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Monday, 12 December 2022

Dr SK Ray: A Veterinarian with a Mission

 


Dr (Prof) Surendra Kumar Ray commonly known as Dr SK Ray to the veterinary fraternity and a household name not only among pet lovers of Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha. Prof. Ray was born on 10th January 1942 in the district of Jajpur, Odisha as the third among five brothers and one sister. He is survived by his wife and three sons. Dr Ray contributed to the advancement of veterinary profession in many ways. He served as the President, Orissa Veterinary Council, Chairman Technical Committee, Nandankanan Zoological Park; Chairman, Institutional Animal Ethics Committee, Regional Medical Research Centre, ICMR, Institute of Life Science, Post Graduate Department of Zoology and Biotechnology, Utkal University, Orissa Biological Products Institute and National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar. He was also the President of Orissa Livestock Development Society which works for the interest of livestock farmers of Orissa. Dr Ray left for heavenly abode on December, 18, 2021.

Professional Career

Prof. SK Ray graduated in 1964 with BVSc & AH degree from College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry (OVC), Bhubaneswar, under Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT). Dr Ray joined service in the state government as Veterinary Assistant Surgeons. After graduation he joined in State Government as Veterinary Assistant Surgeon / Research Assistant for 3 years and then worked in a multinational pharmaceutical company for around two years. Thereafter, he obtained his Master’s degree from OUAT in 1972 and PhD degree from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana in 1976, both in Veterinary Medicine.

Dr Ray joined OUAT as a Lecturer in Veterinary Medicine at Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology on 10th May 1969 from where he superannuated on 31st January 2002 as Professor and Head, Department of Veterinary Medicine. He was on deputation to Government of Orissa as Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Orissa for 3 years (1997-2000). In 1999, Dr Ray successfully organised a national symposium along with the XVII Annual Conference of Indian Society of Veterinary Medicine in OUAT while holding the post of Director of AH and Veterinary Services (Odisha) in collaboration with OUAT. After his superannuation he worked as Emeritus Scientist of Indian Council of Agricultural Research for a period of two years. In 1999, Dr Ray attended the 1st International Course on “Livestock and Environment Interaction” at International Centre for Agriculture in Netherlands.

Major Scientific Contributions

His contribution to medicine sector is unparallel in many ways. As a team they reported a new coccidian species Eimeria pandel from Indian Mongoose. They studied on the ecology and distribution of Lymnea auricularia var rufescens the intermediate host of Fasciola gigantica along with the life cycle and distribution of Echinostoma revolutum in Odisha. They reported an outbreak of Mycoplasma gallisepticum infection amongst peacocks (Pavo cristatus) for the first time. They demonstrated the differential diagnostic procedure of actinomycosis and actinobacillosis in formalin fixed tissue section by fluroscent antibody technique for the first time in buffaloes. In addition, they reported the viability of arthrospores of Trichophyton verrucosum for more than 2 years in the infected hairs under variable temperature and humidity conditions. They further demonstrated the antifungal activity of chloroform extract of Curcuma longa L against T. verrucosum in in vitro and in vivo conditions in clinical cases of ringworm in calves. Their poignant observations on demodicosis in dog and cattle added new dimension to the poorly understood life cycle and pathogencity of the parasite.

They studied the effect of fluorosis in livestock in and around aluminium smelter plant of National Aluminium Company Limited, Angul and some brick kiln area of the state through two independent research projects on the subject. The team identified areas of endemic (natural hydro fluorosis) and their effect on livestock in Odisha. Besides the team assessed the status of elements Cd, Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn in grazing cattle adjacent to National Highway No. 5 (Presently, NH16) between Cuttack and Bhubaneswar which is known as one of the busiest motorways in the country from vehicular point of view. They observed a high level of lead in the blood coupled with contaminated fodder and soil in the villages adjacent to NH5 indicating the effect of heavy traffic on livestock population.

As conservation of biodiversity plays a major role in nature conservation and germplasm preservation, he contributed immensely in the formation of Orissa State Livestock Policy and studied the native Paralakhemundi buffalo in Orissa for its conservation. Further, they documented a report on “Biodiversity of domestic animals in Orissa” for National Biodiversity Action Plan project for Ministry of Environment and Forestry Govt. of India.

