Role Of Veterinarians and The Livestock Sector in “Viksit Bharat@2024

Role Of Veterinarians and The Livestock Sector in “Viksit Bharat@2024

Swagat Patnaik

IIIrd Year Student, Institute of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, SOA DU, Bhubaneswar, India

Abstract

India’s ambitious vision for 2047, titled “Viksit Bharat@2047”, envisions comprehensive national development, emphasizing a self-reliant, prosperous, and sustainable rural economy. The livestock sector, in collaboration with veterinarians, is pivotal in realizing this vision by promoting advancements in animal health, boosting rural economic growth, supporting the One Health framework, and ensuring environmental sustainability. This article discusses how veterinarians and the livestock sector have contributed to socio-economic growth and development in rural areas, enhanced food security, promoted climate sustainability, advanced the concept of One Health in the public sector, and driven technological innovations.

Introduction

As India approaches its 100th year of independence in 2047, the nation aims to become fully developed and globally competitive, marking a significant milestone in its history. The vision includes transforming India into a high-income country, achieving sustainable development, reducing inequalities, ensuring high-quality education, providing accessible healthcare, and fostering inclusive growth. A robust agricultural foundation is crucial to realizing this ambition, with the livestock sector serving as a cornerstone in driving progress and development.

India’s 20th Livestock Census recorded a total livestock population of 535.78 million, supporting over 70 million rural households nationwide. This sector plays a crucial role in food production, nutrition, and income generation. The vision of “Viksit Bharat@2047” necessitates a comprehensive approach, with veterinarians playing a key role through their expertise by ensuring animal care and management, safeguarding public health, and mitigating the risk of zoonotic diseases. They not only enhance animal welfare but also strengthen India’s rural economy and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

The contribution of Veterinarians is vital to the resilience and progress of India’s livestock sector, addressing climate challenges, mitigating health threats, and enhancing the quality and productivity of animal-derived products.

1. Judicious use of antibiotics in animals to prevent antimicrobial resistance: Healthcare experts agree on the need to reduce antibiotic usage in animal rearing practices. While non-medically important antibiotics may still contribute to the co-selection of resistance genes, minimizing overall antibiotic use in food animals remains critical. The most effective strategy to achieve this involves the comprehensive management of poultry flocks, swine, and cattle herds. This multifaceted approach relies on a combination of practices, including improved sanitation, effective waste management, enhanced biosecurity measures, and other preventive strategies, rather than a single solution
2. Vaccines to prevent infections and reduce the need for antibiotics:  

The development of more robust vaccines for the poultry industry is essential to effectively combat prevalent and devastating diseases like Avian Influenza, Coccidiosis, Infectious Bronchitis (IB), and Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD). These diseases not only threaten the health and productivity of poultry flocks but also drive the reliance on antibiotics, particularly when secondary bacterial infections arise. While commercial vaccines are available for managing infections like coccidiosis and clostridial enteritis, their inconsistent efficacy limits their impact. Factors such as suboptimal methods for administering vaccines and the variability in their effectiveness against specific pathogens contribute to their limited success. For diseases like IB and IBD, where the available vaccines offer limited coverage or inconsistent protection, advancements in vaccine development could significantly reduce the need for antibiotics. Improved vaccines would not only directly prevent infections but also curb the secondary bacterial infections that often follow viral outbreaks.

According to the OIE report, the development of new or more effective vaccines against pathogens such as Streptococcus, Haemophilus, Pasteurella, influenza, and rotavirus could significantly reduce antibiotic use in the swine industry. In the dairy sector, mastitis remains a leading cause of economic losses and poor health in milch cows, often leading to the indiscriminate use of antibiotics. Enhanced vaccines targeting bacterial pathogens like Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and E. coli would greatly aid in preventing mastitis and reducing antibiotic dependency. Furthermore, the cattle industry would greatly benefit from an effective vaccine against parasites responsible for anaplasmosis, a growing challenge that has a substantial impact on productivity.

1. Bacteriophages as a new approach:

With increasing interest in developing bacteriophage-based products for administration to food animals as a new class of antimicrobial agent. They have numerous advantages over antibiotics. Although bacterial can develop resistance to phages, the risk of resistance can be developed by developing mixing of two or more phages, which us feasible because of naturally numerous and diverse. Phages area unwanted in the environment and the normal human microflora. These characteristics encouraged regulatory agencies, including the FDA, to consider types of phages known to be strictly virulent, i.e., they kill their target bacterial on infections and generally don’t Interact with the tissues.

