eChapters

Key Points

• In diary animals, the health of the mammary gland (udder) is paramount.

• Any udder or teat disease state has a direct impact on milk output.

• Common udder/teet affections include: abscess, mammary gland hematomas, udder cleft dermatitis, udder edema, intramammary hemorrhage, teat damage, ulcerative mammillitis, udder dermatitis, and more.

Introduction

Mammary gland (udder) health is a crucial factor in animals used for production. The state of the udder determines the dairy industry's economics. The output of dairy animals is directly impacted by any udder ailment. Due to selection, breeding, genetic engineering, and animal management, animals under production pressure are more susceptible to a variety of diseases. More safety measures should be implemented in order to shield the udder from illness-causing factors. The many udder and teat affections and their therapeutic management are briefly discussed in this chapter.

Key Points

• The main objective of managing open fractures is to neutralize further damage to the surrounding tissue while executing prompt, stable osteosynthesis and immobilization.

• Discomfort management should be considered because musculoskeletal diseases can cause severe discomfort.

Degenerative Myopathies

It is a degenerative disease of the musculature. Endocrine imbalances (hyperadrenocorticism, hypothyroidism, and hyperthyroidism), hypokalemia in cats, ischemic myonecrosis in recumbent cattle, post-exercise rhabdomyolysis, chemical agents, poisonous plants, and drug-induced degenerative conditions are some of the possible associations with it.

Key Points

• Dogs exhibit respiratory distress symptoms more frequently than cats.

• Respiratory distress might have overt or covert clinical symptoms.

• The thorax and belly move paradoxically in cases of severe respiratory distress.

• Immediate intubation is the first step in managing a respiratory emergency: opening the airway.

Introduction

The telltale symptoms of "oxygen hunger" include tachypnea, stretched head and neck, abducted elbows, flare of the nares, cyanosis, open-mouth breathing, anxiety, and inability to lie down or relax. It is more usual for dogs than cats to exhibit symptoms of respiratory distress. Tachypnea and conspicuous breathing motions when in a sternal recumbency position are the only indications of respiratory dysfunction in cats, who often mask the severity of their illness. Despite their seeming stability, these patients are often extremely vulnerable and can rapidly decompensate when under stress.

Key Points

• The most commonly cystitis and pyelonephritis occurs in farm and companion animals after parturition.

• Hematuria, pyuria, and stranguria are common presenting clinical symptoms;

• In acute situations, a prolonged course of treatment (two to four weeks) with the administration of the proper antimicrobials is usually successful.

Introduction

Both farm animals and companion animals frequently suffer from urinary infections, which are difficult to diagnose. In cows, urine testing is more helpful in excluding the illness if it shows any pus or germs (in females), and f inding the urethral calculus that is causing the urinary obstruction can be done by palpating the bladder using a rectum examination and palpating the urethral tube (in males). Because of the shorter urethra in females and the associated uterine infection that occurs during or after parturition, females are more likely to get urinary tract infections.

Key Points

• Electrolyte Imbalance: Regularly monitor and rectify imbalances in potassium, sodium, and other electrolytes dependent on the individual situation. Prompt management requires early detection of metabolic emergencies.

• Fluid Management: To restore intravascular volume and prevent dehydration in many metabolic emergencies, adequate fluid replacement is essential.

• Continuous monitoring of vital signs, laboratory values, and clinical status is essential for evaluating the efficacy of interventions and making necessary modifications.

Introduction

A class of disorders known as "metabolic emergencies" affect metabolism and physiology abnormally in both congenital and acquired forms. Among these ailments are endocrine disorders, thyrotoxicosis, inborn metabolic inefficiencies, and illnesses linked to electrolyte imbalances. Hypercalcemia, hyponatremia, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, and diabetic ketoacidosis, as well as hyperuricemia, hyperuremia, and hypercreatininemia due to renal failure, lactic acidosis, hyperammoniemia, and adrenal failure, are metabolic emergencies that pose a life-threatening risk.

Key Points

• Drug poisonings can be acute or chronic and result in the development of clinical signs and symptoms that may lead to animal disability or death, as well as extreme physiological and/or psychological changes.

• Drugs are substances that are used to prevent, treat, diagnose, and relive disease conditions by changing the physiology and/or psychology of the individual.

• Certain veterinary drugs have a specific antidote to counteract poisoning cases, while other veterinary drugs do not, and supportive therapy is required to counter these poisonings.

• Over-the-counter (OTC) medications, which are defined as human drugs or nutritional supplements that are available without a prescription, have potential risks for use in animals due to their increased toxicity.

Introduction

Many veterinary medications, which are used to treat both animals and birds, have the potential to poison the species to whom they are provided. These medications' toxic effects are mostly caused by giving them to the wrong species, at the wrong doses, or in the wrong combinations of medications. Certain medication poisonings can be identified due to patient individuality and eccentricities. As a result, there are many cases of these poisonings. This chapter discusses the poisoning caused by frequently and carelessly used veterinary medications, such as the toxicity of antibiotics and antibacterials, the toxicity of antiparasitic drugs, the toxicology of analgesics, the toxicity of cough treatments, the toxicity of the digestive system, the toxicity of vitamins, and the toxicity of topical preparations.

Key Points

• Dogs can be fed a wide variety of chocolate and cocoa-based goods, particularly during holiday seasons, such as candy, cakes, cookies, brownies, and chocolate chips.

• Dogs that eat chocolate usually become very sick, but they also seldom die from it.

Introduction

Caffeine and theobromine are found in chocolate. Dogs' metabolisms of caffeine and theobromine differ from humans'. Because they contain more theobromine and caffeine, darker, bitter chocolates are considered to be more dangerous.