Professional Contribution

Dr Ray guided 22 M.V.Sc. and 2 Ph.D. students in Veterinary Medicine in addition to imparting teaching at undergraduate and post graduate level. He has handled three research projects. He had published 65 research publications in reputed national and international journals of repute along with several popular articles to his credit. He has also authored a book “Text book of Veterinary Ethics and Jurisprudence” and compiled two scientific monographs. He organised two ICAR summer courses as course director and several National and State Level Seminars as their Convenor. As an effort to update knowledge and skill of field veterinary practitioners he was instrumental in organizing Continued Veterinary Education programmes on “Pet Animal Health Management and Diagnostic Imaging in canine practice”.

He was a member of the Veterinary Council of India (VCI) for two terms where he officiated as the Chairman of the Education Committee and Member, Executive Committee and Regulation Committee of VCI. He was also a member of Executive Council of West Bengal University of Fishery and Animal Sciences, Kolkata and Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University, Nagpur.

He was intimately associated with several scientific, social and cultural bodies. He is Founder President of Indian Society for Advancement of Canine Practice, Founder Honorary Secretary, Orissa Kennel Club and Member of several scientific societies. He was the President of Indian Society for Veterinary Medicine. He served as the Honorary Secretary of the “Utkal Gomangal Samiti” and “Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Orissa” for 3 years.

Awards and Recognitions

Prof. Ray was associated with scientific publishing as the Chief Editor of Indian Journal of Veterinary Medicine, The Utkal Veterinarian and member of the Editorial Board of national monthly “Pet India”. Dr Ray has been conferred the Degree of Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) by Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology during 2012 for his contribution to the cause of Veterinary Medicine.

For his contribution to veterinary medicine and in general the profession, Dr Ray was inducted as a Fellow of many scientific societies of repute, i.e., the National Academy of Veterinary Science, India; Indian Society for Veterinary Medicine, Association of Public Health Veterinarians and Indian Society for Advancement of Canine Practice. For his contributions to care and treatment of pets, he received PET CARE award for Canine Excellence in 2001. He also received Dr P.L. Narayan Gold Medal by Indian Society for Veterinary Medicine and Major (Mrs.) Malika Trivedi IAAVR Award by Indian Association for Advancement of Veterinary Research.

Veterinary profession will be indebted to the services of Dr SK Ray for his contribution to the society. On the occasion of "AAZADI KA AMRIT MAHOTSAV" we respect his contribution to the farming community for popularization of veterinary medicine and strengthening veterinary sector in Odisha.

Durga Prasad Das and Ranjan Kumar Mohanta

Thursday, 6 October 2022

World Rabies Day Awareness Campaign 2022 by KVK Cuttack

 

KVK Cuttack organized an awareness campaign on rabies and rabies awareness quizzes in different schools and colleges of Cuttack district covering about 3500 school children from September 23-30, 2022. Rabies, a disease that is 100% fatal after clinical signs appear, but is 100% curable if vaccinated after post-exposure. Around 60000 people succumb to rabies annually out of which 40% are children. The dog-bite wound has to be washed in mild soap for about 15 minutes after bitten by rabid animal. The viral disease affects the brain and travels through the nervous system before moving to saliva and infecting people. The affected people fear water and other liquids as they are unable to drink due to muscle spasm and many times show neural signs. Dr Ranjan Kumar Mohanta conducted the quiz competition among children of schools and colleges along with discussing elaborately about the graveness of the disease and steps to be taken to prevent the disease. Dr. S Sethy, Head, KVK, Cuttack and Headmaster/ headmistress distributed the prizes to the winners. Students from Auroshree Institute of Pharmacy Education and Research, Kadei, Mahanta Bidyapitha, Ucchapada, Siddhagiri Bidyapitha, Govindpur, Nuabazar High School, Cuttack, CRRI High School, Bidyadharpur, Bidyadharpur Girls High School, Global Indian Model School, Gopinathpur High School, Sri Aurobindo Institute for Integral Education, Gopinathpur, Sai Saraswati Bidya Mandir, Gopinathpur, Ucchapada UP School, Kadei UP School and Bidyadharpur Nodal UP School participated actively in these programs. Sri Arabinda Bisoi and Ranjit Rout coordinated the program. #worldrabiesday2022 #worldrabiesday








