eChapters

Introduction

The compassionate treatment of animals and consideration for their well-being is an important aspect of livestock farming. Compassions needs to be an integral part of livestock farming as livestock are sentient being. Positive human experiences during handling are essential for ensuring the welfare of animals. Humans play a significant role in the environment of production animals, particularly in commercial cattle production where daily interaction occurs. Intensively farmed animals endure negative emotions that diminish their welfare. For instance, they experience fear from unfamiliar stimuli or from being separated from their social group (Jones, 2011), as well as stress, pain and frustration due to the obstruction of naturally driven behaviors (Dawkins 1998) or the absence of predictability and control over their surroundings (Bassett et al, 2007), along with boredom stemming from insufficient environmental stimulation (Wemelsfelder, 1993). Compassion is a fundamental virtue in veterinary practice, and female-owned businesses in this sector often exhibit this attitude. Compassion, the highest quality of women, is highly valued in veterinary practice, and women-owned enterprises are perfect example of this. They place a high value on compassionate care, acknowledging the close bond between people and animals and making sure each animal gets the attention and assistance they require by focusing on improving the quality of life for all animals and their loving owners.

A novel zoonotic disease was reported in December 2019 in Wuhan (China) and patients were presumably exposed to a new coronavirus, designated as SARS CoV-2. This virus probably crossed into humans from an animal species, most likely a bat, spreading rapidly across the world and causing the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This infectious illness was responsible for a global pandemic that caused deaths and economic despair (Santaniello et al., 2023). The latest WHO data (December 2023) confirmed 77,38,19,856 cases worldwide since the beginning of this zoonosis and 70,10,568 deaths (WHO, 2023), making this pandemic one of the deadliest in human history. Human CoVs (HCoVs) are often of animal origin but adapt to humans via direct jumping or through intermediate species. These data and the zoonotic origin of SARS-CoV-2 quickly raised questions concerning the potential role that animals could play in transmitting the virus to humans or other species.

Introduction

In recent years, women have made remarkable strides in the veterinary field, bringing a wealth of skill and dedication to various sectors, including clinical practice, research, academia, and industry. Today, women comprise a significant portion of the veterinary workforce. However, the path to leadership and career advancement still presents unique challenges. Gender biases, limited representation in senior roles, and the constant balancing act between personal and professional life often stand in the way. As a woman in this field, I understand the significance of leadership development and the impact it has on creating a meaningful, rewarding career. This session aims to equip women veterinarians with actionable strategies and essential leadership skills to advance their careers meaningfully. Leadership is not merely a title; it’s about creating positive change, setting examples, and inspiring those around us. For women in veterinary medicine, it means breaking barriers, making a difference, and contributing to animal welfare and public health. By cultivating confidence and a focused approach, women can rise to leadership roles that truly make an impact.

Introduction

Milk, which is recognized for its significant nutritional and immunological value to humans as well as animals, is the primary source of vital nutrients and bioactive components that contribute to the newborn’s growth and development. In addition, it includes extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs are membrane-bound vesicles that are discharged by cells into biofluids like milk. EVs play an important function in intercellular communication and have demonstrated potential in therapeutic applications. This is extremely important since EVs are abundant in milk and carry a wide range of cargo, including proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, that supports to their classification as bioactive components of milk Milk-derived exosomes have intriguing properties as nanocarriers for theranostic care.