When a dog consumes too much chocolate goods, it can lead to major health problems like seizures, heart failure, and muscular tremors. In extreme situations, the dog may even pass away from cardiac or respiratory failure. Due to the fat and sugar content, it induces vomiting and diarrhoea even in non-toxic doses. Numerous substances found in chocolate are hazardous to animals. Although chocolate poisoning can affect a wide variety of animal species, including dogs, cats, horses, and rodents, it most frequently affects dogs. Theobromine and caffeine are the main harmful ingredients in chocolate. The amount of caffeine and theobromine in chocolate varies with kind. Dogs' metabolism of theobromine and caffeine differs from that of humans. Dogs are more sensitive because of this. Dogs who consume chocolate may become seriously unwell, even though it rarely results in death. When a dog eats too many chocolate-containing foods, such as cakes, cookies, brownies, candies, and chocolate chips, it might become poisoned.

Key Points

• It is frequently reported that metal, non-metal, and metalloid components cause toxicity in farm animals.

• The type of element causing toxicity affects both the treatment and the clinical indications of toxicity.

• The best course of action for managing toxicity is to treat symptoms f irst, then, if the causal toxin is known, use targeted antidotes.

Introduction

Animal diets contain a variety of environmental components, including metals and non-metals. Certain substances are necessary for the animal and only become poisonous when consumed in excess, while others simply endanger the animal's health. However, a number of variables, including the absorbed dose, the exposure route, the period of exposure (acute versus chronic), and others, affect how toxic the substance is, and these variables must be taken into account when diagnosing, treating, and managing clinical cases. Given the multitude of factors affecting these metals' toxicity. An attempt is made in this chapter to present a streamlined synopsis of the toxicity of metals, non-metals, and metalloid elements that are frequently encountered.

Key Points

• When pesticides, which are chemicals used to manage a pest, impact non-target organisms like humans and animals, it's known as pesticide poisoning.

• Pesticides have the ability to contaminate the surrounding area and the ecosystem.

Introduction

Pesticides are chemical chemicals that are applied to destroy pests. These insecticides have the capacity to contaminate the surrounding area and the ecosystem. Pesticides can also be hazardous to a wide range of other creatures, including fish, birds, beneficial insects, and non-target plants, in addition to having a toxic effect on insects and weeds.

Etiology

Today's society faces several issues due to the overuse of pesticides in fields and food. Products may deteriorate if they are kept in partially filled containers for extended periods of time or exposed, whether intentionally or unintentionally, to high temperatures. It is dangerous to store chemicals anywhere other than their original container since the identification and label instructions are lost. These products can have severe effects on people or animals if they come into unintended touch with them. It can be extremely risky to mix substances or use them in unapproved combinations. In order to increase the efficacy of certain pesticide formulations, such as pyrethrins, pyrethroids, and d-limonene, piperonyl butoxide is added. It lessens the chemical's breakdown in the body of the insect or animal, but it also increases the pesticide's toxicity to both the pest and the host animal.

Key Points

• It might be necessary to administer oxygen or perform artificial respiration. Giving tranquilizers is not a good idea.

• Precaution: It's crucial to always follow the label's instructions on how to use pesticides since they provide information on how to do so. Warnings against using on unapproved species or in testing conditions must also be included on labels. A maximum of care should be made to prevent drift or drainage to neighboring fields, pastures, ponds, streams, or other properties outside the treatment area. In no case should amounts larger than those specifically recommended be utilized.

Introduction

It has been determined that a number of plant species are poisonous to animals. These plants not only posed a health risk to humans and animals, but they also significantly reduced cattle productivity. Many plants contain chemicals that can be dangerous or even lethal to animals. The degree of toxicity varies based on the animal species, the quantity of plant material ingested, and the particular poisonous compounds in question. In general, there are two categories of dangerous plants: those that are known to be toxic and contain toxic compounds, and those that are normally non-toxic but can turn hazardous in certain circumstances. Here are some typical plant toxicities, along with information on managing toxicity and clinical signs.

Key Points

• With the aid of microorganisms, ruminants typically use NPN to synthesis proteins for nutritional needs.

• When there is an excess of urea in the body, ammonia is produced excessively, which can be harmful.

• The majority of clinical indicators are neurological in nature, and their severity varies depending on a number of variables.

• Ruminal environment acidification to stop excessive ammonia generation and absorption; symptomatic therapy is advised.

Introduction

In addition to being a widely utilized fertilizer for crops, urea is frequently used in animal feeds as a low-cost protein substitute [1]. The previously mentioned explanations explain the reports of urea toxicity in ruminants. These animals may use non-protein nitrogen (NPN) like urea to create ammonia, which is subsequently used to synthesize proteins that partially meet their nutritional needs. This is made possible by the urease enzyme and ruminal microorganisms. On the other hand, rapid overconsumption of NPN leads to excessive ammonia generation and toxicity. This chapter aims to provide an overview of some of the most frequent causes of urea poisoning, clinical symptoms to watch out for, and associated treatments.

Key Points

• Animal euthanasia is the act of humanely killing animals, most commonly with injectable drugs.

• Euthanasia techniques vary by species, age, and the health status of the individual animal.

• Death must be confirmed before disposal of any animal remains.

• Animal remains must be disposed of in a legal manner that does not contaminate food sources or the environment.

Introduction

Euthanasia is the act of inducing humane death in an animal by a method that induces rapid loss of consciousness and death with a minimum of pain, discomfort, or distress. Euthanizing agents cause death by three basic mechanisms: (1) direct depression of neurons necessary for life function, (2) hypoxia, and (3) physical disruption of brain activity. Because loss of consciousness resulting from these mechanisms can occur at different rates, the suitability of a particular agent or method will depend on whether an animal experiences distress before loss of consciousness. Unconsciousness, defined as a loss of individual awareness, occurs when the brain’s ability to integrate information is blocked or disrupted. Ideally, euthanasia techniques cause rapid loss of consciousness, followed by cardiac or respiratory arrest and death.

