eChapters

Introduction

Quails are also called as Bater in Hindi. Quail farming business is economically very profitable. Quail farming in India is now recognized as an organized and scientifically based farming and a potential tool to fight with poverty and malnutrition. There is considerable scope for increasing the egg production further to meet the growing demand. The importance of quails in the poultry scenario of India is well recognized and quail production has registered a remarkable progress in the country since its introduction during mid seventies. Japanese quail farming offers a viable and practical solution to the problems of animal protein shortage and unemployment in developing countries. For small holders, it is an important source of income and employment generating venture besides providing nourishing food. Quail farming has been accepted by farmers as a potential alternative to chicken farming because of its small size, short incubation period, less floor space requirement, rapid growth, early onset of egg production, short generation interval, high rate of egg production, less susceptible to disease and low feed intake.

Quails are one of the most efficient biological machines for converting feed into animal of high biological value. At present in India, quails occupy the third largest position among poultry species next to the chicken and ducks. Quail meat is renounced for richness in vitamins, essential amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids, phospholipids and macro and micro elements. Cholesterol level is low as compared to chicken in quail egg and quail meat. Quail can adapt to varying environmental condition because of its hardy nature. Quail production requires less investment, gives quick return and higher profits and hence can be adapted by rural mass quickly. Incubation period of Japanese quail is 18 days. The Bob white quail is the second most important breeds of quail. Incubation period is 21 days. Quails were introduced in India in CARI in Izzatnagar in 1976 procuring hatching eggs from University of California.

Introduction The impact of COVID-19 on the fisheries and food industries of vary, and the situation is rapidly evolving. Fisheries products that are highly dependent on international trade suffered quite early in the development of the pandemic from the restrictions and closures of global markets, whereas fresh fish and shellfish supply chains were severely impacted by the closure of the food service sectors (e.g. hotels, restaurants and catering facilities, including school and work canteens). Although COVID-19 does not fish, the fisheries sector is still have indirect impact in the pandemic caused changing consumer demands, market access or logistical problems related to transportation and border restrictions (Purkait et al., 2020). This will in turn have a damaging the effect on fisheries and aquaculture farmers in livelihoods, as well as on their food security of the populations that rely heavily of the fish for protein and essential micronutrients. The processing sector also faced closures due to reduced/lost consumer demand. This has had a significant impact, especially on women, who form the majority of the workforce in the post-harvest sector (Avtar et al., 2021).

Failure to accurately diagnose ovarian function is said to be one of the reason for poor reproductive efficiency in this species. The information regarding ovarian function can be gathered either by observing the reproductive behavior of the animal, status of reproductive hormones or palpation of ovaries per rectum for the presence of cyclic or pathological structures. However, due to poor expression of estrus signs behavioral observations poorly reflect the accurate information about ovarian function in buffaloes. Similarly, palpation per rectum does not provide reliable diagnosis since the CL is frequently embedded deep in the ovarian stroma of buffalo ovary and findings vary due to its subjective nature. Furthermore, measurement of hormones requires sophisticated laboratory procedures/ instruments for making a correct diagnosis. Therefore, real time ultrasonic examination is a better alternative to ascertain reproductive status of buffaloes and for devising suitable strategies to optimize fertility of this species (Sharma, 2003). However, it is important to mention that information gained from ultrasound must be used in conjunction with reproductive history of the animal, palpation of genital tract, and other diagnostic procedures rather than in isolation.

