P C Chandran

Bio: P C Chandran is an academic researcher from Indian Council of Agricultural Research. The author has contributed to research in topics: Population & Biology. The author has an hindex of 6, co-authored 20 publications receiving 119 citations.

Behavioural, biochemical and hormonal responses of heat-stressed crossbred calves to different shade materials

Abstract: An attempt was made to study the effect of different shade materials on physiological, behavioural, biochemical and hormonal responses in crossbred Vrindavani calves during the summer seasons in the Cattle and Buffalo Farm of Indian veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India. During experiment, 28 crossbred calves were divided into four groups: thatch shading roof (T1), agro-net shading roof – 60% light diffusion (T2), asbestos with canvas shading roof (T3) and well-grown tree (T4). The daily macro- and microclimate data were recorded at 0900 and 1400 h. The data for each ongoing behavioural activity were recorded by closed circuit television consecutively for three days for each animal in each group from 1000 to 1700 h. Blood was also collected at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 days of the experimental period for estimation of different biochemical parameters. The microclimate, that is, maximum and minimum temperatures, relative humidity and temperature humidity index of the roof, was lower in...

Heat stress and effect of shade materials on hormonal and behavior response of dairy cattle: a review.

Abstract: In tropical countries, at high temperatures, several physiological rearrangements occur in cows as they attempt to facilitate heat dissipation and/or reduce metabolic heat production. Following exposure to heat, cattle appear to acclimatize within 2–7 weeks. The failure of homeostasis at high temperatures may lead to reduced productivity or even death. The situation is even worse when humidity adds to high temperature. Livestock with elevated body temperature exhibit lower DMI and growth with less efficiency, reducing profitability for dairy farms in hot and humid climates. Shading of feed and water also offers production advantages. Although several elaborate methods for reducing heat stress in cows have been reported, simple shade materials appear to be the most cost-effective methods that are currently applicable to tropical developing countries. Different materials are being used to provide shade during warm weather. The shade material determines the microclimate—it should be light, strong, durable, weatherproof, good looking and a bad conductor of heat, and free from tendency to condense moisture inside. This review discusses various shade materials and their advantages and disadvantages in different situations.

Effect of shade materials on microclimate of crossbred calves during summer.

Abstract: Aim: The present study was carried out on cattle and buffalo farm of Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar (Uttar Pradesh) to determine the effect of different shade materials on physiological performance in Vrindavani crossbred calves during the summer. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight crossbred calves were divided into four groups viz. Thatch shading roof (T1), agro-net shading roof 60 % light diffusion (T2), asbestos with canvas shading roof (T3) and well-grown tree (T4). The recording of macro and micro climate as well as the physiological parameters viz. rectal temperature and respiration rate were recorded at 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM for 2 consecutive days at every fortnight interval. Result: The microclimate viz. maximum and minimum, relative humidity, temperature humidity index and surface temperature of the roof was lower in T2 group in the summer season. The physiological responses viz. rectal temperature and respiration rate was significantly higher in T4. Conclusion: During the summer season both thatch and agro-net shade material helped in better relieving the summer stress.

Seroprevalence of Brucella abortus and Leptospira hardjo in cattle.

Abstract: AIM The aim was to assess the seroprevalence of B. abortus and Leptospira hardjo in the cattle population of Bihar, this work was carried out. MATERIALS AND METHODS Randomly selected 450 cattle from nine districts of Bihar were serologically screened for antibodies against L. hardjo and B. abortus. DAS-ELISA for leptospira and AB-ELISA for brucella were carried out. Based on the results prevalence in each district and the state are reported herewith. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION In this study, it was found that the seroprevalence of L. hardjo was 9.11% and that of B. abortus was 12.2% in Bihar. Indigenous cattle were found to be less susceptible to leptospirosis and brucellosis even though they accounted for 83.11% of the study population. CONCLUSION Although there was no acute disease, antibodies detected against L. hardjo and B. abortus in the cattle population indicated the presence of chronic and subclinical infection, which could challenge the fertility of the animals.

The roles of livestock in developing countries

Abstract: Livestock play a significant role in rural livelihoods and the economies of developing countries. They are providers of income and employment for producers and others working in, sometimes complex, value chains. They are a crucial asset and safety net for the poor, especially for women and pastoralist groups, and they provide an important source of nourishment for billions of rural and urban households. These socio-economic roles and others are increasing in importance as the sector grows because of increasing human populations, incomes and urbanisation rates. To provide these benefits, the sector uses a significant amount of land, water, biomass and other resources and emits a considerable quantity of greenhouse gases. There is concern on how to manage the sector's growth, so that these benefits can be attained at a lower environmental cost. Livestock and environment interactions in developing countries can be both positive and negative. On the one hand, manures from ruminant systems can be a valuable source of nutrients for smallholder crops, whereas in more industrial systems, or where there are large concentrations of animals, they can pollute water sources. On the other hand, ruminant systems in developing countries can be considered relatively resource-use inefficient. Because of the high yield gaps in most of these production systems, increasing the efficiency of the livestock sector through sustainable intensification practices presents a real opportunity where research and development can contribute to provide more sustainable solutions. In order to achieve this, it is necessary that production systems become market-orientated, better regulated in cases, and socially acceptable so that the right mix of incentives exists for the systems to intensify. Managing the required intensification and the shifts to new value chains is also essential to avoid a potential increase in zoonotic, food-borne and other diseases. New diversification options and improved safety nets will also be essential when intensification is not the primary avenue for developing the livestock sector. These processes will need to be supported by agile and effective public and private institutions.

Bovine brucellosis: prevalence, risk factors, economic cost and control options with particular reference to India- a review

Abstract: Background: Brucellosis is an economically important zoonotic disease with worldwide distribution, with low-income countries being more affected. The disease is endemic in India, a country that hou...