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Characterization of Cattle Genetic Resources of KPK through Genetic Markers & Molecular Tech:
NAME OF THE PROJECT:
Livestock Research & Developmental Station Surezai, Peshawar with the following GPS coordinates.
Format |
Latitude |
Longitude |
(h ddd.ddddd°) |
N 33.92556° |
E 71.65961° |
Livestock Research and Development Station, Maira Surizai Payan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
PROJECT
OBJECTIVES AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE SECTOR OBJECTIVES:
Objectives of the Sector:
The
project is directly related to the mandate of the Directorate to conserve and
genetically improve the local breeds of livestock through selective and cross
breeding. Working under the umbrella of Directorate of Livestock Research &
Development and keeping the mandate of the Directorate General (Research) of
L&DD department, it demands for achieving the objectives of the project in
its true sense.
Objectives of the
Livestock Sector (MTDF):
1. Enhance productivity of existing
livestock resources through development of new technologies, scientific methods
of farming and improved management practices. The new technologies/packages
developed regarding different aspects of livestock production in the institute
will be communicated to the farmers through print & electronic media,
literature, training and extension workers and through other techniques (Inline with the project).
2.
Increase milk and meat and other animal
products, by-products and thereby increasing the income of the livestock
farmers (Inline with the project).
3. Exploit export potential of livestock, dairy,
poultry and their product/by-products. This will be made through development of
new technologies/packages and its communication/transmission to the farmers
through media, literature, training and extension network, which will help in
increasing the livestock and poultry products and as such will indirectly boost
up the export potential of the country (Inline
with the project).
4.
Strengthen institutions for livestock
research and development and improve their linkages and coordination (Inline with the project).
5.
Promote milk and meat production and its
marketing (Inline with the project).
Project
Specific Objectives:
I.
Genetic evaluation of cattle breeds of KP
through FAO recommended Simple Sequence Repeats (SSR) markers and molecular
screening for gene(s) of interest.
II.
Creation of facilities and introduction of
Multiple Ovulation & Embryo Transfer (MOET) technology
III.
Capacity building of the technical staff
regarding advanced techniques
IV.
Availability of facility of advanced research
in animal genomics and embryo transfer for researchers and academia
V.
Awareness of farmers through trainings
regarding breed improvement
EXPECTED RESULTS:
I.
Animals having quality traits identified
through molecular tools among the animals sampled will help in the genetic
selection of animals at an early age, rather than phenotypic selection for
breeding plans.
II.
The techniques introduced will be applied for
robust, accurate and detailed evaluation of breeds for better future planning.
III.
Introduction of Embryo transfer technology
will enhance the multiplication of elite animals in exponential manner as
compared to the linear traditional methods of reproduction.
IV.
The breeds having quality traits will be the
source of more income for farmers and will lead to enhancement of
socio-economic status of the peoples.
V.
This project will help substantially in the
prospective breed development program(s) of the country.
DESCRIPTION AND JUSTIFICATION OF THE PROJECT:
Describe the project and indicate the
existing facilities in the area and justify the establishment of the project.
Pakistan is an agriculture country; livestock is one
of the important part of agriculture. More than 70% are related with livestock.
It is estimated that there are about 191.3 million of animals (44.4 million
buffaloes, 37.7 million cows, 30.1 million sheep, 72.2 million goats, 1.1
million camels). This livestock wealth
is a constant source of milk, meat, eggs, wool, hides and draught contributing
substantially to the national economy. More importantly, it is the source of
income of the local people especially womenfolk. Majority of the population
(90%) live a rural life and each family keep livestock and poultry for their
subsistence and meeting other requirements of life. Commercial farming is also
gradually gaining weight as law and order situation are restoring to normal.
Livestock sector is thus possessing enormous potential and this commodity can
be exploited to raise the living standards of the local people. Strengthening
the existing veterinary research & development facilities/ institutions
focused at solving farmers’ problems will increase animal production and job
opportunities.
Table 1: Estimated
Livestock Population (Million Nos.)
