This book on -Poultry Production Biotechnology- encompasses on the integral objective that holds great potential to genetically improve the efficiency of production, the quality of eggs and meat and the health and welfare of poultry. This book represents the complete integration of current knowledge of biotechnology and quantitative and molecular genetics as applied to poultry production.
Avian genomics could be considered as valuable tool for expanded research on the structural and functional relationship of genes, development control, differentiation and the genetic approach of disease resistance. With a wide range of genomic tools available now, Marker assisted selection will play a very crucial role in complementing the conventional selection procedures.
The poultry nutrition is remodelling itself into a more wholesome and omnipotent science to cater to the interested in achieving feed cost economization without compromising on productivity of product quality. The potential of the commercial layers are increasing day by day, increase in egg numbers and decrease in body weight over a period of time is posing challenges to the nutritionists in arriving at the precise nutrient requirements.
On health front, emerging and re-emerging diseases pose serious threat to poultry industry. Outbreaks of transboundary zoonotic disease pose serious threat to human health and economics of poultry industry mostly due to market shocks. These outbreaks demand concerted planning in diseases surveillance and control. Re-emerging diseases viz. Marek’s, IBD and Mycoplasma etc., are controlled with various strategies by screening, efficient bio-security, vaccination and chemotherapy.
Entrepreneurship development in poultry production can contribute significantly to economic growth, social stability and equity. Thus this book will enlighten the researchers, academicians and stake holders and policy makers on the role and importance of biotechnology in the improvement of poultry production.
Dr. D. Thyagarajan is a Professor of Poultry Science of Tamilnadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai for the past sixteen years. He is presently the Director of Distance Education, Madhavaram Milk Colonly, TANUVAS. He is also looking after various continuing education programmes and 11 Post-graduate diploma programs in the Directorate of Distance Education. He also acted as a Dean faculty of Food science and instrumental in starting of the M.Tech Food Technology. He also served as Director, Centre for Animal Production Studies; TANUVAS. Dr. D. Thyagarajan is recipient of Outstanding Extension Scientist Award from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi and several other awards. Besides being a distinguished teacher, research scientist and extension worker for the past 32 years, he has published over 103 technical papers/articles to his credit. He has also authored/edited over 30 books. He has also been the Principal Investigator in several research and societal development projects funded by national agencies like ICAR and DBT. He has guided 15 post-graduate students. He is a life member of several professional societies.
Dr. R. Rajendran is Professor of Animal Genetics and Breeding in the Tamilnadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. He has got 17 years of experience in teaching and research in the field of Animal Genetics and Breeding particularly in Quantitative and Molecular genetics. He has also rich experience in livestock farm management and livestock related extension activities. He was actively involved in characterization of native breeds of livestock, viz. Kangayam, Umblachery, Pulikulam and Bargur breeds of cattle of Tamil Nadu. He has published 40 research articles in various national and international journals, monograph on Umblachery cattle and 20 popular articles. He has presented 50 papers in various seminars and symposia. Guidance to many Master of Veterinary Science and Ph. D. students is being rendered by him. He has bagged Indian Council of Agricultural Research Fellowships and four awards for his presentations in various symposia and seminars.
Dr. A. Ashok is working as Associate Professor of Poultry Science, Tamilnadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University. He has over 14 years of experience in teaching and research in the area of poultry breeding. He has vast experience in Livestock Farm Management and extension activites. He is a recipient of senior research fellowship in poultry science awarded by ICAR. He is also recipient of Ms. Venkatehwara Hatcheries gold medal for the first rank in M.V.Sc. Poultry Science in College of Veterinary Science, Hyderabad; APAU. He was also awarded the Ms. Venkatehwara Hatcheries gold medal for the best Ph.D. thesis in the field of Poultry science by TANUVAS. He has published over 25 technical papers/articles to his credit. He has also authoured/edited over 15 books. He has also presented over 50 papers in conferences/seminars. He is life member in several professional societies.