Introduction

Biofilm formation is a series of complex process and accomplished mainly in five stages -Reversibleattachment, Irreversible attachment or colonization,Proliferation, Maturation &Dispersion. Usually biofilms comprise 10% of dry mass that represent microorganisms while the rest 90%derived from the matrix of biofilm. Microbial biofilms are aggregates of microorganisms embedded in self-produced matrices and adhere to an abiotic or biotic surface. Firstly, Marshall et al. (1971) threw light on the concept of biofilms &it’s complexity was discussed by many researchers. According to Donlan and Costerton (2002) “Biofilm as a structured community of microbial cells enclosed in a self-produced polymeric matrix and adherent to a surface to interface, and to each other” still remains the most appreciated definition of biofilms (Mishra et al., 2022). Basically, microbial biofilms are complex, dynamic and three dimensional heterogeneous structures in which cells are interconnected by EPS (Extracellular Polymeric Substances). Biofilms are found to be resistant against UV light, metal toxicity, antimicrobials and other chemical agents like soaps, detergents, disinfectant and other cleaning agents. Future insight the immense need to implicate effective methods for elimination of biofilms from the environment.

Introduction

Diagnosis of cancer has always been challenging. There is no single diagnostic test to confirm the cancer. A detailed evaluation of the patient comprises of history, physical examination and various diagnostic tests.

Most common steps in the diagnosis involve physical examination, imaging tests, laboratory tests, biopsy etc. Other than these there are several other battery of tests that are followed in modern diagnostics. The main aim of the diagnosis is to determine what type of cancer and more importantly the stage and the grade. Early detection of cancer provides cure or better chances of survival in any patient. It improves the prognosis of cancer and potentiate the effect of targeted therapy. There are several moderndiagnostic techniques like 2D and 3D imaging using PET positron emission tomography, MRI, Computed Tomography (CT), X Rayimaging and ultrasound scanning. The diagnosis of tumor involves several steps.

Introduction

My journey into the heart of wildlife conservation began in the unassuming classrooms of KendriyaVidyalaya, where my curiosity for the natural world was nurtured by dedicated teachers and an enriching curriculum. My dreams took f light when I studied stories of Mahadevi Verma in my school days where she was taking care of wild animals in her home. Fuelled by my determination, I pursued my education in Veterinary College, Hebbal, Bangalore from 2006 to 2011. To increase my knowledge and help the wild animals in better way, I did master in Veterinary Microbiology from Veterinary College, Hebbal, Bangalore during 2012-2014, research was conducted in “Salmonellosis in Wild Animals” and PG diploma course in wild animal disease management from TANVAS, Chennai in 2016 research was on “Oral Microflora of Snakes”. Pursing higher studies gave direction to help wild animal, also gave me abilities to write research paper which will help the communities.

Introduction

Goat farming plays a significant role in supporting rural livelihoods, contributing to food security, and generating income through milk, meat, and fiber production. However, achieving sustainable goat productivity requires scientific management, wherein, nutrition is a critical factor that makes profound effect on overall performance and production. With increasing global demand for goat-derived products, optimizing nutritional strategies has become essential to improve both production efficiency and sustainability. Globally, the sector is shifting from subsistence-oriented backyard farming to more commercialized systems, driven by increasing demand for goat meat and dairy products. India, which ranks first in goat population with 148.88 million goats (DADF, 2019), is experiencing rapid changes as goat farming evolves from a low-input livelihood strategy into a thriving commercial industry (Ramachandran et al., 2019).This transformation is not only economic but also ecological. Goats are known for their remarkable adaptability to harsh environments and climate variability, which makes them crucial in ensuring food security under changing environmental conditions. Their ability to utilize marginal lands and convert low-quality forages into meat, milk, and fiber allows them to thrive in regions unsuitable for other livestock . Shifting towards semi-intensive and intensive systems, farmers can utilize better breeding, nutrition, and healthcare practices to meet growing market demands.

Introduction

In current scenario of COVID-19 pandemic, Agriculture and its allied sectorare the only sector which is contributed positive growth rate due to hard work and total devotion of farmers towards it in both first quarter of the financial year 2022-23. Farmers are the backbone of our country but face different challenges such as scarcity of land due to fragmentation, water sources, impassable roads, unavailability of better financial services and new technologies. Since a decade number of small and marginal farmers keeps on increasing. Due to the fragmented holding of land and improper management practices in farming inadequate access to market, making them agriculture more unviable. Government motive to double the farmers’ income in 2022-23 by addressing the challenges of farm sector. The government affirmed that farmer producer organizations (FPO) are the most appropriate institutional form around which farmers can mobilize and build their capacity to collectively leverage their production and marketing strength. However, majority of these located in rural areas and suffer from the problems like Inadequate Professional Management and Manpower, poor start-up capital, lack of technically skilled man power, ineffective capacity building training programmes. There is a need to find the solution and to need bring policy changes to handle this problem to empower our farmers and Indian economy by farmers produce organisation.