Definitions

Pathology

Pathology is the study of the anatomical, chemical and physiological alterations from normal as a result of disease in animals. It is a key subject because it forms a vital bridge between preclinical sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry) and clinical branches of Medicine and Surgery (Fig.1.1). Pathology is derived from the Greek word pathos = disease, logos = study. It has many branches, which are defined as under:

General Pathology

General Pathology concerns with basic alterations of tissues as a result of disease. e.g. fatty changes, thrombosis, amyloidosis, embolism, necrosis (Fig. 1.2).

Systemic Pathology

Systemic Pathology deals with alterations in tissues/organs of a particular system. e.g. respiratory system, genital system etc. (Fig. 1.3).

Etiology

Etiology is the study of cause of disease. It gives precise causal diagnosis of any disease. Broadly, the cause of diseases can be divided into two

a. Intrinsic causes.

b. Extrinsic causes.

Intrinsic Causes

Those causes which determine the type of disease present within an individual over which he has no control. These causes are further divided into following subgroups:

Genus

Specific diseases occur in a particular genus or species of animals. e.g. Hog cholera in pigs, Canine distemper in dogs

Congestion/ Hyperemia

Hyperemia is increased amount of blood in circulatory system. It is of two types, active and passive. In active hyperemia blood accumulates in arteries while in passive hyperemia the amount of blood increases in veins (Figs. 3.1. to 3.4).

Etiology

• As a result of inflammation.

• Obstruction of blood vessels.

Macroscopic features

• Organ becomes dark red/cyanotic.

• Size of organ increases.

Cloudy Swelling

Swelling of cells occur with hazy appearance due to a mild injury. The cells take more water due to defect in sodium pump leading to swollen mitochondria which gives granular cytoplasmic appearance. It is the first reaction of cell to the mildest injury. Cloudy swelling is a reversible reaction (Figs. 4.1 & 4. 2).

Etiology

• Can be caused by even mildest injury.

• Any factor causing interference with metabolism of the cell like bacterial toxins, fever, diabetes, circulatory disturbances etc.

Macroscopic features

• Organ becomes enlarged and rounded.

• Weight of organ increases.

• Bulging on cut surfaces.

• Amount of fluid increases in organ.

Microscopic features

• Swelling of cells, edges become rounded.

• Increased size of cells.

• Cytoplasm of the cells becomes hazy/cloudy due to increased granularity.

• Can be seen in liver, kidney and muscles.

Necrosis

Local death of tissue /cells in living body is known as necrosis, It is characterized by the followings.

• Pyknosis is condensation of chromatin material, nuclei become dark, reduced in size and deeply stained.

• Karyorrhexis is fragmentation of nucleus.

• Karyolysis is dissolution of nucleus into small fragments, basophilic granules/fragments.

• Chromatolysis is lysis of chromatin material.

• Necrobiosis is physiological cell death after completion of its function e.g. RBC after 140 days.

Necrosis is further classified into coagulative, caseative, liquifactive and fat necrosis which are different from apoptosis (Figs. 5.1 to 5.3).

Inflammation

Inflammation is a complex process of vascular and cellular alterations that occur in body in response to injury. The term inflammation has been derived from the Latin word inflammare, means to set on fire. Inflammation is considered as an important event in body that activates the existing defense mechanisms in circulating blood to dilute, naturalize or kill the irritant/ causative agent. Thus, it is said that immunity is the resistance of body, while inflammation is the activation of that immunity. It is beneficial to body except when chronic or immune origin. Inflammation starts with sublethal injury and ends with healing.

Etiology

• Any irritant/ injury.

• Bacteria, virus, parasite, fungus etc.

• Trauma. • Physical or chemical injury.

Immunity

Immunity is the resistance of body against extraneous etiological factors of disease, which is afforded by the interaction of chemical, humoral and cellular reactions in body. This is an integral part of the body without, which one cannot think of life. During the process of evolution, nature has provided this defense mechanism in the bodies of all living creatures particularly of higher animals and man, that protects them from physical, chemical and biological threats. It can be classified as natural or paraspecific and acquired or specific immunity.

Natural/paraspecific immunity

There are some species which are resistant to particular diseases due to presence of natural resistance against them e.g. horse, pig, cat are resistant to canine distemper virus; dogs are resistant to feline panleucopenia virus, chickens are resistant to anthrax. Even within species, there is natural resistance that protects some individuals while others are susceptible e.g. Indian deshi cattle Zebu (Bos indicus) is quite resistant to piroplasmosis in comparison to Bos taurus. Besides, there are the mechanisms or barriers in body provided by nature.

Calcification

Calcification is the deposition of calcium phosphates and calcium carbonates in soft tissues other than bones and teeth. It may be classified as dystrophic and metastatic calcification.

Dystrophic Calcification

Dystrophic calcification is characterized by the deposits of calcium salts in necrosed tissue of any organ (Fig 8.1).

Etiology /Occurrence

• Necrosis.

• Parasitic infections.

• Tuberculous lesions.

Aplasia/Agenesis

Aplasia or agenesis is absence of any organ (Fig. 9.1).

Hypoplasia

Hypoplasia is failure of an organ/tissue to attain its full size (Fig. 9.1).

Etiology

• Congenital anomalies e.g. hypoplasia of kidneys in calves.

• Inadequate innervation.

• Inadequate blood supply.

• Malnutrition.

• Infections e.g. cerebral hypoplasia in bovine viral diarrhoea.

Concretions

Concretions are solid, compact mass of material, endogenous or exogenous in origin, found in tissues, body cavities, ducts or in hollow organs. Concretions are stone-like bodies commonly occur in urinary system, gall bladder and gastrointestinal tract. Concretions of endogenous origin are known as calculi while those formed from exogenous material are known as piliconcretion (Hair), phytoconcretion (plant fibres) and polyconcretion (polythenes).