2. Improved breeding with Sex Sorted Semen Technology:Sexed semen/sex sorted semen refers to semen processed to contain predominantly X or Y chromosome-bearing sperm, allowing for the production of offspring of a desired sex, either female or male. This technology enhances genetic progress in herds by increasing the number of superior heifers and producing high-quality male germplasm from elite bulls for future breeding programs. Several methods have been developed for sperm sexing, including density gradient centrifugation, swim-up techniques, sex-specific antibodies, free-flow electrophoresis, and flow cytometry. The use of sexed semen offers numerous benefits such as
3. Herd Expansion and Biosecurity:It facilitates herd expansion without introducing disease risks associated with purchasing animals, enabling herd growth while maintaining a closed system.
4. Improved Genetics:By selecting genetically superior dams for replacements, sexed semen accelerates the rate of genetic gain in dairy herds.
5. Balanced Offspring Ratio:It ensures a female-to-male ratio of 90:10 (or vice versa), aligning with breeding goals.
6. Reduced Dystocia:Preventing the birth of male calves in first-time heifers reduces the risk of calving difficulties.
7. Economic Efficiency:It lowers the costs associated with progeny testing programs and enhances the value of genetic markers for embryo transfer.
8. ImprovingMilk and Meat Quality: Improving the quality of milk and meat has been a central objective in livestock production due to increasing consumer interest. A primary goal in enhancing the nutritional value of meat and milk is the improvement of lipid quality, achieved by boosting beneficial fatty acids, such as conjugated linoleic acid, and reducing polyunsaturated fatty acids.
9. Animal Nutrition:Nutrition plays a crucial role in the quality of milk, meat, and other dairy products. A balanced diet that includes high-quality forage, proper preservation methods such as silage and hay, and the addition of probiotics, enzymes, or fatty acids is essential for efficient digestion and production. Ensuring a clean and consistent water supply is equally important for maintaining optimal health and productivity.
10. Genetic Improvement: Selecting the best-quality breeds for higher milk yield and better meat production is necessary. Crossbreeding programs should be optimized to enhance production. Employing genomic selection and biotechnological tools can further refine breeding programs to ensure genetic improvements.
11. Animal Health and Welfare:Proper healthcare and welfare are vital to ensure high-quality production. Implementing robust vaccination programs and conducting regular health checks help prevent diseases that could impact the quality of milk and meat.
12. Milking and Slaughter Techniques:Proper milking techniques and the use of clean, sanitized equipment are essential to avoid contamination. Monitoring production and health data enables proactive identification and resolution of any emerging diseases. For milk, pasteurization, homogenization, and proper storage are crucial for enhancing quality and shelf life. For meat, appropriate slaughtering, aging, and packaging methods are necessary to improve texture, flavour, and safety.
13. Prioritizing and focusing on A2 Milk:Milk is refereed as one of the staple diets because of its high nutritional value. With increase in consumption, there are some areas where consumption is persistently declined recently. This fact, together with the increase in Milk production prices, has caused both Milk producers and the dairy industry to be immersed in a major crisis. In this context, a type of milk called A2 has recently received attention, characterized by a difference in an amino acid at position 67 of the beta-casein polypeptide chain, releases much smaller amounts of bioactive opioid peptide beta-casomorphin7 upon digestion. The demand for A2 Milk has surged as more people seek alternatives to conventional Milk that align with their health and wellness goals. A2 milks appeal lies in its promise of a more natural and less processed product, which many consumers believe translates to better taste and quality.

Strong branding is essential for differentiating organic and A2 milk products in a crowded market. Brands need to communicate their unique value propositions clearly, whether it’s the health benefits of A2 Milk or the environmental organic Milk. Educating consumers about the benefits of organic and A2 Milk is crucial for driving demand. Consumer education initiatives can help bridge the knowledge gap and encourage informed purchasing decisions. Digital marketing strategies can enhance the visibility of organic and A2 milk brands. The future of organic and A2 milk looks promising as consumer preferences continue to evolve towards healthier and more sustainable options. Innovations in farming practices, advancements in dairy processing, and increased consumer education are expected to drive further growth.

5. Organic and sustainable Farming practices in Poultry and pig farming:– Organic and sustainable farming practices emphasize environmental stewardship, animal welfare, and the production of healthier, high-quality products. These methods prioritize the use of natural approaches to land management, animal nutrition, and waste handling, while reducing dependence on synthetic inputs and fostering biodiversity.