Introduction
The accurate identification of crop varieties is crucial for agriculture, plant breeding, and intellectual property protection. DNA-based techniques have emerged as powerful tools for distinguishing between crop varieties due to their precision and reliability. However, several challenges persist in the adoption and implementation of these techniques. Conventionally, morphological descriptors are routinely used for establishing the identity of varieties. But these morphological descriptors suffer from many drawbacks such as influence of environment on trait expression, epistatic interactions, pleiotrophic effects etc. Furthermore, the paucity of sufficient number of these descriptors for unequivocal identification of increasing number of reference collection of varieties enforces to look for alternatives. Electrophoresis of seed proteins and isozyme analysis have overcome these limitations to some extent but now many powerful DNA based techniques are available. Since all genetic differences between individuals are laid down in the primary sequence of their genomic DNA, the straightforward method of identification of crop varieties and parental lines would be to determine this sequence for the genome under comparison. Sequencing requires huge monitory investment and it is practically impossible to sequence the whole genomes of all varieties. But with the automation in sequencing now possible, short stretches of amplified DNA can be sequenced. However, a more practical strategy would be to limit the comparisons to specific regions of the genome, which frequently differ between individuals.

Celosia is an attractive flowering crop valued for its distinctive inflorescences, bright colours and use as loose and ornamental flowers. The crop includes forms such as Cristata, Plumosa and Spicata, with the characteristic brain-like appearance of cockscomb resulting from fasciation. This chapter deals with the origin, distribution, genetics, botanical features and important varieties of Celosia. It explains climatic and soil requirements, propagation, land preparation, nutrient management, planting, irrigation and cultural practices for commercial production. The chapter also covers plant growth regulation, insect pests and diseases, harvesting, postharvest management and yield. Its practical approach makes it relevant to students, growers and floriculture entrepreneurs.

Abstract

The effects of packaging materials, temperature and dressers on onion (Allium cepa, L.) seed storage, at the end of 24 months, revealed maximum test weight (3.67 g) in poly jar x refrigerator x cow dung. Maximum seed germination was observed in cloth bag x refrigerator x thiram. Maximum germination of 87.33 per cent at the end of 21 months was recorded in poly bag x room temperature x thiram which declind to 77.33 per cent by the end of 24 months. Similarly (seed vigour) SV-I, SV-II (up to 21 months) and stress test (up to 18 months) were maximum which showed a declining trend after this period. It can be inferred that the onion seed germination and vigour can be maintained for 21 months when packed in poly jar, stored in deep freezer (-20°C) after treating with thiram (0.3%).

Wind influences the plant life both physiologically and mechanically. Wind affects plant directly by increasing the transpiration and intake of CO₂. Thus raising the supply of CO₂ to the plants and thereby increase in photosynthesis. However, the increase in photosynthesis is again upto a certain wind speed beyond which its rate become constant. The warm and dry winds increase evaporative loss and cause moisture stress. Lodging is one of severe injury caused by strong winds which causes great yield loss depending upon the stage of crop. This injury is common in paddy, maize, wheat, sorghum and sugarcane. Strong winds damage fruit trees extensively by breaking leaves and twigs and causing fruit drops.

Introduction

Proteins are the most abundant organic compounds constituting major part of the body. Chemically, proteins are nitrogen containing macromolecules and polymers of L α-amino acids, which serve a wide range of structural and biological functions in animal body. For example, connective tissue made up of collagen, metabolicenzymes, neuro transmitters,signal in gmolecules, structural components of cell membranes and cell organelles, etc. all are chemically proteins.

Before goinginto the details of protein metabolism, first, we need to understand that there are majorly two sources of proteins in our body: dietary protein and body protein. Dietary protein is taken in diet, while body protein indicates the protein and amino acids synthesized in animal body to fulfill the requirements for growth and development. The digestion of proteins will not be discussed here as it has been described in detail in chapter 12. Dietary protein is digested in presence of several enzymes such as trypsin, pepsin, chymotrypsin, aminopeptidases and carboxypeptidases and is converted into mono-, di- and oligopeptides in stomach and small intestine; and finally converted into amino acids. These amino acids are transported to the systemthrough intestinal mucosa via active transport, from where they enter into the cells for further metabolism. Therefore, ‘metabolismof proteins’ is more appropriatelylearnt as ‘metabolism of amino acids’.

