Protective and Immuno-Modulatory Effect of Low Cost Locally Available Technology from West Bengal, India under Indigenous Knowledge Research System [IKRS]

Indigenous knowledge research system (IKRS) has been widely practiced in India, and farmers invariably adopt these technologies owing to difficulty in accessing quality veterinary health care. Among these, welfare challenges reinforcing institutional measures to effectively control and minimise the impact oninfectious diseases assumes greater significance. Heavy economic losses are incurred to different poultry production systems because of respiratory distress complemented by infections and stress. Indigenous poultry knowledge holders share low-cost-locally-available (LCLA) technologies to the farmers and continuously enrich these sustainable andnovel medications. The research study illustrated the protective and immuno-modulatory effect of a unique indigenous medication practiced in Purba Medinipur district in West Bengal, India. During the experimental study, it was observed that the mortality rate of control birds was higher (18.33%) in comparison with birds administered with indigenous medication AHP/RDV/YR/T4 (1.66%). The post-mortem lesions of affected broiler birds revealed fibrin us pericarditis and ulcerative enteritis referring Escherichia coll infection. It was found that this medication had significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced humoural response. The study demonstrated utility of IKRS at different region beyond the place of origin. Efforts have to be strengthened in scaling up of value-added innovative technologies of IKRS through linkage with industry or ensuing participatory research with farming community for wider benefit. This can complement State Department of Animal Husbandry in facilitating availability of LCLA technologies at farmers’ doorstep. The study also calls for recognising these knowledge systems by sharing scientific findings in their premises. This is vital for strengthening and sustaining experimental wisdom of knowledge of holders and farmers.