For Poultry farming: Free-range housing systems should be implemented, allowing chickens to roam outdoors in spacious, well-ventilated environments equipped with perches, nesting areas, and organic bedding materials such as straw. The use of certified organic feed—free from GMOs, synthetic additives, and antibiotics—is essential. Incorporating diversified crops like maize, barley, and legumes, along with access to natural forage such as grasses and insects, helps mimic a natural diet. Health care should focus on natural remedies and probiotics. Additionally, poultry litter can be composted to produce natural fertilizers for crops or utilized as a substrate for mushroom cultivation and bioenergy production.

For Pig framing: Livestock management should include rotational access to pastures to prevent overgrazing and soil erosion, along with deep bedding systems using organic straw to ensure comfort and reduce odours. Pigs should be fed naturally grown organic grains, supplemented with recycled food waste and forages like alfalfa or clover. Heritage breeds, known for their adaptability to organic systems and disease resistance, are ideal for such practices. Health management should emphasize rotational grazing to minimize parasite loads and the use of probiotics and herbs to boost immunity naturally. Effective waste management strategies should be implemented which include converting manure into compost to enhance soil fertility and utilizing biodigesters for biogas production, contributing to renewable energy generation.

6. Use of Artificial intelligence in Livestock Sector: The integration of AI and advanced technologies in the livestock sector is transforming farming practices by boosting efficiency, enhancing animal welfare, and increasing productivity. Innovations such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are groundbreaking, revolutionizing the way we interact and manage the agricultural environment.
7. a) Animal Identification and Traceability:Unique animal identification can be accomplished using electronic methods such as RFID tags and advanced computer vision techniques. Emerging approaches, like identifying cattle through muzzle prints, are also being explored within the industry. Accurate identification not only aids in monitoring individual animals but also plays a vital role in traceability, enabling seamless “farm-to-fork” market connectivity and supporting field progeny testing programs.
8. b) Monitoring the physiology of animals:Physical and physiological data of animals are recorded electronically, often through mobile apps, enabling efficient data management. Vital parameters such as weight, temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, stress levels, heat cycles, and pregnancy status can be monitored using environmental and physiological sensors. Vision analytics integrated with camera streams and accelerometers can track animal movement and behavior, comparing it to normal patterns. This technology is particularly effective in detecting conditions like laminitis, choking, and hyperactive estrus, ensuring timely intervention and improved animal health management.
9. c) On spot milk analyzer and reproductive management:On spot dip test coupled with sensors are used where composition of milk can be instantly measured and recorded in front of individual producer. Various sensor-based devices like pedometer, radiotechnology and mount detector are generally used for reproduction management of livestock particularly dairy animals.

d)Automated Feeding Systems: IoT-enabled feeding systems automate the distribution of food and water, ensuring timely feeding in precise quantities tailored to the birds’ needs. These systems enhance feed efficiency, minimize waste, and use sensors to monitor feed levels, providing alerts to farmers when replenishment is required. Furthermore, sensors can assess water quality by measuring parameters such as pH, temperature, and contaminants, ensuring optimal conditions for the birds’ health and productivity. Moreover, AI-enabled drones equipped with advanced cameras offer innovative solutions for health monitoring in poultry farms. These drones capture high-resolution images of the farm, which are analyzed using AI algorithms to detect early signs of disease or stress within flocks. By identifying abnormal patterns or behaviors, farmers can take swift actions, such as isolating affected birds or enhancing biosecurity measures, effectively preventing disease outbreaks and reducing potential losses.

1. e) Poultry Housing Innovations: Modern farms feature automated control systems, automated showers, cooling pads, and efficient feed distribution systems with overall efficiency and hygiene. Digital air quality monitors provide real time readings of ammonia and carbon dioxide levels, ensuring a healthy bird environment. Advanced water systems prevent contamination and wastage, promoting water efficiency and preventing waterborne diseases. Manure collection and management are also practiced in hygienic conditions, such as moving belt systems and palletizing dried manure. Remote access livestock monitoring systems enables farmers to monitor their poultry sheds in detail through smartphones, tablets and computers.
2. f) Digital Tools for Farmers

A digital app for poultry farmers to connect to the market, that could provide features that simplify farm management, market access, and sales. By creating a farmer dashboard, each farmer can create a profile listing details about their farm, types of poultry bird being raised by them and the quantity available for sale. This system will facilitate the coordination of transportation or delivery services. Farmers can also partner with logistics providers or local delivery networks. Real time data on poultry prices in local and regional markets will also be available, which will allow farmers to align their prices with market trends, and maximize profitability. Farmers can share tips, best practices and collaborate on common challenges. The app could offer access to a range of educational resources on poultry farming, including market trends, best practices, and strategies for scaling operations.