Calculi

Calculi are formed due to deposition of salts around the nucleus/nidus consisting of either fibrin, mucus, desquamated epithelial cells or clumps of bacteria. Due to the gradual and repeated precipitation of salts, calculi become laminated. In the process of calculi formation, the inner structural arrangement gets shrink, producing a rough superficial surface. Calculi formation is more common in urinary system and in gall bladder of man and animals; however, they may also occur in salivary gland, pancreas and intestines.

• Neoplasm General

• Neoplasm in cattle and buffaloes

• Neoplasm in sheep and goat

• Neoplasm in equines, swine and camels

• Neoplasms in pet animals

• Neoplasms in poultry

• Neoplasms in wild animals

• Neoplasms in laboratory animals

• General Consideration

• Post-mortem examination of large animals

• Post-mortem examination of poultry

• Steps in post-mortem examination

• Writing of post-mortem report

• Collection, preservation and dispatch of specimens for laboratory diagnosis

General Consideration

Necropsy is examination of animal after death also known as post mortem examination. It helps in diagnosis of diseases and their control. It is said that “Necropsy is a message of wisdom from dead to living”. Necropsy include systemic examination of dead animal, recording of pathological lesions, their interpretation to make diagnosis of disease. Sometimes it is difficult to arrive any conclusion merely based on gross examination of dead animal. Then one should seek the help of laboratory examinations such as Histopathology, Microbiology, Immunology and Toxicology for confirmation.

Introduction

Drip irrigation is an efficient method of application of water at the plant bottom at a rate nearly equal to the consumptive use rate of the plant, thereby minimizing the conventional water losses like percolation, runoff and evaporation from soil. It is a process of slow application of water on, above or beneath the soil by the surface, sub-surface, bubbler, and spray or pulse system. Fertilizer can also be applied with the drip water. Emitters or applicators are placed closed to the plants and used to spray water in the form of drops, tiny streams or miniature spray. In the drip system water applied from the point source advances in all direction in the soil outward from the source. Drip irrigation is essentially a low rate, low pressure, frequent and long duration application of water in plants root zone area.

Drip irrigation is also called as localized irrigation, trickle irrigation, daily f low irrigation, diurnal irrigation, drop irrigation, sip irrigation, and micro irrigation. A particular name is being popularized in any area depending on the choice of the people of that area. The International Commission for Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) has recommended the term micro-irrigation while the American Society of Agricultural Engineers (ASAE) has preferred drip irrigation. In India it is told as drip irrigation.

In drip irrigation water is distributed throughout the field from a system of pressurized pipelines. The pressure must be sufficient to overcome the frictional losses and elevation differences. The system also deserves discharge from all the emitters and the emitters must dissipate the pressure difference between the inlet to emitters and atmospheric pressure.

The flow through the drip pipes may be laminar or turbulent or a combination of both. The laminar flow is characterized by the layers of cylindrical tubes of which the maximum velocity is at the center about double of the average velocity. The turbulent flows having pulsatory cross current velocities and maximum velocity is about only 1.25 time of the average velocity. Turbulent f lows loss more energy than laminar flow due to development of the cross current velocity.

Reynolds Number

The criterion for distinguishing the flow from laminar to turbulent was developed by Osborne Reynolds (1842-1900) and was named as Reynolds number; Re . The Reynolds number in circular pipes flowing full is expressed as

Crop Water Requirements

In designing an irrigation system, the primary objective is to know the water requirement of crops. Water requirement of crops are determined either by f ield cultivation or by estimation through commonly used empirical formulae such as Blaney Criddle, radiation, Penman or pan evaporation method.

Definitions

Crop water requirement or evapotranspiration (ETcrop ): It may be defined as the rate of evapotranspiration of a disease free crop growing in a field of not less than one hectare under adequate fertility and water supply so that full productive potential can be achieved in prevailing environment. Evapotranspiration requirement of a crop refers the ETcrop and expressed in mm/day.

Reference crop evapotranspiration (ET0 ): It is the rate of evapotranspiration from an extended surface of 8 to 15cm tall green grass of uniform height, actively growing, completely shading the ground and not short of water. ET0 may be computed by using the empirical formulae and meteorological data for the specific period.

The pipe network in a drip system consists of a mainline, sub mains, laterals, and distributors. The layout of the pipes depends on the physical factors like shape and size of the area, topography and any other obstacles in the field. In any field there may be the scope of different layout of the pipes. The most economic one should be selected. In general, contour line is followed in laying the laterals in sloping land, sub main length usually be shorten in uphill and equally spaced laterals on either side of a sub main in a flat land provides good layout.

Hydraulic Formulae /Head Losses in Pipes

There are numerous equations for solving the head loss in pipes. The most commonly used are the Darcy-Weisbach, Hazen-William and Scobey’s.

Introduction

There is different type of distributors available in the market. Depending on the basic principle of working they may be broadly classified into three major groups as below (FAO, 1980).

i. Distributors in which head loss takes place through small diameter tubes

ii. Distributors in which head loss takes place through some orifice control

iii. Distributors in which head loss takes place through a vortex action

There are many adaptations to distributors though the working distributors fall under the above stated basic principle. Tiny perforation in the laterals or porous materials allows leaking out the water serves the purpose of distributors. The compensating type distributors have long path in it to dissipate the energy and drips almost same rate within certain range of pressure variation. Whatever may be the distributors proposed to be used, the discharge characteristics should be known. The discharge characteristics should be provided by the manufacturers and preferably certified by any authorized body; otherwise to be tested by the designer before recommendation to large-scale use.

Introduction

Fertilization is the application of fertilizer for the benefit of the crops. It may be traditional broadcasting or fertigation. In broadcasting method the fertilizer is applied in concentrated granular form. The size of the granules ranges from granular dust to pellet size. These solid fertilizers get dissolved by the rain or irrigated water to leach down the plat root zone. This method results uneven nutrient delivery due to uneven dissolving the fertilizer granules. It may cause burning of plant leaves and root system due to uneven and uncontrolled release of nutrients. Dry fertilizers can volatilize and release gases which may damage or burn the nearby foliage. Availability of fertilizer to the plant root zone largely depends on the temperature and availability of water to dissolve the fertilizers.