Wednesday, 10 August 2022

KVK Cuttack Organized a Training Program for Pranimitras

 Krishi Vigyan Kendra Cuttack, a unit of ICAR-National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack organized a capacity-building program for grass root level extension functionaries on “Advances in Sheep and Goat Management” from 1-5 August 2022 at its Santhapur campus. Thirty-three pranimitras and seven MBKs working in Odisha Livelihood Mission from Banki and Tangi block of Cuttack district participated in the program. The course director, Dr Ranjan Kumar Mohanta, discussed the various aspects of small ruminant sector like breeds, housing, feeding, breeding, disease, vaccination, and treatment aspects. The practical aspect of taking vital signs, like temperature, administering medicines and vaccines, deworming and feed preparation from locally available feeds were demonstrated to the participants. As they are working at grassroot level, they were made equipped with basic and applied knowledge for helping the farming community. One post-mortem examination was conducted on a goat demonstrating its vital organs and how they function. It was a wonderful training experience where linkage with animal husbandry and veterinary services was discussed to be optimized in a one-day program with the GPLF secretary and president for optimal utilization of services of pranimitras. In the valedictory function, Dr Padmini Swain, Director, ICAR-National Rice Research Institute, advised the participants for utilization of the learning and experience gained at the training for fieldwork. She further urged them to make the best of the small ruminant and poultry sector for providing livelihood and nutritional security in the rural areas. Dr MJ Baig, Principal Scientist, NRRI, Cuttack praised the participants for their efforts and zeal for learning. Dr Sujata Sethy, OIC KVK welcomed the participants and Dr DR Sarangi offered the vote of thanks. All the KVK staff provided the necessary help for conducting the training.





Saturday, 16 October 2021

Awareness Program on ‘World Egg Day’ Organized by KVK Cuttack

An egg is not only wholesome food, but it offers about 13 different vitamins and minerals required by the body. A typical egg contains about 6-7 g of very high-quality protein that is with about 9 essential amino acids. It is a natural source and cannot be easily contaminated.  Thus, for growing, undernourished and some ailing cases eggs offer natural protein. As it has a high amount of minerals (calcium, phosphorus, iron, iodine, zinc) and vitamins (A, D, B6, B12, choline, and folic acid) in the compact egg, it helps in bone, muscle, skin, hair and neuronal development along with support to the natural immune system, advanced physical growth, aid child brain development and maintains eye health. As the eggs are cheap in comparison with other protein sources. Its bioavailability and nutrient density makes egg one of the highest preferred means to improve food and nutritional security and capacity to directly improve human health outcomes. Thus, eggs contain the majority of the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants required by the body and offer an environmentally friendly and sustainable source of nutrition.

Krishi Vigyan Kendra Cuttack, a unit of ICAR-National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack organized two awareness programs on the nutritional value of eggs and how it helps in ensuring good health and nutritional security of human being on the occasion of “World Egg Day” on  October 08, 2021. More than 250 children, farmers, and farm women of Badakusunpur and Mahulasahi villages of Tangi-Choudwar block of Cuttack district participated in these programs. Dr Ranjan Kumar Mohanta, Subject Matter Specialist (Animal Science) and an expert on Animal Nutrition, discussed in detail the theme ‘Eggs for All: Nature’s Perfect Package’. The versatility of egg and the variety of benefits it offers to people were discussed along with dispelling myths on eggs. In the end, 640 eggs were distributed among the participants to relish the World Egg Day celebration. Sri Krupasindhu Pradhan, Ranjit Rout, Aseema Swain, and Runu Mahanta supported in coordination and success of these two events.

