Use of Nuclear Techniques for Improving Livestock Production and Health in Sri Lanka: A Review of Studies Conducted and Strategies for Technology Transfer

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.