In fertigation liquid or water-soluble fertilizer, soil amendments or other products required by the plants is either sprayed on to the plant material or applied to the plant bottom with irrigation water. Foliar application provides high rate of absorption of fertilizer through the leaf/stalk/branch structures of plants. Ground application also provides good consistency in making its way to root zone and plant absorption. Thus, the fertigation provides benefit of increased nutrient absorption; decrease water needs, and reduce the fertilizer and chemical use (Anonyms, 2005).

Drip system has great promise for efficient utilization of available irrigation water. In our country and elsewhere in the world the scientists are unanimously agreed to adopt drip irrigation method for higher application efficiency and thereby better use of scarce irrigation water. Saksena (1993) reported water losses of only 1-2% in drip irrigation in comparison to 6-9% in sprinkler and 30-35% in surface irrigation method. However, very small area compared to other methods of irrigation so far is irrigated by drip system in our country. Up to 2000 the total area under drip irrigation was 2,59,600 ha in India (Alam & Kumar, 2000). Initial high investment for drip network and pumping system, of course, are discouraging to the most of our farmers. Sharma & Abrol (1993) mentioned that in spite of the very encouraging results and attractive subsidies offered by the Govt. of India, the adoption of the drip irrigation system has not picked up to the expected level. Along with the other reasons they pointed out the high initial cost of the system and lack of research effort on developing cost-effective design suited to local condition are responsible for non-practice of drip irrigation at a considerable scale.

Some research works has been conducted to find out low cost method of drip irrigation. Biswas (1998) developed a manually operated drip irrigation system made of bamboo mains, laterals and sub-laterals. The system and its performance are described below.

Drip Network

The main and laterals of the drip network were made of hollow bamboo pieces each of 3m lengths with 7.5cm and 4.0cm diameter respectively. The sub lateral or the emitters were the bamboo twigs of 0.25cm inside diameter and 1.05-1.10m length to suit the spacing between the plant rows. The mains and laterals were made for the required length in the field by jointing together the sections one after another (Fig. 7.1). The ends of two sections, which contact each other, were made such that one section easily gets inside the other for about 10-15cm.

Sprinkler irrigation is an advanced method of irrigation in which water is sprayed to air and allowed to fall on the ground similar to rainfall. The spraying of water occurs through nozzle connected to a network of pipes with water under pressure. The rate of application and area of coverage under a sprinkler is regulated by suitable selection of nozzle size and pressure in the system.

History of Sprinkler Irrigation

The sprinkler irrigation has started elsewhere in the world in the early part of twentieth century. Before 1920, sprinkler irrigation was limited to orchard, nurseries and intensive vegetable cultivation. The cost of sprinkler reduced considerably by the development of impact sprinkler and lightweight steel pipe with quick couplers in the 1930s. As a result, sprinkler irrigation began to spread in larger area and to the area of field crops. However, sprinkler irrigation developed mainly after the Second World War with the introduction of lightweight portable aluminum pipe.

Sprinkler irrigation has started in India from mid of 1950s. Due to requirement of high initial investment, the average Indian farmers cannot afford the system and therefore the area under sprinkler irrigation in India was 0.66mha (approx.) out of total irrigated area of 87.80mHa in 1995 (INCID). The sprinkler irrigation was first introduced in India in hilly regions such as Western Ghats in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and in the North Eastern States especially by plantation owners for irrigating tea, coffee and cardamom crops. Since the cost of aluminum pipe is high, to replace it, High Density Polyethylene Pipe (HDPE)/PVC with suitable modification have been introduced in sprinkler system. However, the area under HDPE/PVC piping system is below 20% to the total area under sprinkler irrigation. The remaining area is cultivated under aluminum or steel based sets. The indigenous manufacturing of the system has started in India only 35-40 years ago and there are about fifty numbers of manufacturers till 1996 (INCID). The details of the cultivated area under sprinkler irrigation system in the world and in Indian States are given in Table 8.1 & 8.2 respectively.

Introduction

Food packaging is one of the most dynamic and fast-growing industries in the current scenario of increasing industrialization. With the constant upsurge in the food wastage at different stages of processing (suchas harvest, storage, processing, transportation, and distribution) leads to more than 15% of food produced ending up in the dumping grounds due to food spoilage caused by climatic conditions andmicroorganisms.Ever-increasing demands of consumers for convenient food makes packaging technology a need of the hour in order to keep the food safe, wholesome and of high quality at the same time.

So appropriate packaging has the potential of not only preventing spoilage but also taking care of healthand well-being of the individuals.Therefore, packaging plays the most important role in the overall safety of the food product.This makes packaging as the ever-evolving field since new requirements need new materials which demands new approaches and technology for better quality products.

By definition, Food packaging is a well-organized system of protecting the food product from any kind of physical, chemical, and biological damage in order to ensure that food reaches the consumer in its most safe condition at minimum applicable cost. It is bridge between production and consumption (Paine, 1992).

Introduction

Packaging of food material is an essential component of food industry since packaging provides protection, physical tampering resistance and unique appearance to the food products which attracts the customers (Robertson, 2006). The handling of food products would be inefficient and costly if they are not packed properly (Robertson, 2006). The style and design of packaging influence their sale as well as demand. The main aim of packaging is to corroborate the safety and quality of food by preventing microbial contamination (Lee K.M, 2010). Plastics, papers, glass and metals are the common materials used for packaging of food products (Arvanitoyannis and Bosnea, 2004). Among these plastics are most commonly used packaging material because of their low cost, light weight, design freedom and high durability (British Plastic Federation). Various additives are added to the plastics to achieve desired physical and chemical properties. These additives are stabilizers, plasticisers, lubricants and f lame retardants. These additives have potential to transfer from the packaging materials to the food stuffs(K Bunia et al., 2013).

