Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana organized a panel discussion on the "Hardware disease in dairy animals". The panel discussion was started with the introductory address by Dr Parkash Singh Brar, Director of Extension Education of the University. He said that the increasing mechanisation of farming operations in agricultural and dairy sectors coupled with construction industry is the reason for the increased incidence of hardware ailments in dairy animals.
Dairy animals rapidly consume objects such as metallic nails, wires, sharp objects, broken machine parts, etc. without distinguishing between food and non-food items, revealed Dr. Devendra Pathak, Principal Scientist, and Department of Veterinary Anatomy. Additionally, Dr. Pathak demonstrated using a model that these metallic objects lodge in the reticulm, the second section of the stomach of dairy animals.
Dr. Ashwani Kumar, Professor and Head of the Department of Veterinary Medicine pointed that the incidence of hardware disease in dairy animals has grown over time, as demonstrated by the number of cases received at the University hospital. Dr. Ashwani provided an explanation of this disease's symptoms and course of therapy. He emphasised that all dairy cows older than six months need to have a cow magnet placed in them as a preventative measure. This cow magnet lodge itself in the reticulum, the second stomach, and grabs onto iron-based metallic thing.
Animals need surgical intervention to preserve their lives if a metallic object pierces their diaphragm or cardiac membrane, said Dr. Arun Anand, professor in the department of Veterinary Surgery. He also disclosed that, when carried out at an early stage, the success rate of these procedures is higher because of the extremely sophisticated facilities that the institution offers.
Dr Mandeep Singh Bal, Incharge, Animal Disease Research Centre, also agreed that incidence of this disease in increasing. Further, He highlighted the diagnostic tests required and their availability at the university Hospital.
Dr Amarpreet Singh, Pannu, Senior Veterinary Officer, Amritsar revealed the field scenario of this disease and shared his experience on this aspect. Dr Jaswinder Singh, Professor successfully coordinated the event. After the initial information, queries of participants were answered by the panelists. At the end, Dr Brar summerized the discussion topics and said that the university is committed to help the livestock farmers of the state through all possible means.