Species
|
2014-15 |
2015-16 |
2016-17 |
Cattle
|
41.2
|
42.8
|
44.4 |
Buffalo
|
35.6
|
36.6
|
37.7 |
Sheep
|
29.4
|
29.8
|
30.1 |
Goat
|
68.4
|
70.3
|
72.2 |
Camels
|
1.0
|
1.0
|
1.1 |
Horses
|
0.4
|
0.4
|
0.4 |
Asses
|
5.0
|
5.1
|
5.2 |
Mules
|
0.2
|
0.2
|
0.2 |
Source: Ministry of National Food Security & Research
(2016-17)
The population of Pakistan is growing day by day at
a very faster rate as compare to the developed countries. Simultaneously the
number of animals is also growing. Due to this parallel increase in the number
of animals and human beings there is increasing competition between them for
the available resources like land, water etc.
The developed world has tagelled the situation very cleverly. They are
focusing on the increase in the production per animal rather than increase in
the number of animals. Developed world has doubled the milk yield per cow in
the last 40 years through application of modern tools and techniques for the
selection and replication of the producing animals.
Justification:
The key
behind the success in increasing the milk and meat production to a level high
enough to meet the needs of the local consumers as well as surplus for export
the modern world is the genetic selection for increased production through
exploitation of the maximum potential. Animals have been undergoing
human-managed selection ever since their original domestication. Initially,
selection was probably limited to docility and manageability, but in the last
60 years breeding programs have focused on the genetic improvement of
production traits, such as milk yield, growth rate and number of eggs. From the
beginning, selection was based on animals’ phenotype with the hope that their
offspring would also exhibit superior phenotype. A major advance in selection practice
occurred in the mid-20th century, with the advent of quantitative genetics
based on principles of heredity and modern statistical theory. In practice, the
phenotype of an individual and a substantial number of its relatives is
recorded to compute the likelihood that the individual is transmitting a
favorable set of alleles for the trait of interest. Although the method is
still based on phenotypic selection, it more easily identifies variation at
loci having a relatively small effect and represents an important advance.
Essentially, the statistical genetics method calculates an average of all
genetic loci contributing to a trait as transmitted by the individual, and
reports it as an estimated breeding value (EBV). Thus, the animal production
industry has undergone dramatic change during the last century. In response to
changes in dietary preference of consumers, the selection emphasis has changed
from just increased output to increased production efficiency and product
quality. In the early 19th century dairy production focus shifted from milk
quantity, which was very successfully increased by intense selection, to milk
quality and quantity.
Keeping in view the above scenario, this department
has started work on various aspects of livestock research and development and
cross breeding program of Achai cattle and Jersey
cattle for development of a new dairy breed at
Livestock Research & Development Station, Surezai is one such well-planned
example. However, keeping at front the
real status of the information available about the breeds of Pakistan at
general, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in particular, as very little work has been
done so far, it is unavoidably needed that the genetic resources of the
province should be screened thoroughly at gene level for Quantitative Trait
Loci (QTLs) and the information gathered therein shall be used in an effective
way, for future breeding plans towards milk and meat production.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
This project has been designed with three main
components.
Genomic Studies
The first part of
this project will focus on the genetic characterization of the local animal
resources. This study will be conducted using the available machinery and
equipment at Genomic Laboratory, Centre of Animal Biotechnology, Veterinary
Research Institute, Peshawar. However, some additional machinery and equipment
required for such studies will be purchased in this project. For the study
purpose, the home tracts of the indigenous cattle breeds, native to Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa will be visited to identify true specimen of individual breeds.
Breeds of Cattles include: Achai/Gabrali cattle from
Malakand division, Lohani cattle from southern region, and Cross breed cattle
from Peshawar, Mardan, Charsadda, Swabi and Hazara division. After identification, preliminary data regarding
production and reproduction performance at herd/cluster level and at individual
animals will be collected to identify the high producing and low producing
animals of each breed. Afterwards, individual selected and categorized animals
will be sampled for blood for DNA extraction and milk for total RNA extraction and shifted to
laboratory using standard protocols. The samples will be processed using
advanced molecular techniques to identify genes of interest and genes expression
will be analyzed and estimated using various softwares. The results will be
compared between the animals expressing different phenotypes using
specie-specific FAO recommended primers (Annexure-VI; Page 34-35).