The efficient food packaging solutions are the need of the hour for the Earth. The food losses including the production, post harvest, processing stages of the supply chain and food wastage includes loss of edible food occurring at the f inal stages of food chain that is during retail supply or ultimate consumption. The food born illnesses cannot be ignored which are a consequence of the contamination of food by bacteria, viruses, parasites, new chemical entities or toxicants. We need to optimise the food supply chain, increase food shelf life and consciousness amidst food producers to food consumers. The active and intelligent packaging may help the globe through sufficient food for the increasing population. Scavengers/ absorbers are important solutions which may absorb substances from the packaging inner atmosphere (ethylene absorbers, oxygen scavengers; emitters and antioxidants).

Food Contact Materials (FCM)

Before food consumption, during production, processing, preparation, packaging, packing, transportation, storage, serving etc. food comes in contact o many materials, all these materials are called food contact materials (FCM). FCM may be containers used for transportation for example milk container, machineries for its production or processing, packaging materials for its packaging like cans of soft drinks, kitchenware used for its cooking, serving, heating, washing. The selection of FCM requires intense care because FCM can affect human health and also the quality of food. During contact with food, molecules can migrate from FCM to food. Hence, FCM should have the following common attributes:

1. FCM should be compatible with the materials used for production, processing, transport, storage, serving etc.

2. FCM should be inert and non-reactive.

3. FCM should withstand the chemical, Mechanical and Thermal variations.

4. FCM should be clean, hygienic and tamper proof.

5. FCM should not have blisters, cracks, sharp edges and visible defects. 6. FCM should be free from rust.

Introduction

Packaging is an integral and pervasive part of contemporary world. Packaging makes material handling convenient, economical and effortless and modern consumer marketing will seem virtually impossible without packaging. For an engineer or food scientist, packaging is specialized arrangement of matrices fabricated for the delivery of safe food products with maintaining high quality and food safety, at every step of distribution chain including procurement of raw material to manufacturing of finished product; packaging of product; storage; transportation and distribution to wholesaler, retailer and consumer and even for recycling operations [17].

Packaging of food is imperative in a world dominated by marketing-based economy The fact that 73% of purchase decisions are made at point of sale highlighted the importance of a good package design in marketing. During scanning of food package, consumer made quick and rapid perception about the inclusion of a particular food based on the various verbal and nonverbal attributes embodied on food package [25]. Designing is an indispensable are of food packaging. It is medium to attract potential buyers and distinguished the product from the competitors. The presence of visual attributes on package design will not only ameliorates the food product and glamorizes the packets but also defines its authenticity and peculiarity. Therefore, a quality package design is characterized as communication channel between the manufacture and consumer, and unless performed correctly the market image of the brand and product suffers and influence consumer’s perception.

Introduction

The purpose of this e-book is to outline the main hazards in food production and processing that could influence the safety of foods and thus the health and wellbeing of consumers. The suggestive actions to restrain the formation of compounds or organisms that may threaten the safety of a food will be discussed along with the legal and regulatory framework.

“Safe Food Now for a Healthy Tomorrow”

Food is the third most basic human need, after air and water. Only when food is safe can it contribute to our food security and health. When food is not safe, people cannot thrive, hunger and poverty cannot be alleviated, and a healthy life is not possible. Food safety has a significant impact on human health, and food, which is essential for human survival, comes from plants and animals. Food safety is a core tenet of One Health.

This chapter gives an overview of the main hazards such as physical hazards, chemical hazards, biological hazards, and adulterants in different types of foods and how the hazards influence the safety of the food along with health and well-being of the consumers. The effective way of management of these hazards and different hazard limits set by the regulators such as FSSAI, USFDA, EU AND CODEX along with labelling requirements for the hazards has been discussed in this chapter.

Introduction

A biopolymer is defined as a polymeric substance obtained from any living organism (plant or animal) [1]. These polymers are organic compounds where simpler molecules are covalently bonded with each other [2]. Although biopolymers are strictly synthesized naturally by living cells but some of them are also synthesized from non-biomaterial as well. Natural biopolymers are of different types based on their chemical nature like carbohydrate based, protein based or lipid based. Biopolymers can be broken down by the action of naturally-occurring organisms which leaves organic non-harming by-products like water and carbon dioxide in the environment[3].

Bio polymers are gaining importance in the field of food packaging, medical application, commodity packaging etc. because of their have specific physical, chemical, biological, biomechanical and degradation properties. Wide ranges of natural or synthetic biopolymers capable of undergoing degradation hydrolytically or enzymatically are being investigated for many applications[1]. Bio polymers are mainly based on two properties: a) Biological origin b) Biodegradability.

Earlier natural biopolymers such as cellulose, protein, starch have been used extensively for food applications. Recently, synthetic biopolymers such as polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyglycolic acid (PGA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), and polybutylene succinate (PBS) are gaining more attention[4] for various applications. Natural biopolymers are more stereospecific and mostly hydrophilic having complex 3D structures as compared to the synthetic polymers[2]. Among the synthetic biopolymers some are microbiologically degradable in the environment whereas some are recyclable[1].

Introduction

Food packaging materials development has been driven by the need to protect food products throughout distribution and storage. Nanotechnology offers opportunities to improve technical packaging features and develop sustainable smart packaging and sensors for monitoring product quality over time. However, the inherent permeability of conventional packaging materials to atmospheric gases and water vapour poses challenges in maintaining optimal conditions for food. The integration of nanotechnology into food packaging has emerged as a promising solution to address these challenges. Nanocomposite materials, composed of a polymer matrix and nanoscale fillers, offer a novel approach to enhancing packaging performance while addressing issues related to food spoilage, degradation, and safety.