Saturday, 24 September 2016

Citation of AOAC (Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC International)

Citation of AOAC (Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC International)
Ranjan Kumar Mohanta
ICAR-National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack-753006, India
Corresponding author: e-mail: mohanta.ranjan@gmail.com
Abstract
Background
AOAC International, more particularly the Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC International has an important contribution to the field of animal nutrition, analytical chemistry and microbiology. Most of the current citations still refer to AOAC as Association of Official Analytical Chemists as its broad name. This communication aims to clarify its correct citation.
AOAC Citation
AOAC International, the AOAC, is a non-profit scientific association with Headquarter in Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA. The organization known as AOAC changed its name in 1991 from its previous name Association of Official Analytical Chemists or Association of Official Agricultural Chemists, emphasizing the importance on Association of Analytical Communities due to its expanded scope in analytical sciences. However, the legal name still refers it to AOAC or AOAC International.
Conclusion
The right form of citation therefore should be ‘AOAC. 2012. Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC international. 19th ed. Gaithersburg; AOAC International; 2012’.
Keywords: AOAC; AOAC International; Official Methods of Analysis; Correct citation

Background
The professionals of discipline animal nutrition, microbiologists and analytical chemists rigorously follow various methodologies described by AOAC International. As an animal nutritionist, I, feel there is a need to notify the correct citation of the Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC International, which we can notice in almost every paper of Animal Nutrition related journals. AOAC International known as AOAC changed its name in 1991 from its previous name Association of Official Analytical Chemists or Association of Official Agricultural Chemists.           
AOAC International, the AOAC, is a non-profit scientific association with Headquarter in Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA. The AOAC is comprised of chemists, microbiologists, laboratory managers, and statisticians with nearly 3200 members from more than 90 countries involving scientists from both government institutes and industries. The Association’s primary programs focus on the validation of chemical and microbiological analytical methods. AOAC validated methods are used by government, industry, and academia throughout the world for analysis of a variety of commodities—particularly those related to food, agriculture, public health and safety, and the environment.
Brief History of AOAC
The United States Department of Agriculture established the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists on September 8, 1884 for providing methods for uniform chemical analysis of fertilizers. In 1965, the AOAC's name changed to Association of Official Analytical Chemists to reflect its scope beyond agriculture. However, subsequently, as per AOAC website, the attention of the analytical community—particularly the segment focused on foods—had changed dramatically from chemical to microbiological food contaminants and there was increasing demand for quality control of laboratories and international laboratory accreditation. Consequently, in 1991, the name of the Association was changed to AOAC International. The website further states that “the new name retained its past initials, while eliminating reference to a specific scientific discipline or profession, and reflecting the expanding international membership and focus of AOAC as the "Association of Analytical Communities", but emphasized that the latter is not the legal name as the legal name is AOAC International. As the organization wants to retain the term AOAC over AOAC International or Association of Analytical Communities International it still advocates for use of AOAC over other names.
Correct Citation
The compendium of methods adopted by AOAC International, which contains over 3000 methods is revised every 3-5 years interval. In 2013, because of the concern for correctness of citation I had corresponded with Tien Milor of AOAC International, according to whom the correct citation is “Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC INTERNATIONAL. 2012. 19th ed. Gaithersburg; AOAC INTERNATIONAL, www.eoma.aoac.org”.

However, in terms of the reference format we use, we may adopt that version or it can better be cited as ‘AOAC. 2012. Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC international. 19th ed. Gaithersburg; AOAC International; 2012’. As the name was changed in 1991, for the editions after 1991, the old name should not be written and emphasis should be given on AOAC or AOAC International. 

Wednesday, 22 June 2016

X Biennial Conference of Animal Nutrition Association November 9-11, 2016 at TIRUPATI