Introduction

Diversity connotes multiplicity of variety. In a given ecosystem, diversity refers to presence of number of different species of ?ora and fauna that have ecological niches in agreement with the environment. Scaling up, there exists diversity between different ecosystems. All life forms of ?ora and fauna on earth contains genetic material, that is the repository of an immense amount of genetic information in the form of traits, characteristics, etc. Focusing on the species level, genetic diversity refers to genetic variation that is observed in a population. Thus, genetic diversity is the total number of genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup of a species. This provides in built latitude to the nature and/or the livestock breeders (including farmers) to manoeuvre/ manipulate so as evolve an improved population of desired qualities and traits. Further, genetic diversity is essential because the presence of adequate and appropriate genes in a population will make the species tide over adversaries owing to climate change and other emerging threats like new disease outbreaks. The ‘desired’ divergent gene pool provides the inherent resilient mechanism that equip the species to cope with likely challenging situation.

Over the years, with human interventions, the genetic diversity has been interfered with to meet specific needs; mostly with respect to garnering higher production and productivity. In the process, the diversity has been compromised for achieving the unitary goal. In certain cases, geographical barriers and other bio-physical constraints have also led to loss of diversity within a population. Studies on impact of climate change especially the effect of rise in environmental temperature on milk production of dairy animals indicate that global warming will negatively impact milk production. During 2020, the annual loss in milk production of cattle and buffaloes due to thermal stress will be around 3.2 million tonnes of milk costing more than Rs 5000 Crore at current price. Similarly, there would be prevalence of many emerging diseases including those with zoonotic implications owing to change in climatic conditions. Thus, the present day society is confronted with an imminent development dilemma of ecology vs. economics more specifically genetic diversity vs. higher production. It has led to volume of debates and discussions on the livestock development agenda to be pursued. The apparently con?icting interests has also generated antipathy amongst two schools of development.

Introduction

Milk is a natural food source of mammals. Animals produce milk to feed their young-ones until they are ready for solid feed. Cow milk contains protein, vitamins and minerals which are essential for the overall growth of the body. Cow milk contains a lot of nutrients and it has great role for overall health. Cow milk helps to boost the immune system of humans. Cow milk has a high content of calcium and minerals which plays a key role in maintaining bone density. Because of its high calcium content, cow’s milk is also considered great for teeth health. Cow milk has all essential amino acids which are required for growth and development of body. It is very beneficial for children as it helps to grow with physically and mentally. Cow milk help to reduce weight loss as it loaded with protein which is essential for weight loss. Calcium and vitamin D of milk increases the metabolic rate of the body. A better metabolic rate helps in burning calories faster. Drinking cow milk regularly helps in maintaining the blood sugar levels in the body. Cow’s milk has essential minerals and vitamins that help in processing the food normally and helps to maintain the insulin and glucose level.

Buffaloes thrive best in the areas of moderate rainfall as they require plenty of water for their daily bath. They live on coarser grass and even then are heavy yielders of milk. Buffalo species is thought to have originated in India. Indian buffaloes are the descendant of Bos arni found in north-eastern parts of India, especially in Assam & surrounding areas. There are two main types of buffaloes in India: River and Swamp types. However, both are called Bubalus bubalis. Most of the buffaloes in India are river types, though swamp varieties are also found in certain parts of the country, especially in eastern parts. Buffalo is our main milch producing species, that’s why the contribution of buffaloes to the total milk production is larger than that of cattle. India is the home tract of some of the best buffalo breeds. Buffalo has the major share in milk production in India. It is one of the major way for doubling the income of farmer by mix farming. Buffaloes are more resistant to many diseases as compare to cattle. Everyone know that, buffaloes milk are superior than cattle milk, hence fetching more price.

ABSTRACT

With the advancement of mobile technology, the usage of mobile application has increased significantly which leads to change the life style of common people. Library is also not an exception in this context. Library and Information Science Professionals have started to incorporate the changes from the beginning of ICT advancement with an idea “library should be within thumb of people”. Mobile application plays vital role to fulfil the objective of library. Most of the library has started or planning to start the service to its user with various services effectively. But, the process to provide library service through mobile application is not satisfactory till date. No too much usage of libraries mobile apps can be seen; even which mobile applications are in use, most of them are almost inactive form.