Moreover, for further advanced studies of the same sort (gene mapping and gene
targeting) which are highly expensive as very few institutes across country
offer such facility, technical and practical help will be sought from experts
of other institutions like NIBGE, Faisalabad and NARC, Islamabad and the
expenses shall be met from the budget of this project. The data thus obtained
will be used as a baseline study and extended to the rest of Animals Genetic
Resources (AnGR) of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in future project for
better exploitation of the genetic worth and animal resources. No such study
has so far been attempted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Introduction
of Embryo Transfer Technology Facility at LR & DS, Surezai
The second portion of this project will focus on
introduction of techniques for propagation and replication of elite animals
having genes of interest in an exponential way through modern techniques. For
this purpose, a Multiple Ovulation and Embryo Transfer (MOET) Technology Center
will be established at Livestock research and Development Station, Surezai. At
LR & DS, Surezai, as a result of an ongoing cross breeding program of Achai
cattle and Jersey cattle breeds since 2012, progeny of first and second
generation has been received and for MO&ET studies, these animals will be
used. No such study has so far been attempted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The
MO&ET Center at LR & DS, Surezai will comprise of an isolated animal
shed and MO&ET laboratory and admin block (the details are enclosed in the
relevant portion of the DCE attached; Page 40-50 & 52).
Other Civil work and solarization work at LR & DS, Surezai
Solarization of tube well at Fodder Section, LR & DS, Surezai
Fodder
Section is a sub-station of LR & DS, Surezai, where the research and
experiments on development of varieties of fodder and forages varieties is
carried out. Moreover, regular staff members of the Station are also using
residential quarters located the vicinity of Fodder Section Due to location at
a remote area of district Peshawar, the situation of electric power supply is
very uncertain and the single tube well is unable to meet the drinking as well
as irrigation water needs of the experimental plots. As an alternative,
solarization at a water bore in the Fodder Section will overcome the water
scarcity for irrigation and drinking purpose, for which, Budget allocation has
been made (Details attached at Page No.
57-58).
Provide technical
parameters and discuss technology aspect of the Project.
This project will comprise of the following three
main technical aspects.
Molecular
Characterization of cattle breeds
This project will focus on cattle breeds of Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa province. The other species like buffaloes, sheep and goats will be
dealt in future projects.
The home tract of each breed present throughout
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province will be visited for measurements of morphometric
parameters (Annexure-VIII, Page No. 37) and sampling will be done
from the true specimen of each breed. A proforma will be designed for
morphometric measurements of each breed of cattle and possibly buffalo. After
thorough screening, both high and low producers (10 animals of each category)
will be selected from each breed. Firstly, the milk yield will be recorded
based on history, then the milk yield will be calculated using standard bowls.
Morphometric measurements will be taken from the animals under consideration
and recorded on predesigned proforma having essential informations. Similarly,
morphometric observations from the male population and breeding bulls of each
breed will also be recorded.
Both milk and blood samples will be collected from
the animals of each category within the breed following standard protocol
supported by relevant literature. The samples will be transported in ice pack
to the genomic laboratory, Veterinary Research Institute, Peshawar. The samples
will be processed for isolation of genomic DNA and total RNA. Blood samples
from the male animals and breeding bulls of each breed will also be collected.
Molecular
work/Genomics
Isolation of genomic
DNA
Genomic DNA will be isolated from
whole blood samples using DNA extraction kit per the manufacturer’s protocol.
Polymerase Chain Reaction
PCR will be performed using
standard protocol.
Data
analysis:
The data thus obtained will be analyzed using
appropriate models, compiled and published.
EMBRYO TRANSFER TECHNOLOGY
The demand for livestock and their products is
increasing paralleled with the increasing human population. Competition with
other uses for land and water resources will also intensify necessitating more
efficient livestock production. Application of new technologies inducing
genomic selection and reproductive technologies like MOET (Multiple ovulation
and Embryo transfer) will play an important role in meeting these demands.
Embryo transfer program will include the following steps:
SELECTION OF DONORS FOR EMBRYOS COLLECTION
Animals from the existing pool of already existing
breed improvement program will be selected. These animals will be employed for
embryo collection.