Nanocomposite materials encompass a range of nanomaterials, including inorganic (i.e., metals and metal oxides), nanoclay, organic nanomaterials, and nanoemulsions (Huang et al., 2018; Jamaleddin et al., 2019; P. Kumar et al., 2020). NMs are used for three types of packaging: improved packaging, active packaging and intelligent packaging, Nanotechnology facilitates the development of improved bio-based packaging, enhancing mechanical strength and barrier performance while maintaining stability under varying environmental conditions (S. Kumar et al., 2020; Zhang et al., 2020). Active packaging harnesses nanostructures to encapsulate bioactive compounds, encompassing antimicrobials, antioxidants, and oxygen scavengers, which can interact with food and extend its shelf life (Motelica et al., 2020). Intelligent packaging releases active compounds in response to environmental triggers such as temperature or pH changes, transforming packaging into an intelligent, actively responsive material (Jamróz et al., 2019).

Introduction

The landscape of the Indian food industry has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years. Rising disposable incomes, coupled with the rapid pace of urbanization, have fuelled a surge in demand for convenient and processed food options. Consumers, increasingly pressed for time, are turning towards ready-to-eat meals, packaged snacks, and a wider variety of processed food products. While this trend signifies a growing economy and changing lifestyles, it has also brought to light a critical concern: ensuring food safety and empowering consumers with clear and accessible information. In order to empower consumers to make educated food choices and build trust between brands and consumers, food label transparency is crucial. Transparent labelling is essential for improving public health because it gives precise and unambiguous information about ingredients, nutritional value, and possible allergies. This information helps prevent diseases linked to a certain lifestyle, such diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Additionally, it guarantees that customers are not misled about the quality or provenance of their food, shielding them from dishonest business tactics. Transparency also promotes market justice by levelling the playing field, making product integrity apparent, and fostering creativity and brand loyalty. Transparent labelling promotes ethical and sustainable consumption while also facilitating international trade by adhering to regulatory norms in many countries.

Recognizing this need for a more transparent and consumer-centric food ecosystem, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) introduced the FSS Labelling and Display (L & D) Regulations in 2020 under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act). This landmark legislation marked a significant shift in the way food is labelled and marketed in India. By establishing stricter regulations and mandating the inclusion of comprehensive information on food packaging, the FSSAI aimed to empower consumers to make informed choices while also promoting fair competition within the food industry. This comprehensive review delves into the intricacies of the FSS Labelling and Display Regulations 2020. It explores the key provisions of the regulations, analyzes their impact on various stakeholders, and examines the challenges and opportunities associated with their implementation. By providing an in-depth analysis, this chapter aims to shed light on the significance of these regulations in shaping a more responsible and transparent food industry landscape in India.

Introduction

Nanotechnology is a rapidly expanding branch of science that has a critical role to play in raising the standard of living for people in the modern world. The global market for nanotechnology in food packaging is valued at 20 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to 46.50 billion by 2031, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.32% from 2024 to 2031 (InsightAce Analytic, 2023). The rapid expansion of nanotechnology has paved the way for number of industrial areas, including food processing, food contact materials, and agricultural output (Mohammadi & Jafari, 2021). Nanotechnology is the fastest-growing field of science that significantly enhances the quality of life in today's world. This rapid advancement has opened up numerous industrial sectors, such as food processing, food contact materials, and agricultural production. A natural advancement is the integration of nanotechnology into food packaging. This includes enhanced packaging, active packaging, and a new category known as smart or intelligent packaging. Food contact materials, such as antimicrobial metals and oxides, biodegradable nanocomposites, and nanosensors, are utilized to create active and intelligent packaging. These materials enhance thermal and mechanical durability, increase safety and extend the shelf life of food, and facilitate the monitoring of packaged food (Kah et al., 2013). At the nanoscale, material properties change significantly, making it challenging to predict, identify, evaluate, and manage the health, safety, and environmental risks associated with nanomaterials. For example, nanoparticles (NPs) of 50 nm can enter cells, those of 70 nm can penetrate the lungs, and 30 nm NPs can cross blood-brain barriers.

Packaging is an essential tool to make products stand out from the competition. Beyond the shelf appeal, packaging also provides protection to the contents from physical, chemical and microbiological hazards. However, a lesser known fact is that the same packaging material could also be a source of chemical contaminants, and hence, may impact food safety as well as food quality. Among the different components of packaging material, packaging inks play a critical role as they might hamper product and consumer safety.

Each packaging ink is a mixture of different chemicals and some of these chemicals might be harmful with the potential to migrate to the foodstuff. In terms of risk, the chemicals could be toxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic, repro-toxic and even endocrine disruptors. The chemical contaminants from the packaging inks can get transferred to the foodstuff by a process called migration.

Over the last two decades, a number of scientific papers have been published, revealing the migration potential of substances from the printed matter. However, the first big scandal that brought the subject alive was about the f indings of isopropyl thioxanthone (ITX, a low molecular photo initiator used in UV inks) in baby milk and other liquid foodstuffs all over Europe, resulting in a product recall in the year 2005. The food scandal alerted the packaging chain about the linkage between packaging inks and food safety. Consequently, the authorities issued strict regulations for the application of printing inks as well as general food control measures.

Health benefits of fish consumption

Fisheries and aquaculture play an important role in providing food and nutritional security. Fish is a rich source of quality animal proteins, omega- 3: poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), minerals, and vitamins. Fish is a superfood that is rich in all nutrients except carbohydrates, and its combination with rice or wheat makes it a complete food, forming a balanced diet with the right combination of macronutrients (quality proteins, fats, and carbohydrates) and micronutrients (minerals and vitamins), which are essential for good health.

Aquaculture is one of the fastest-growing food production sectors. India is bestowed with all types of aquatic habitats; freshwater, including the cold waters in the highlands, brackish waters, and the marine system. Being a tropical country, India is a biodiversity hotspot. It is rich in a wide variety of fish fauna, and wherever there is water, there are fish. Thus, fish is widely available in India, Thus, India is the third largest fish producing country and ranks second in aquaculture production. In comparison to other sources of animal proteins, fish is more chicken, mutton, beef, pork, etc., as affordable is available in wide varieties in the markets. Therefore, the common man can afford to consume fish regularly and provide his family with a balanced and healthy diet.

