A wide range of methods and techniques are used in animal nutrition research and these methods should be well tested ones with adequate precision and reproducibility. There are also a number of methods for each measurement reported in literature and it poses some difficulty in selecting a suitable method particularly for those who have newly entered the research field. Compilation of appropriate methods for a wide range of measurements employed in biological research is often helpful to researchers and technicians and the present book is an attempt in that direction. The main purpose of this compilation is to make available a wide range of analytical and biochemical techniques evolved out of actual experience of research workers in this Institute with these methods. As it was considered essential for anyone using these methods to be fully conversant with the basic principles of the methods and of the instruments used, the manual has been devoted for describing the broad principles underlying the methods described. The research techniques were described under seven different heads, i) Techniques in grazing experiments ii) In-vitro feed analysis iii) In-vivo feed analysis, iv) Analysis of chemical constituents in feed and plant material v) Analysis of antinutrients and toxic principles vi) Rumen biochemistry and enzymes assay vii) Blood haemato-biochemical assay. Alternate techniques have also been given for parameters that can be estimated with equal ease and precision by more than one method. Since validity of data obtained in any biological experiment depends to a large extent on normal and average values, some standard tables are given for reference. Useful data on preparation of buffers and solutions are given in the Appendix.
Dr. A. Sahoo, Principal Scientist and Head, Animal Nutrition Division, Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar, completed his B.V.Sc. & A.H. (1987-88) from Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar and M.V.Sc. (1990) & Ph.D. (Animal Nutrition) (1994) from Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, U.P. He joined Agriculture Research Service (ARS) in 1993. He has more than 22 year of research experience in the field of ‘Animal Nutrition’ with specialization in rumen metabolism and manipulation, feed resource evaluation, assessment of nutritional adequacy, and clinical and therapeutic nutrition. He has published 80 research papers, 16 books/compendium/manuals, five book chapters, 61 general articles, 14 popular articles and 170 contributory papers. He has guided several post-graduate students. He is a member of several important Professional and Academic Bodies and Research Advisory committee.
Dr. S.K. Sankhyan did his B.Sc. (Ag.) from University of Rajasthan in 1986, M.Sc. and Ph.D in Animal Nutrition from Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishva Vidyalaya, Palampur in 1988 and 1991 respectively. He was awarded University merit fellowship during M.Sc. and Ph.D. program. He joined Agricultural Research Services as Scientist in 1991 at Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar and presently working as Principal Scientist Animal Nutrition and I/C ARIS Cell. He has 20 year of research experience and pursued the research in the area of nutrition of sheep and goats on pasture and mineral nutrition of field animals for the last fifteen years. He is presently conducting research in AICRP on “Improvement of feed resources and its utilization in raising animal, production”. He has published 4 Books, 64 research papers in National and International Journals, 12 leads/invited papers and presented 60 abstract papers in National Seminars. He is life member of five National Societies of Animal Science.
Dr. S.A. Karim, Director, Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar, completed his B.V.Sc. & A.H. and M.V.Sc. (Animal Nutrition) from Orissa Veterinary College Bhubaneswar in the year of 1974 and 1976, respectively and was awarded University Gold Medal for securing first position in M.V.Sc. (Animal Nutrition). He has completed his Ph.D. degree in Animal Nutrition from National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal in the year of 1991. He joined Agriculture Research Service (ARS) in 1978. He has more than 32 year of research experience in the filed of ruminant nutrition with specialization in nutrition environment interaction, growth maximization of lambs, range managed small ruminants’ nutrition and carcass evaluation. He has published 4 books, 10 book chapters,160 research papers, 50 invited papers, 20 popular articles and 210 contributory papers. He has guided several Ph.D. students. He is a member of several important academic bodies and as Board of Studies, Academic council, Research Advisory committee.