But the various recent surveys show us the tremendous growth of the usage of mobile application among people. According to Google, (2017) the user survey shows that mobile can fast-track time to purchase by 20% through facilitating efficiencies in decision-making and enhanced team collaboration, particularly with more complex purchases.

ACID SOILS: Acid soils with pH below 6.5 are widespread. Main limitations of these acid soils are low pH, low CEC, low status of bases, especially Ca, Mg, and K along with toxicity of Al and Mn. Use of acidifying fertilizers aggravates this situation.

Entrepreneurship plays a vital role in driving economic growth, and its significance in the agriculture and allied industry cannot be overlooked. As the backbone of many economies, agriculture and its allied sectors provide employment to a significant portion of the global population. We shall highlight the benefits of being an entrepreneur in this sector, discuss the different types of entrepreneurs, provide relevant statistics and case studies, and touch upon the factors affecting entrepreneurial behaviour. Additionally, we will examine the current trends and forecast for the next three years in the agricultural entrepreneurship landscape and examine relevant statistics and case studies and shed light on the government’s role in promoting entrepreneurship in the Indian startup ecosystem.

Following are the reasons why must understand topic indepth.

1. Agritech startups have raised over $1 billion in funding in the past 5 years.
2. The Indian agritech market is expected to reach $15 billion by 2025.
3. There are over 1,000 agritech startups in India.
4. The top three agritech sectors in India are precision agriculture, farm management, and farm equipment rental.

1. ABSORPTION

Deals with the translocation of the xenobiotics. Passage of toxicant from site of adminstration to blood stream or systemic circulation.

Translocation may occur by following processes

a) Simple /Passive diffusion - most common route by which xenobiotic pass through the membranes:

? Down hill transport, No energy involvement

? It is not substrate specific.

? Small molecular weight (600) hydrophilic toxicants cross membranes by simple diffusion through aqueous pores.

? High molecular wt. hydrophobic molecules diffuse across the lipid domain of membranes.

? Follows Ficks Law of diffusion

? The rate of diffusion depends on their lipid: water partition coefficient value, Conc. Gradient, degree of ionization.

? Higher lipid: water partition coefficient and lower degree of ionization favours absorption of toxicants by this process.

World population is expected to cross 8.5 billion by 2025 and it will be a gigantic task to produce enough to meet the future food demand by growing same set of crop varieties on anticipated reduced area. Most of the land that could be brought under cropping has been utilized with exception of some land in Sub-Saharan Africa and South America (Borlaug and Doswell, 1993). Therefore, it is warranted to produce more from less land, less water and less inputs which can be achieved by enhancing the efficiency of production system by devising more efficient crop management practices and developing input use efficient cultivars.

Al-Ani, F.K. and Vestweber, J.G.E., 1986. Udder oedema: an update review. Vet. Bull., 56: 763-769.

Aitken, I.D. 2007. Diseases of sheep, 4^th edition, Blackwell publishing, UK.

Bennett, R. H. and Jasper, D. E. 1980. Bovine mycoplasmal mastitis from intramammary inoculations of small numbers of Mycoplasma bovis: local and systemic antibody response. Am. J. Vet. Res. 41(6):889-92.

Bennett, R.H. and Jasper, D.E. 1977. Bovine mycoplasma mastitis from intramammary inoculation of small numbers of Mycoplasma bovis. I. Microbiology and pathology. Vet. Microbiol., 2(4): 341–355.

Bergey’s Manual of determinative bacteriology. (edited by) John, G. Holt Fetd. 9th edn. (1994).

Bottom of Al-Ani, F.K. and Vestweber, J.G.E., 1986. Udder oedema: an update review. Vet. Bull., 56: 763-769.

Bertschinger, H. U., Pohlenz, J. and Hemlep, I. 1977. Studies on the mastitis-metritis-agalactia syndrome (milk fever) in sows. II. Bacteriological findings in spontaneous cases. Schweiz Arch Tierheilkd.119(6): 223-33.