As a diet, fish is important for all age groups of humans. Fish oil, especially the omega-3 PUFAs, EPA, and DHA, keeps away several preventable human ailments (Table 1).

The village of Khan Saheber Abad is located in the Sagar subdivision of South 24 Parganas district in West Bengal, India. It is situated 4.8 km away from the sub-district headquarter Rudranagar (the tehsildar office) and 99.6 km away from the district headquarter Alipore. A training programme was conducted for the empowerment of rural tribal communities through sustainable inland fisheries development and utilisation of open water bodies in the village.

Challenges and opportunities

The Khan Saheber Abad is primarily a tribal dominated village. These Tribal people belong to the Santhal community. They have a low level of literacy, declining or stagnant population, and are economically weak, but they are very close to nature.

Canals and waterways are the most important source for irrigation and have been identified as one of the most important aquatic resources for fish culture. The natural canal systems in the Sundarbans cover an area of 907.33 ha. Fisheries activities were planned in order to provide a source of livelihood to the underprivileged people of the cyclone-prone area of the Sundarbans.

Challenges and opportunities

Fisheries in the Sundarbans are poorly documented and less attention is given to producing fish from canals. Information on the trophic status of the canal habitat, biotic community structure, and hydrological parameters is also lacking. However, the villagers reported that the fish enter these canals from the source waters naturally, and form natural populations. The villagers residing beside the canal catch fish, especially during monsoon, and the women of the adjoining households often collect small indigenous fish (SIFs) or prawns through small dragnets or scoop nets for household consumption. The shared information of the villagers was utilised to sensitise them and convince them to initiate fish culture in these canals.

Village Madangunj is situated on the bank of the Hatania Duaniya, a branch of the Hoogly River in Namkhana. The cyclone Aila unleashed its fury on the people residing on the islands in the Sundarbans and changed their lives forever. The Sundarban is the world’s largest mangrove forest and home to the Royal Bengal Tiger. The cyclone also affected the fish resources and livelihood of the villagers. Efforts were made to provide alternative sources of livelihood to the poor people of these villages.

Challenges and opportunities

We conducted field surveys to understand the status of small indigenous fish after cyclone Aila in the Sunderban region, particularly in Namkhana block, which was badly affected by the cyclone. Hundreds of people under various age groups ranging from 27 to 65 years old and involved in various occupations were interviewed personally to know about the present status of small indigenous fish after Aila. It was reported by 60% of the respondents that there is a significant reduction in the availability of small indigenous fish (SIF). To rejuvenate their stocks, it was decided to develop a conservation site, as a common seed bank for SIF. The SIF are self-recruiting species and can be cultured in various cultural systems like ponds, canals, wetlands, cages, etc. They can tolerate the adverse water quality cond

Fresh fish serves as a protein-rich food for people of all income groups. Dry fish is in greater demand when the availability of fresh fish in the market is low. Dry fish have a higher concentration of protein (in terms of weight) as compared to wet fish and are an inexpensive source of animal protein. Moreover, dry fish production provides employment opportunities to fishermen, fish farmers, rural youth, and women and also helps them to generate extra income. In addition, it also provides food and nutritional security to the rural, underprivileged population. Though dry fish enterprises have a significant role in improving the livelihood as well as the nutritional security of society, not much attention has been paid to the production and marketing of dry fish products.

The demand for nutrients is rising, along with the population, which is rapidly expanding. The sustainability of life on earth now places a high focus on protecting the sources of sustenance. In this regard, aquaculture has a crucial role to play. The regulated raising of fish and other breeds in a particular environment is known as aquaculture. The natural resources and other elements required for sustainable development can be preserved using this method. The promotion of the value of nutrients and the expansion of employment prospects in the future are both made possible by aquaculture. Biofloc fish farming, which has set trends in fish farming all over India, facilitates recycling and reusing of the nutrients in the culture medium by filtering the unwanted substances and metabolites and converting them into nutrients, which benefits the zero exchange of water.

It is clear that Odisha has significant potential for aquaculture due to its vast brackish water resources. However, as the aquaculture industry grows, it is important for farmers to be knowledgeable about the inputs and techniques they use to ensure the sustainability of the industry. A total of 2.98 lakh ha of estuaries, 0.081 lakh ha of backwater, 0.80 lakh ha of Chilika Lake, and 0.32 lakh ha of cultivable brackish water area make up the 4.18 lakh ha potential brackish water area for fish and shrimp production. Additionally, proper disease diagnosis and management are crucial for reducing the risk of disease outbreaks and ensuring the health of the aquatic animals being farmed. With appropriate training and support from organisations such as the Aqua One Centre, farmers can improve their practices and increase their yields, while also contributing to the economic growth of the region.

The one-day SCSP-training program on “Opportunities for fish farmer producer companies and government schemes for fisheries stockholders” was organised by Shashwat Sheti Vikas Pratishthan, Shivajinagar, Pune, Maharastra, on 4 January 2022. The training programme was sponsored by MANAGE, Hyderabad. 50 people participated in the training program, consisting of agrifarmers, fishermen and unemployed youths. Out of the 50 participants, 19 were women and 31 were men.

The session is all about FPO formation MANAGE organised a training programme to sensitise farmers about Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and various schemes under PMMSY. FPOs can help farmers take advantage of economies of scale in production and marketing, and the government’s plan to establish 10,000 new FPOs by 2024 is a step in the right direction. It is while social media is a powerful tool for spreading information quickly, not everyone has access to it, especially in rural areas. So, training programmes like this can be very effective in reaching out to farmers and providing them with the information they need to make informed decisions about their farming practices.