It is with great pleasure the Animal Nutrition Association (ANA) invites you to its X Biennial Conference on the theme Newer Perspectives in Animal Nutrition Research for Augmenting Animal Productivity being held at Tirupati during November 9-11, 2016. Nutrition represents one of the most serious limitations to livestock production in developing countries, especially in the tropics. Feed resources are inadequate in both quality and quantity, particularly during the dry seasons. Livestock sector is an integrated component of agricultural activities in the country. Due to rising demand for animal products and changing food preferences of the next generation consumers, the Indian livestock sector has to improve its performance. Animal nutrition plays a vital role in livestock production as it accounts for more than 70% of total recurring cost of production. The basic and fundamental research in the area of Animal Nutrition carried out and contemplated holds the key for providing solutions to the existing and emerging problems in livestock production in the country. In
addition to meeting the nutrient requirements of animals, precision feeding will help to avoid wastage of nutrients and making the livestock production more economic and eco-friendly. The methane emission by the ruminants can be reduced by using improved feeding practices and technologies. The search for newer unconventional feeds including herbal and microbial feed additives, organic mineral supplements for better bio-availability and improved health and production of designer livestock products by modifying the rumen microbes using conventional and advanced bio-techniques will help in augmenting animal productivity. The present conference, to be attended by researchers, teachers, post-graduate research scholars, entrepreneurs and policy planners involved in animal production from across the country, aims at flagging off some of the above issues through a series of theme talks, plenary lectures, technical sessions and round tables.
Being hosted by College of Veterinary Science, Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, in Tirupati,
the conference, besides its academic zest and scientific passion, is expected to be a treasured
occasion for the delegates who can utilize the occasion to visit holy city of Tirupati and have darshan of Lord Balaji.
CALL FOR ABSTRACTS
The scientific committee of the ANACON-2016 invites all interested individuals to submit abstracts of research papers (in extended format) not exceeding 800 words (in MS WORD) to be considered for O r a l / P o s t e r P r e s e n t a t i o n b y 3 0 t h September, 2016 addressed to:
Dr Narayan Dutta
General Secretary, ANA
CAFT in Animal Nutrition
ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute
Izatnagar – 243 122
Telefax: 0581-2301318
Mobile: +91-9412566130
E-mail: anaconference@gmail.com
Registration
All the delegates have to register themselves by paying the registration fee as detailed below:
Delegates - ` 5000
Students - ` 2500
Accompanying persons - ` 2000
Registration fee includes admission to all scientific sessions, conference kit and local hospitality. However, no kits will be provided to accompanying persons. Students are required to produce a copy of valid identity card at the time of registration.
Contact for details:
Dr JV Ramana
Organizing Secretary
ANACON-2016
Professor and Head
Department of Animal Nutrition
College of Veterinary Science
Tirupati-517 502 (AP), INDIA
Mobile: +91-9441654696
Fax: +91-877-2249563
E-mail: anatirupati@gmail.com

Tuesday, 24 November 2015

The 17th AAAP Animal Science Congress 2016

The 17th AAAP Animal Science Congress 2016

Date: August 22nd to August 25th, 2016
Venue: Kyushu Sangyo University, Fukuoka, Japan (http://www.kyusan-u.ac.jp/E/index.shtml)
Main Theme: Strive toward Progress on Sustainable Animal Production Contribute to Environment and Welfare for Human and Livestock
President:Prof. Mitsuhiro Furuse (Kyushu University)

Areas Covered:
1. Animal Breeding
2. Animal Genetics and Diversity
3. Animal Reproduction and Embryo manipulation
4. Animal Nutrition (Ruminants)
5. Feeds and Feeding (Ruminants)
6. Animal Nutrition (non-Ruminants)
7. Feeds and Feeding (non-Ruminants)
8. Animal Physiology and Anatomy
9. Milk, eggs and by-products and their Processing and Safety
10. Meat and by-products and their Processing and Safety
11. Environment and Behavior
12. Animal Welfare and Health Management
13. Hygiene (microorganisms, manure, wastewater)
14. Livestock Economics, Agribusiness, Trade, and Marketing
15. Poultry Science and Industry
16. Pig Science and Industry
17. Beef Cattle and Industry
18. Dairy Science and Industry
19. Small Ruminants, Draught and Companion Animals

Important Dates: 
1. Abstract Submission Due: January 31st, 2016
2. Early Registration Due: April 30th, 2016

More information and Online Registration available: www.aaap2016.jp/
For further inquires, please e-mail: aaap2016@c-linkage.co.jp or support@jsas-org.jp