Introduction

India is primarily an agriculture-based country, with the livestock sector being a vital component of its agricultural landscape. The meat sector plays a crucial role in providing livelihoods and jobs to rural and village populations. Slaughtering food animals not only yields meat but also generates valuable byproducts that can significantly benefit society. Typically, only one-third of an animal’s weight is meat; the remaining two-thirds consist of byproducts and waste, which must be effectively processed and utilized. Efficient utilization of these byproducts directly impacts both the economy and environmental pollution. The yield of animal byproducts can range from 50% to 60% of an animal’s live weight. According to statistics from the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD, 2019), India saw the slaughter of 11.92 million buffalo, 3.05 million cattle, 50.86 million sheep, 97.19 million goats, 10.73 million pigs, and over 2.81 million poultry birds in 2018-19, resulting in the production of 8.11 million tonnes of meat.

Introduction

As per 20th Livestock Census, 2019 goat population in the country was 148.8 million, the second largest species in terms of number after cattle. Uttar Pradesh, one of India’s largest states in terms of population and agricultural activity, boasts a substantial goat population of 14.48 million, which accounts for approximately 9.73% of the country’s total goat population. Goats indeed play a crucial role in many agrarian economies worldwide, including India. In regions where crop and dairy farming may not be as economically viable, goats provide a valuable source of income and sustenance for small and marginal farmers as well as landless laborers. Goats, specifically Capra hircus, possess unique qualities that make them valuable assets in meeting this growing demand for animal protein (Rout et al. 2018). The livestock market has been experiencing significant growth, with global trade presenting vast opportunities for livestock farmers to increase their income. One notable trend over the past decade has been the increasing preference for animal protein consumption worldwide. This shift in dietary habits has led to a surge in demand for meat products, particularly in developing countries where access to protein-rich foods may be limited. The adaptability, diversity, and versatility of goats make them an invaluable resource for agriculture and livelihoods in both developed and developing nations, contributing to food security and economic sustainability in many regions (Mazhangaraet al. 2019).

Introduction

Podocytes are highly specialized cells with a complex structure that plays an important role in kidney physiology. The characteristic feature of these cells is that its cell body has foot processes which interdigitates with the foot processes of another podocytes leaving filtration slits in between them. These filtration slits are bridged by the slit diaphragm which is an extracellular structure. These cells are located on the outer surface of glomerular basement membrane (GBM) and thereby they check the protein loss. The cell body of these cells contain nucleus, golgi apparatus, smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum, lysosome and mitochondria. Their main function is in establishing the selective permeability of the glomerular f iltration barrier. Several molecules, including nephrin, CD2AP, FAT, ZO-1, P-cadherin, Podocin, and Neph 1-3 have all been shown to be associated with the slit diaphragm (SD) protein complex, and some of these molecules are critical for its integrity. In cases of chronic disease podocytes gets loosen and they separate from the surface of glomerular basement membrane (GBM). Podocyte injury frequently leads to reorganization of the slit diaphragm and reorganization of the foot process structure. Disturbances of podocyte architecture results in retraction of its foot processes which leads to proteinuria. This may be thelater progress into acquired glomerular diseases. The approach to regenerate podocyte and develop a mechanism of podocyte specific drug delivery system by understanding the molecular mechanism of podocyte function appears a promising area for treatment of proteinuric kidney diseases in future.

