Application of ICT for transfer of technology

Dr Samares Kumar Das
Contd from previous issue
Two interactive software – one for the para-veterinarians and stockman called Animal Health Information System in English and another known as Health Information System for Dairy Animals in Marathi, have been developed at the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Izatnagar, for animal health management particularly for animal disease diagnosis.
With the help of computer based software such as Make-Feed the cattle owners can formulate balanced feed for layers, broiler chickens, quails, guinea fowls and dairy animals according to their physiological condition with the available resources. Make-Feed is windows-based software developed by the scientist of Central Avian Research Institute for formulation of balanced feed for maximum production performance.
The National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR), Karnal has developed a software package entitled, ‘Information System on Animal Genetic Resources of India’ (AGRIS-IS). It is a database system that can store information on different breeds of domesticated animal and poultry, list of livestock farm, semen banks, breeding tracts and related literature.
The Veterinary Parasitology division of ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Meghalaya has developed a computer software package to facilitate the diagnosis of oocyst, eggs, larvae of different parasites of livestock and human beings, so that a definite conclusion can be made in the diagnosis of parasitic diseases.
National Centre for Integrated Pest Management (NCIPM) has developed Nematode Management Information System (NMIS) software for identification and management of different types of nematodes. This is user-friendly software which includes the information about identification, symptoms with pictures, and management of each nematode.
Role of ICT in Dairy Sector
ICSs are more applicable and beneficial in dairy processing plants, feed mixing units, meat processing units. Computer-based information systems are being used to assist the management in speeding up data processing activities and maintaining quality control of milk products.
Important applications of ICTs are presented below:
ICT tools are efficiently used in on-line weighing and quality testing of milk. Computer-based systems enable prompt, accurate and immediate payment to the milk producers and minimize the malpractices and underpayment.
Widespread use of sensor network can improve the monitoring of dairy plant and generate valuable inputs for crisis management. For example, environmental censors to monitor temperature, video cameras/image sensor for security, plant operations and observing behaviour of staff, visitors, etc.
GPS is useful to trace vehicles during milk transportation, from collection centres to central dairy dockyard and marketing of dairy products to minimize malpractices on route.
Artificial Neural Network (ANN) tools also have been used by researchers to solve problems related to dairy and food processing.
E-nose has many applications in sensory evaluation of quality of foods, detection of environmental toxins, carcinogens and pollutant, air quality as well as in medicine. It is useful in identifying adulterants, toxins, contaminants and aroma differences in food products. It also helps in assessing the quality acceptance and ageing process of stored food products.
E-tongue helps in continuous control on product quality in food industry. It is also used widely in quantitative analysis and recognition (identification, classification) of a very wide range of liquids, quality control and identification of the conformity to standards for different food stuffs-juices, coffee, beer, wine, spirit, etc. It also helps in continuous monitoring of test quality of food from raw material stage to final product. (To be contd)