1. g) Organic and free-range Farming: Consumer demand for organic and free-range poultry products has led to the adoption of more sustainable farming practices. These systems emphasize more on animal welfare, minimize antibiotic use, and provide birds with more outdoor access. They cater to niche markets where consumers are willing to pay a premium amount for ethically produced poultry, aligning with growing interest in environmentally friendly and humane farming methods.
2. Role of Veterinarian Extension Workers in Livestock health and development:Veterinarians act as a bridge between scientific knowledge and practical application on farms. Their work directly impacts the productivity and sustainability of livestock farming. Veterinarians are essential for sharing crucial knowledge about providing a balanced diet for animals, preventing common diseases, and promoting the humane treatment of livestock. They assist farmers in diagnosing and treating diseases by ensuring that the livestock are vaccinated properly, monitor herd health and offer guidance on medication and care. Veterinary extension workers help farmers to access necessary resources such as reach to veterinary clinics, obtaining vaccines against various disease outbreaks. Introducing farmers with integrated farming can aid in management of pests and diseases naturally. By conducting workshops and training session, farmers are introduced to new digital tools which can help them to maintain health and production records of their animals.
3. One health and Zoonoses: – The concept of One Health emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, recognizing that the well-being of each is closely linked. Veterinarians are indispensable within this framework, serving as key players in bridging gaps across disciplines to create a healthier and more sustainable world. They play a crucial role in the prevention and control of zoonotic diseases, emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, and communicable diseases by ensuring optimal healthcare for animals. The One Health approach can only be effective through collaborative efforts, where veterinarians work alongside medical doctors, agricultural professionals, pharmacists, pesticide manufacturers, and ecologists. This collective approach is essential for preventing risks and mitigating the effects of health crises, ensuring that all aspects of health—human, animal, and environmental—are managed cohesively.
4. Homeland security, service to companion animals and pet industry:  Veterinarians provide invaluable services to the nation through the Remount Veterinary Corps, where they address the logistical needs of the Armed Forces, particularly in the equine and canine fields. They play a significant role in the breeding, training, feeding, and disease management of animals, in addition to providing treatment and vaccinations to ensure their health and well-being.

Beyond their role in military services, veterinarians also contribute to the socio-economic, cultural, and religious aspects of society by supporting the health and care of companion animals. The increasing trend of pet adoption has led to the rapid growth of the pet industry, which is estimated to be worth more than ₹20,000 crore in India. This surge in pet ownership has escalated the demand for veterinary services, including routine care and specialized treatment in multi-specialty hospitals for sick and injured pets. As a result, veterinarians are playing a pivotal role in the pet care industry, supporting both the health of animals and the evolving needs of pet owners.

10. Wildlife and Disaster Management:Veterinarians play a crucial role in wildlife conservation by diagnosing disease outbreaks, helping to restore endangered species, and preventing the transmission of diseases between wildlife and domestic animals. They work to conserve biodiversity by providing veterinary care to injured animals, managing disease risks, and supporting efforts to protect ecosystems.In disaster scenarios, veterinarians also offer essential support by providing veterinary care to animals injured during disasters.

Conclusion: – Veterinarians and the livestock sector will play a pivotal role in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat@2024, a developed and self-reliant India. The livestock sector is crucial to the agricultural economy, driving rural development, poverty reduction, and income enhancement for farmers. Veterinarians ensure the health, productivity, and sustainability of livestock, enabling farmers to maximize their potential and contribute to food security. By fostering innovation in animal care, disease prevention, and sustainable farming practices, veterinarians will support India’s journey towards becoming a self-reliant and developed nation.

Vision For 2047:

• A robust, sustainable, and export-oriented livestock sector integrated with global markets is essential for realizing India’s economic growth and global competitiveness.
• A resilient animals healthcare system, safeguarding public health and contributing to One Health Objectives.
• Ensuring growth and development in economic and rural sectors through technological innovations, science, and research is key to fostering sustainable progress.

By 2047, veterinarians and the livestock sector will serve as catalysts for India’s journey towards a developed Nation, fostering economic prosperity, societal well-being and environmental stewardship. These efforts will ensure that India not only feeds its population but also becomes a global powerhouse on the livestock sector.

References

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