Bostedt, H., Lehmann ,B. and Peip, D. 1988. The problems of mastitis in mares. Tierarztl. Prax.. 16(4):367-71.

Bradley, A. J. 2002. Bovine Mastitis: An Evolving Disease. Vet. J., 164(2): 116–128.

Buchanan, A. G. 1982. Clinical laboratory evaluation of a reverse CAMP test for presumptive identification of Clostridium perfringens. J. Clin. Microbiol. 14:761–762.

Bushnell, R. B. 1984. Mycoplasma mastitis. Vet. Clin. North Am. Large Anim. Pract., 6(2):301-12.

Chareonsirisuthigul, T., Kirpal, G., Amtsberg, G. 1979. Biochemistry, serology, pathogenicity and antibiotic resistance of an Escherichia coli strain from healthy sows and from animals with mastitismetritis-agalactia syndrome. Berl. Munch Tierarztl. Wochenschr. 92(21):409-16.

Christie, N. E., Atkins, N. E. and Munch-Petersen, E. 1944. A note on a lytic phenomenon shown by group B Streptococcus. Aust. J. Exp. Biol. Med. Sci. 22:193–195.

Claxton, P.D. and Ryan, D. 1980. Bovine mastitis bacteriology. Australian Standard Diagnostic Techniques for Animal Diseases. Pp. 1-8

Daley, M. J., Oldham, E. R., Williams, T. J. and Coyle, P. A. 1991. Quantitative and qualitative properties of host polymorphonuclear cells during experimentally induced Staphylococcus aureus mastitis in cows. Am. J. Vet. Res., 52(3): 474-9.

Darling, J. F. 1975. Standardization and evaluation of CAMP reaction for the prompt, presumptive identification of Streptococcus agalactiae (Lancefield group B) in clinical material. J. Clin. Microbiol. 1:171–174.

De, U. K. and Mukherjee, R. 2005.Status of nitric oxide production by polymorphonuclear cells during clinical mastitis in lactating cows. Indian J. Comp. Microbiol. Immunol. Infec. Dis., 26(1): 61-62.

De, U. K. and Mukherjee, R. 2008. Anti-inflammatory and respiratory burst activity of Azadirachta indica during acute bovine mastitis Indian J. Anim. Sci., 79(2): 32-34.

De, U. K. and Mukherjee, R. 2009. Expression of cytokines and respiratory burst activity of milk cells in response to Azadirachta indica during bovine mastitis. Trop. Anim. Health Prod., 41(2): 189-197.

De, U. K. and Mukherjee, R. 2009. Inhibitory response of Azadirachta indica extract on nitric oxide production by milk leukocytes during clinical mastitis. Vet. Arhiv, 79(1), 41-50.

De, U. K. and Mukherjee, R. 2009.Prevalence of mastitis in crossbred cows. Indian Vet. J., 86:858-859.

De, U. K. and Mukherjee, R. 2011. Potential of Indigenous Enzymatic Activities, Nitric Oxide and Ceruloplasmin in Bovine Milk to Diagnose Subclinical Mastitis. J Veterinar Sci Technol 2:109. doi:10.4172/2157-7579.1000109

Mesenchymal stem cells are multipotential cells capable of proliferation and differentiation into osteogenic, chondrogenic and adipogenic lineages both in vitro and in vivo. Minimal criteria for defining MSC according to International Society of Cell Therapy (ISCT) are (a) they must be plastic-adherent when maintained in a standard culture conditions, (b) MSC must express some surface antigen such as CD105, CD73, CD90, CD44 and must not express CD34, CD45, CD 14, CD19, and HLA-DR, and (c) MSC must differentiate in vitro into osteoblast, adipocytes and chondrocytes under specific differentiating condition.

