken (broiler) meat mince was used as protein sources. Incorporation of chicken meat minceat10, 20, 30, 40 and 50percent levelweretriedbesidesotheringredientswhichwereaddedincontrol.Chicken Biscuits incorporated with 20 per cent CMM were preferred the most on the basis of their sensory evaluation. Asthe chicken incorporated biscuits have not been reported in India and abroad. Majority of biscuits available in market are prepared from cereal (refined wheat flour), which has very low protein content & lack lysine, threonine & tryptophan essential amino acids. The biscuits thus developed can contribute good amount of nutrients especially protein if consumed in place of cereal (refined wheat flour) biscuits. The developed products can be used for feeding programme at institutes and school going children and elderly people, who are more prone to malnutrition particularly due to protein with essential amino acids deficiency. Chicken meat is also rich in threonine, tryptophan and lysine. Thus development of chicken incorporated biscuits using chicken meat and wheat flour would provide a nutritious, convenient and ready to eat food item. With an aim to develop biscuits by incorporating the chicken meat, the present study was planned. It was concluded that the biscuits with 20 per cent chicken meat mince and wheat flour would provide a nutritious with sufficient amount of essential amino acids (lysine, tryptophan and threonine), convenient and ready to eat food item. The cost of production of biscuits with 20 per cent CMM worked out to be Rs. 82.40 per kg.

Ready to eat shami kebabs from goat meat with 25, 50 and 75 % levels of goat tripe were prepared and their quality evaluated. shami kebabs prepared with 100% goat were used as control. Significant (p<0.05) increase was observed for pH, diameter shrinkage, drip loss, protein and fat contents in goat tripe incorporated shami kebabs than control. However, significant (p< 0.05) reverse trends were observed for product yield and moisture content. Sensory evaluation scores for appearance and colour, flavor, tenderness, juiciness, binding and overall acceptability were highest for 25% goat tripe incorporated shami kebabs followed by 50% and 75% goat tripe incorporated shami kebabs. Physico - chemical and sensory evaluation scores of 25% goat tripe incorporated shami kebabs were comparable with control goat meat shami kebabs and the values did not differ significantly between them. Thus, it can be concluded that 75% goat meat and 25% goat tripe can be used for preparation of ready to eat goat meat shami kebabs without affecting quality and acceptability.

Three female goats with age of 3, 4 and 24 month with bodyweight 7, 6 and 15 kg, respectively were presented at Veterinary Clinical Complex, Uttar Pradesh Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go-AnusandhanSansthan, Mathura, DUVASU during April-May 2024, with a history of right unilateral swelling below the ear and submandibular region. Based on physical examination, radiography and ultrasonography, swelling was found to be a fluid filled cystic structure. Exploratory puncture of the affected areas revealed colourless transparent fluid. Surgical exploration was done and the cystic structure was identified as Coenurus gaigeriupon parasitological inspection due to the presence of its characteristic four distinctive suckers on the scolices and a rostellum with a double crown of hooks. Coenurus gaigeri is the intermediate stage of Taenia multicepsgaigeri. Following surgical intervention, the animals were treated with praziquantel, antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory medication. By the 7th postoperative day, the animals showed uneventful recovery without any complications.

Introduction

Pig production and marketing have been driven by the growing consumer demand for high quality and low cost animal protein. As a result, organized and industrialpiggery has been rapidly developing globally. Pigs are domesticated in various parts of India, especially in South-Central and North Eastern Region (NER), each place has its own locally adapted pig breed, and most households raise at least one or two pigs each year. Pigs are more valuable alive than dead, acting as efficient converters of kitchen and agricultural scraps into nutrient-rich fertilizer, before becoming pork that could even sometimes be given as a wedding gift, used to curry political or social favor, or eaten as part of local celebrations, especially in NER. The 21stcentury agricultural and dietary changes however represent radical departures from the small holder production system and consolidation of industry is clearly visible in the last two decades. It should be noted that the industrialization of pig production is a relatively recent phenomenon globally. In India, too, the speed and scale of change has been phenomenal, conditioned by policies, investments and the transforming economic system.

Introduction

Global meat production is a crucial component of the global food system, driven by expanding populations, wealth development, and shifting dietary preferences. It involves the rearing of animals such as cattle, poultry, pigs, and sheep, and has experienced rapid growth in recent decades. In 2023, worldwide meat production was estimated to reach approximately 350 million tons per year, with chicken, pork, and beef being the most popular forms. Poultry meat is the most produced and consumed meat globally due to its lower cost and shorter production cycles. Countries like the U.S., Brazil, and China are major poultry producers globally. Pork is highly consumed, especially in Asia, with China being both the largest producer and consumer of pork. By 2050, the global human population is projected to reach 10 billion, presenting a major challenge in ensuring adequate balanced food. The demand for animal-based foods is increasing, and the intensification of animal farming is leading to the exploitation of natural resources and resulting in natural calamities that adversely affect humans, animals, and ecosystems. Meat production fosters sustainable development as it employs and supports over a billion people worldwide, many of whom live in underdeveloped regions. Meat contains essential nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, and minerals, which help prevent nutritional deficiencies and improve health (Headey et al., 2018; Zaharia et al., 2021). The meat production industry can also transform grass and agricultural waste into healthy food for people, thereby promoting food security in a world with limited natural resources (Mottet et al., 2017). However, it is important to note that meat has a much larger environmental and climatic footprint compared to plant-based diets (Poore & Nemecek, 2018).

The present study was carried out on gross anatomical and morphometrical studies of extensor and flexor muscles of digits of forelimb and hind limb in six adults non-descript dogs irrespective of sex. Common digital extensor muscle was originated from the lateral (extensor) epicondyle of the humerus with multiple tendons of insertion whereas lateral digital extensor was originated from the lateral ligament of the elbow joint. Extensor pollicis longus and indicisproprius muscle was present under the lateral digital extensor and superficial to the abductor pollicis longus and originated from the middle third of the dorsolateral border of the ulna. Deep digital flexor muscle was comprised of two heads, flexor hallucis longus, and flexor digitorum longus.The average tensile strength for common digital extensor, lateral digital extensor, extensor pollicis longus and indicisproprius, and abductor pollicis longus muscles were 2.65 ± 0.36 kg, 2.20 ± 0.47 kg, 1.60 ± 0.38 kg and 1.95 ± 0.35 kg respectively. Mean Muscle belly length for common digital extensor, lateral digital extensor, extensor pollicis longus and indicisproprius, and abductor pollicis longus muscles was 8.30 ± 0.51 cm, 6.68 ± 0.45 cm, 4.80 ± 0.68 cm and 8.08 ± 0.73cm respectively. Mean tensile rest strength for the superficial digital flexor, deep digital flexor, interosseous muscle, f lexor pollicis brevis and lumbricales was 7.61 ± 0.56 cm, 8.53 ± 0.51 cm, 2.76 ± 0.47 cm, 0.73 ± 0.13 cm and 0.85 ± 0.17 cm respectively. Mean muscle belly volume of superficial digital flexor, deep digital flexor, interosseous muscle, flexor pollicis brevis, and lumbricales muscles was 6.61 ± 0.72 cm3, 7.84 ± 0.53 cm3, 0.24 ± 0.07 cm3, 0.03 ± 0.01 cm3, 0.02 ± 0.00 cm3 respectively.Mean tendon cross section area for muscles tibialiscranialis, long digital extensor, lateral digital extensor, and extensor digitorum brevis was 0.05 ± 0.00 cm2, 0.06 ± 0.00 cm2, 0.04 ± 0.00 cm2 and 0.04 ± 0.00 cm2 respectively.

Introduction

Equines are a fascinating and diverse group of mammals that have played a significant role in human history and continue to do so today. From the majestic horses used for transportation, sport, and work, to the hardy donkeys and mules used for farming and packing, equines have been an essential part of human societies for thousands of years. Equines are social animals and usually live in groups or herds. They form strong bonds with their herd members and communicate with each other through a range of vocalizations, body language, and scent cues. Equines also engage in playful behaviour, particularly when they are young. They can be seen running, kicking, bucking, and frolicking in the fields as a way of expending energy and developing physical coordination [6].

This is a group of mammals that belong to the family Equidae known for their slender legs, hooves, and long faces. Large, soft and expressive eyes, a velvety muzzle, a forelock adorning a smooth face these are just a few of the attributes of the equine head that beckon horse lovers. The equine head, which accounts for 10% of a horse’s total weight, houses a series of intricate turbinates within the nasal passageways. Turbinates are a network of bones, vessels, and tissue that warms, humidifies, and filters the air the horse inhales. In addition, seven air-filled sinus cavities called the paranasal sinuses sit on each side of the head, above, below, and between the eyes. A young horse starts out with teeth that extend up into the sinuses; with wear and age, the teeth descend into the mouth. Eventually, in a horse’s golden years, the sinuses are mostly empty of teeth.The head also contains a plexus of nerves and blood supply in addition to the eyes, ears, nostrils, lymph nodes, guttural pouches, brain, and more than 30 bones[6,7].