Abstract:
The use of nuclear techniques for studies on livestock production in Sri Lanka commenced in the 1970’s
with the establishment of a Radioimmunoassay (RIA) technique for measuring reproductive hormones in
the blood and milk of buffaloes, cattle and goats. Progesterone measurement was used in a series of studies
to monitor reproductive status of ruminants under small-holder farming conditions in different agoecological
zones, to identify the major constraints and to test methods for improving fertility. Thereafter,
other isotopic techniques were established and used together with conventional methods for studies on
nutrition, environmental physiology and disease control. In the early ! 980's the nuclear-related technique
of Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was established and applied for studies on the immune
response of buffaloes to Toxocara vitulorum infection. Subsequently, ELISA techniques were used for
studies on sero-epidemiology and control of important viral and bacterial disease of cattle and buffaloes
(rotavirus infection, haemorrhagic septicaemia, brucellosis, rinderpest and foot-and-mouth disease). The
most recent development has been the use of ELISA for diagnosing viral diseases of poultry. In order to
transfer the findings from research to the end-users, a multi disciplinary programme was launched in 1995,
with the focus on improving buffalo production. Selected farmers in three regions of the country
participated in the testing, modification and evaluation of appropriate technology packages aimed at
improving the productivity and health of their animals in a sustainable and economically feasible manner.
They were provided assistance to upgrade their operations to the status of "Model" farms, which are now
serving as demonstration sites and training locations for other farmers. Nuclear and related techniques
have proved to be valuable tools in research for identifying the true nature of problems facing livestock
farmers in Sri Lanka. Using this knowledge to formulate technologies for overcoming these problems, and
their field testing, requires the researchers to be sensitive to the rural farming situations and to work closely
with the farmers and the extension services. Although the technologies applied in the field will rarely if ever
contain a "nuclear" component, nuclear techniques will continue to have an important role in monitoring
the responses to these improved technologies.