Introduction

It is estimated that zoonotic infections account for around 60% of infectious diseases and 70% of newly developing infections in humans. The major zoonotic illnesses that have outbreaks documented between 2009 and 2023 have been divided into two categories: endemic and emergent (IDSP). Zoonoses that are either newly discovered in a population or that have been known to exist in the past but are rapidly expanding in frequency or geographic range are referred to be emerging zoonotic diseases.A variety of underlying causative variables contribute to the genesis of zoonotic illnesses, which pose a worldwide risk to the health of both humans and animals. They reduce food availability, impede agricultural output, and contribute in unnecessary trade embargos. Livestock is crucial to the livelihoods of impoverished farmers, consumers, and traders in India. Close relationships between human population groups and animals, the consumption of unpasteurized milk and dairy products, the intensification of animal production andincreased trade in animals and animal products, the high number of stray animals, illegal slaughter, and improper waste disposal are major risk factors in the introduction and sustenance of zoonotic infections. These outbreaks are continuously increasing. More and more such episodes of new zoonoses such as Nipah virus disease, Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), Kyasanoor Forest Disease (KFD), Dengue, Chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis, and Zika virus disease have been reported between 2014 and 2023 as compared to the period between2009and 2013.

Introduction

To maintain optimum reproductive status early diagnosis of reproductive problems is important. Various advance diagnostic techniques are available for diagnosis of reproductive problems. Some of them are still in early stages of development or some though available; are not widely used due to various constrains.The various diagnostic techniques used in animal reproduction are ultrasonography, Doppler ultrasonography, endoscopy, laparoscopy, hormonal assays, vaginal cytology, x ray etc.

Accurate history and Thorough examination of reproductive tract

Accurate history is a powerful tool of enormous clinical value. Behavioral problems due to pain or psychological factors can also be ruled out on the basis of adequate history of the patient. Tentative differential diagnosis can be made by taking history of previous breedings.Through digital and vaginiscopic exanimation of reproductive tract helps to rule out anatomical abnormalities, which may interfere with natural mating. It also helps in diagnosis of fertile phase of oestrus cycle. In cases of refusal to mate due to anatomical problems like septum, narrow passage or due to behavioral problems AI can be performed. Vaginoscopic examination aids vaginal cytology in deciding right time of natural service or insemination in proper breeding management or abnormal oestrus cycle.

Introduction

The peripartum period, spanning from 3 weeks pre-calving to 3 weeks post calving, is a critical phase in a cow’s life. During this time, cows are susceptible to various diseases that can significantly impact their health, productivity and reproductive performance. Changes in metabolism and lack of optimum immunity have been closely associated with most of the transition period diseases. Hormonal changes in the early lactation results in drain in energy and nutrients rendering the animal in some degree of negative energy balance. Increased lipid mobilization in transition period has its role in fatty liver and ketosis directly.Metabolic stress in peripartum cows refers to the physiological changes that occur around calving, affecting energy and nutrient balance.

Introduction

Status of Tuberculosis : Tuberculosis is a complex and multispecies disease since the origin of human civilization. Evidence of tuberculosis (TB) exists in 3000 years old Egyptian mummies and about 17,000 year old fossilized bison (Fareed et al., 2024). Now, every year, 10 million people fall ill with tuberculosis. Out of 10 million people currently with new active TB, 1,40,000 (range, 69,800–235,000) are estimated to be new cases of zTB (1.4%) of which an approximately 11,400 (8.1%, range 4,470-21,600) died (WHO, 2020).Despite being a preventable and curable disease, 1.5 million people die from TB each year – making it the world’s top infectious killer (WHO, 2023). Disease is still in an increasing scenario as evident that in 2018, an estimated 10 million people fell ill with TB and 1.5 million died of the disease whereas in 2021 there were an estimated 10.6 million new cases of TB and 1.6 million TB deaths (Ayalew et al., 2023). COVID-19 has further increased the projection of TB and increased the expected case number. As it is predicted that between 2020-2050, 31.8 million will have died of TB, More than half million cases of TB annually are classified as drug resistant, as a result, TB is becoming more difficult to diagnose and treat.