Although traditionally MSC isolated from bone marrow, more recent reports have detailed the isolation of cells with MSC characteristics from a variety of tissues including umbilical cord blood, chorionic villi of the placenta, Wharton’s jelly, peripheral blood, fetal liver and lung, adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, periosteum, deciduous teeth, amniotic fluid, dental pulp, testis, synovium and the circulatory system. Bone marrow and periosteum sources are richest in young animals with their numbers diminishing, but still present in old age. It is estimated that MSCs represent approximately only 0.01 to 0.001% of the total nucleated cells within isolated bone marrow aspirate. The yield of MSCs from bone marrow varies from species to species. e.g., Canine =1 in 2.5 × 10⁴; Feline =1 in 3.8 × 10⁵; Murine =1 in 10.8 ×10³ to 1 in 3.45×10⁴ and Horses =1 in 4.2 × 10³. Despite this low number, they are remains a great interest, as they can be easily isolated from a small aspirate and culture-expanded through as many as 40 population doublings to significant numbers in about 8 to 10 weeks.

Introduction

Now a day, goat farming has become more commercial. Due to its good economic prospects, goat rearing under intensive and semi-intensive system for commercial production has been gaining momentum for the doubling the income of the farmers. There is good encouragement from governments with providing subsidies on especially stall fed goat farming. Goat is being raised for centuries as poor man’s cow due to its importance of providing employment in rural areas by producing healthy meat. Goats also play major role in agriculture economy of India. Goat is excellent source of additional income for poor and landless owners. The goat milk is nutritious and easily digestible milk to their kids. Goats are easy to maintain as they can graze on open land. Goat farming is an excellent option where fodder and forage is limited. Goat farmers can get good returns with successful goat rearing. Goats are among the main meat producing animal in India, whose meat (chevon) is one of the choicest meats and has huge domestic demand. High demand of goat and its products with potential of good economic returns have been deriving many progressive farmers, business, professionals, ex-servicemen and educated youths to take up the goat enterprise on a commercial scale. The emerging favorable market conditions and easy accessibility to improved goat technologies are also catching the attention of entrepreneurs.

Sheeps were first domesticated by human being, many thousands of years ago for their wool, meat and skins. It provides a source of income to the shepherds through sale of wool and animal. Sheep do not need expensive building to house them and require less labour than other kinds of livestock. Sheep are economical convertor of grass into meat and wool. Sheep will eat varied kinds of plants compared to other kind of livestock. This makes them excellent weed destroyer. Unlike goats; sheep hardly damage any tree. The production of wool, meat and manure provides three different source of income to the shepherd. The structure of their lips helps them to clean grains lost at harvest time and thus convert waste feed into profitable products.

Predation and cannibalism are entirely two different processes. In predation, the animal used to consume other species then their own, whereas cannibalism is a practice of eating one’s own kind. Cannibalism is a common behavior in animal kingdom and has been recorded in more than 1500 species. It is reported in an increasing number of fish species belonging to group/ families such as air-breathing catfishes (Clariidae), pikes (Esocidae), percids (Percidae), characids (Characidae), latids (Latidae), gadids (Gadidae) and in over 30 other families, including cyprinids (Cyprinidae) and salmonids (Salmonidae) (Smith & Reay, 1991; Hecht & Peinaar, 1993; Folkvord, 1991; Baras, 1998; Qin et al., 2004). Cannibalism is a common ecological interaction and depends on genetics and fish behavior; mediated by appetite and metabolism and is promoted by size differences, and is more intense among fast growing larvae and young juveniles than among older fish (Hecht and Pienaar, 1993; Baras, 1998).

Cannibalism is a serious problem in the farming of striped murrel that starts from the early larval stage (Ng and Lim, 1990) and continues at all sizes including during parenting also. Murrels have large mouth gape; sharp jaw teeth for catching & grasping prey and can consume prey fish more than half to two-third of its length (Wee, 1981; Diana et al., 1985; Ng and Lim, 1990 and Qin and Fast, 1996). Its aerodynamic body shape allows fast movement in water and catching the prey with ease. Striped murrel observes two types of cannibalism, Filial and Intracohort, which is discussed in detail in the subsequent sections.