SUPEROVULATION OF DONORS
Reproductive organs of elite donor cows and heifers
will be rectally evaluated for different anomalies and cyclicity. Those donors
with normal reproductive tract and the presence of corpus luteum (C.L) on one
of their ovaries will be selected as potential donors. Donors with C.L will be
fitted with a CIDR (controlled internal drug releasing device) for 7 days and
will be subjected to superovulation schedule.
Before insertion of CIDR intravaginally, animal will
be secured in headlock or chute, first.
Ear tag of the donor scheduled for superovulation will be checked to
make sure the animal is correctly identified.
There are three different types of methods currently
in use for the recovery of embryos/ova from donors, namely surgical, horn and
body flush. Every method has its specific use, advantages and disadvantages.
Body flush is easy and there is no need to transfer catheter in between horns.
Embryos/ova from super ovulated cows/heifers will be
collected on day 7 following the day the donors were inseminated. Before
placing the foley’s catheter in position for flushing, epidural anesthesia will
be given taking all the aseptic precautions.
The recovered flushing medium from each horn will be
filtered. About 10 cc of the sediment will be poured into searching dish
(100x100 mm).
CAPITAL COST ESTIMATES
·
Indicate date of estimation of project
cost estimates: July, 2017
·
Basis of determining the capital cost be
provided. It includes market survey,
schedule rates, estimation based on previous work done etc.
The capital cost was determined using MRS, 2017 and
market prevailing rates.
PROJECT
BENEFITS AND ANALYSIS:
• Financial Benefit:
This
is a social service scheme, which aims at increasing the income of farmers
through genetic selection of the animals and subsequent dissemination of such
animals through MOET technology to the farmers of the entire Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
province. These animals will be the source of increasing the income of farmers
of the province. With the implementation of the project, facilities of in-time
selection of quality animals and culling of unwanted animals will be made
available to livestock farmers, saving their money and time. The project
proposal has enough potential for disseminating direct and indirect benefits to
the farmer’s community. The overall indirect benefits of the scheme would be
far more than the expenditure on the implementation of this project.
·
Social
Benefit:
·
The project will increase the number of
quality animals over the animals of poor genetic quality
·
Reduction in the number of unwanted animals
will result in saving of natural resources
·
Improvement in local farming through
scientific research
·
Motivation of the people towards farming of low
input with high output
·
Research facilities for the students,
scholars and scientists will be established
·
Creation of awareness among the stakeholders
through publication of research papers, scientific articles, seminars,
workshops and trainings.
- Environmental Benefit:
The
project impact will be positive on the environment by earlier genetic selection
and dissemination of quality animals. Thorough genetic evaluation of animals
for selecting disease resistance animals will reduce the use of unwanted drugs
and chemicals etc, for the treatment of animals in the province thus making
animals products safer for human consumption. With increase in the number of
quality animal and culling of unwanted animals will reduce the waste produced
from animals. The sustainability of different ecosystems will be achievable and
equilibrium will be assured between ecosystems. Moreover, with the reduction of
unwanted animals the natural resources will be conserved.
FINANCIAL/ECONOMIC ANALYSIS (WITH ASSUMPTIONS)
FINANCIAL
ANALYSIS
Quantifiable
output of the project
With
the successful implementation of the project, it is estimated that at least 600
samples will be collected from animals and processed in laboratory for
isolation of genomic DNA and RNA and used subsequently in the genomic &
genetic studies. This project will be used for creation of animal genomics
laboratory and MOET technology facility wherein facility for cryopreservation
of quality embryos will be available. At least 02 farmer trainings will be
organized for awareness and adoption of Genetic selection and Embryo
transfer. Moreover, three (02) trainings
will be organized for researchers and scientists to provide hands on training
on MOET. Furthermore, the research conducted will be published in international
journals of repute having impact factor.
Employment Analysis
Employment generation (direct & indirect)
Recruitment
in the project will generate direct employment of 16 persons (officers and other
staff). Thousands of indirect job opportunities in the area will be produced
because of increased livestock/poultry farming.
Implementation of the project:
Indicate starting and completion date of the project
As soon as
project is approved and budget is made available. The project will be completed
in three (03) years after the release of funds.
Item-wise/year-wise
implementation schedule in line chart correlated with the phasing of physical
activities