Introduction

In poultry, the intestine is home to trillions of microorganisms, with bacterial concentrations reaching up to 10¹² bacteria per gram of digesta. In a healthy digestive system, this microbial community is highly diverse and metabolically active, supporting crucial functions in digestion, immune defense, and overall health. The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of a newly hatched chick begins as a sterile environment but quickly develops a complex microbiota as the bird matures. The composition of gut microbiota is highly variable, shaped by environmental factors, diet, the genetic makeup of the host, and other influences. This dynamic microbiome plays a pivotal role in nutrient absorption, disease resistance, and growth efficiency, making it a central focus in poultry health management and productivity enhancement.The health and productivity of poultry are fundamentally influenced by the gut microbiome, which shapes digestion, immunity, and growth potential. Microbial diversity variesacross several poultry species, including broilers raised intensively, native chickens in free-range conditions, and unique species such as Guinea fowl, Kadaknath, and red jungle fowl. Using advanced metagenomicsanalysis of microbial diversity, structure, and function, highlighting the implications of microbiota composition on poultry health and productivity possible. The gut microbiota is increasingly recognized as a major determinant of health and productivity in poultry. It not only influences nutrient absorption and metabolism but also plays a critical role in immune response and pathogen resistance. Intensive farming practices have altered gut microbial ecosystems in commercial broilers, often reducing diversity compared to native breeds and heritage species raised in field conditions.

Introduction

Climate change specifies long-term shifts in weather patterns, which are measured over decades to millions of years. In modern times, it predominantly concerns the increase in Earth’s average temperature due to human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels10. The rise in greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide traps heat in the atmosphere, leading to global warming. In connection with animal health, climate change affects the ecosystems in which animals live, influencing the availability of water and food, the spread of diseases, and the physiological stress animals endure due to temperature extremes. Domestic animals, mostly livestock, are vulnerable to heat stress and reduced productivity, whereas wildlife faces altered habitats and increased exposure to pathogens. The connection between climate change and animal health is intricate, as changes in temperature, humidity, and weather patterns create new challenges for both domestic and wild species.

Introduction

In modern poultry farming, the need for alternatives to probiotics is increasing due to concerns about the stability, viability, and potential side effects of using live microbes. Postbiotics have emerged as promising substitutes, offering similar health benefits without the risks. Postbiotics are non-viable microbial metabolitewhich exhibit benefits like promoting gut health, boosting immunity, and preventinfections, which are crucial for sustainable poultry production. Postbiotics enhance gut health by modulating immune responses, improve the microbialenvironment,and inhibit pathogenic growth. Furthermore, their incorporation can reduce theneed for antibiotics in poultry farming, contributingto a decrease in antimicrobial resistance. With the growing global population and increasing demand for animal protein, postbiotics offer sustainable solutions. The review concludes that postbiotics could revolutionize poultry farming, aligning with global efforts toward food security and the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 2 i.e. Zero Hunger. Future research should focus on optimizing these additives for large-scale commercial use.This paper highlights the concepts of postbiotics, their mechanisms of action, current research advances, beneficial effects in poultry farming, and future prospects.

Introduction

The classic bone tissue engineering paradigm highlights several key players: biocompatible scaffold that closely mimics the natural bone extracellular matrix niche, osteogenic cells to lay down the bone tissue matrix, morphogenic signals that help to direct the cells to the phenotypically desirable type, and sufficient vascularization to meet the growing tissue nutrient supply and clearance needs. The biomaterials are critical components in the bone-tissue engineering strategies, including polymers, ceramics, or their combinations applied in various forms, such as membranes and three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds. These materials typically mimic the extracellular matrix of bone tissue during the tissue regeneration process, providing mechanical support and a suitable environment for cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation