NationalLibraryOfScotland/medical-history-of-british-india huggingface dataset:
September, 1952] V. RATHNASABAPATY AND V. ISWARIAH 229
of the standard leaf can be made at one time and determination of unknown samples
of the leaves can be made at later dates. The results of these determinations
are compared with the results previously obtained for the standard.
The dose fixed is in respect of the tincture prepared from the standard powder
according to the B.P. method and as it has similar actions as digitalis it will be a
cheap but good substitute for digiltalis. Attempts are being made to establish
the therapeutic usefulness of the drug by clinical trials.
SUMMARY
The first standard for Calotropis has been prepared and is kept in this laboratory
and is available to be compared with unknown samples.
The unit of the standard has been defined as the activity contained in 0.1 G.
of the standard powder.
A suitable method of comparison by biological assay has been indicated.
The actions of the tincture has been found to be similar to those of gigantin,
the active principle of madar juice.
The dose of the tincture has been fixed for canines.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The author's thanks are due to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research,
under whose auspices this research was undertaken and to the Director of Animal
Husbandry, Madras and the Dean, Government General Hospital and Madras
Medical College, Madras, for their keen interests evinced in this work. They are
also deeply indebted to Sri. K. Lakshman Rao, B.Sc (Pharmacy), Research Assis-
tant, Indigenous Drugs Research Scheme, for his valuable technical help throughout.
REFERENCES
Watt (1893). Dictionary of the economic products of India
Chopra, R. N. (1933). Indigenous drugs of India
Rathnasabapaty, V., Lakshman Rao, K., Krishnaswamy, A., and David, J. C. (1949). Indian
J. Med. Res. 483-494
Pitchandy, N. (1948). July. Inst. Chem. 20, 34. 1948
Rathnasabapaty, V., David, J. C., and Iswariah, V. Indian. J. vet. Sci. 12 (2) 1951
—.Ibid.
Miles, A. A. and Perry, W. L. M. (1950). Bull World. Hlth. Org. 2, 655-672
ABSTRACTS
MILLER, G. D., FRYE, J. B., Jr., BUCH, B. J., Jr., HENDERSON, P. J. and
RUSOFF, L. L. Effect of Sprinkling on Dairy Cattle J. anim. Sci. (1951)
10, 4, 961-968
T WO comparable groups of 16 lactating cows (8 Holsteins and 8 Jerseys
each were used in a double-reversal experiment to study the effect of cooling
by sprinkling on respiration rates, body temperatures and grazing performances.
Although both breeds used the shower more as the temperature increased, the
Holsteins remained under the shower an average of about 9 per cent more than
Jerseys. The average amount of time spent under the shower for both breeds was
2 and 3 times as great at a temperature range of 85° to 90°F. and 92° to 97°F. res-
pectively, as at a temperature range of 80° to 85°F.
Respiration rates were slightly higher for Jerseys than Holsteins, while the
reverse was noted for body temperature. The respiration rate of Holsteins and
Jerseys having access to shower were 18 and 13 per cent. lower, respectively than
for those with only shade. However, the respiration rates of the two groups were
very nearly the same after a walk of one-fourth of a mile to the byres.
Sprinkling was effective in producing a lower body temperature for both breeds.
Holsteins and Jerseys being sprinkled had body temperatures of 0.7°F. and 0.4°F.
lower respectively than did those with only shade. There was an increase of 0.5°F.
for each of the breeds, after a walk of one mile to the byres, irrespective of the
treatment.
With the temperature range of 80°-85°F., both breeds spent 63 per cent of their
time grazing and the use of the shower appeared to have no significant effect on
grazing rate. But the grazing rate decreased as the temperature increased and at
a temperature range of 92°F. to 97°F. the Holsteins and Jerseys grazed 69 and 68
per cent less respectively, than they did at a range of 80° to 85°F.
Although sprinkling was effective in cooling the cows as borne by the decreas-
ing respiration rates and body temperature and increasing grazing rates, there
appeared to be no relationship between the amount of milk produced and
treatment. (D.N.)
P. MAHADEVAN Effect of Environment and Heredity on Lactation (1951), J. agric.
Sci. Vol. 41, 80
V ARIOUS environmental factors render it difficult to evaluate the potential
breeding worth of animals. In the case of dairy cattle this involves the
statistical analysis of production figures of cows in relation to known environmental
factors and the subsequent standardisation of these production figures with a view
231
13
232
ABSTRACTS
[Vol. XXII, Part III,
to eliminating as far as possible the effects of the environmental influences. The
records of twelve pedigree herds of Ayreshire cattle numbering about 5,000 were
standardized in this way and employed to obtain the estimates of heritability and
to study the rate of genetic gain due to selection. The unit of measurement of
production employed was the yield during the first 180 days of the lactation period,
thus eliminating the effect of the variation in length of current calving interval on
milk yield.
The effect of the month of calving on milk yield varied significantly between
herds, and it was shown that correction factors for month of calving should be cal-
culated on a within herd basis. The average difference in 180 day yield between
summer and winter calvers of all herds was about 10 per cent in favour of winter
calvers.
The milk yield of the cow was found to be influenced both by the number of
her previous lactations and also by her age at calving. It is found that precentage
of correction is the most satisfactory among the types of corrections employed by
previous investigators for age.
There was a positive correlation between milk yield and length of preceding
calving interval. From an economic point of view, the optimum length of calving
interval was found to be 400 days for the first lactation and one year for the sub-
sequent ones. Corrections for the preceding calving interval like those for age were
most satisfactory when they were proportionate and not additive.
No significant differences were found among the first three records of a cow in
their ability to indicate her actual production capacity. The probable performance
of a cow in any lactation was predicted as accurately from the lactation immediately
preceding it as from the average of a number of previous lactations.
The average repeatability of milk yield was 0.46 and heritability was of the
order 0.25 to 0.30. The probable effect on herd improvement of selecting breeding
females was found to be very small, extremely little genetic progress being attained
by this method in the twelve herds. (T.M.P.)
RAYMOND N., DOETSCH AND WILLIAM M. SCOTT, (1951). Bacteriological Aspect
of market milk as Consumed in the House hold. Milk Plant Monthly, 40, 24
THE
authors have conducted a bacteriological analysis of market milk received
and stored in the house-hold with a view to secure data on the quality of milk
as it is consumed in the average homes. A total number of 140 samples collected
from different homes in certain parts of New York City, U. S. A., covering different
economic levels of the community have been examined for standard plate count,
coliform count and for the incidence of the Genus Proteus. Out of 140 samples
analyzed, only 20 samples (14 per cent) showed over 30,000 plate count per ml.
and only 9 (6 per cent) had 10 or more coliform bacteria per ml. Though the samples
from unopened quarts contained some coliform bacteria, those taken from the bottles
September, 1952]
ABSTRACTS
233
previously opened showed high coliform count. Only 4 out of 9 samples from
pitchers or glass tumblers showed the presence of coliform. Presence of the Genus
Proteus was not noticed in any of the samples. It was further observed that the
nature of the container, either of glass or of card board, and the atmospheric tem-
perature had no significant influence on the plate count. The authors conclude that
the samples as a whole were surprisingly good from a bacteriological point of view ;
they ascribe this to the general educational level of the community with regard to
concepts of sanitation and cleanliness in the handling of milk and to the extensive use
of electric refrigerators for storing the milk. (V. S.)
REVIEWS
THE FEEDING OF FARM ANIMALS IN INDIA
BY P. E. LANDER, M.A., F.R.I.C., D.Sc, I.A.S.
(Issued by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research—Published by Macmillan &
Co., Ltd., Calcutta, India, 1949, pp. 543, Price Rs. 14.)
T HIS is a first of the series of Animal Husbandry Manuals issued by the Indian
Council of Agricultural Research. Following on the meeting of the Crops and
Soils Wing of the Board of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry in India (1942) the
preparation of this manual was undertaken by Dr. P. E. Lander and although this
volume was ready for publication in 1943, but due to unfavourable conditions created
by World War II and division of the country, this could not be published earlier
than 1949. The Manual is a very welcome addition to the scanty literature on indi-
genous cattle feeds and feeding in this country. The manual is divided up in 16
chapters and covers 492 pages with 45 photographs, diagrams and charts besides 5
appendices. The manual gives useful information on all problems connected with
the feeding of farm animals and is indispensable for scientists working on the subject,
students studying the subject and practical cattle breeders.
The first two chapters are devoted to the types of soil and composition of various
feeding stuffs. It has been shown how the weak soil produces food and fodder of a
deficient nature or of less nutritive quality and its ultimate unhealthy effects on
the human and animal life. Methods are indicated how to effect improvement of
soils to obtain healthy and better quality crops and raise yields. Attention to this
aspect alone if given effect to by cultivators will indirectly improve the economic
condition of the country.
General principles of maintenance of animals and poduction from them and
their feeding standards and balanced rations are next dealt with in detail. The
feedings standards enable one to express the nutritive value of foods and the
food requirements of animals in some common terms. Rations may be changed
and the proportions of their relative constituents may vary, hence for the compila-
tion of rations with definite standards which can be expressed in terms of energy
of nutrients for various purposes are indicated. This enables one to effecting maxi-
mum economy in the feeding of animals and at the same time to maintain health
and productivity.
A detailed account of the feeding stuffs, their preparation, storage and an account
of harmful feeds and famine fodders is given in the next three chapters. In dis-
cussing the preparation and storage a comprehensive account of hay and silage
making, its storage and time at which they should be fed to the animals, is given.
The qualities and varieties of grass are also given which merit best for hay and silage
making. Mention is made of plants which are poisonous in varying degree when fed
234
September, 1952]
REVIEWS
235
to animals. A list of hill and plains fodder trees and plants with their merits and
demerits as famine fodders are indicated and for this account alone the manual is
valuable and indispensable.
The cattle being generally poor milkers in this country are uneconomical to
maintain. The fact however remains that the majority of cattle do not get either
adequate food or of the right type. The manual gives a detail and general plan for
the feeding of milch and draught animals and other livestock including horses, mules,
sheep, goat, pigs, camels and poultry.
The computing of rations for different class and types of animals on most econo-
mical basis are then dealt with, all of which if followed carefully will greatly help in
the rural uplift and improve the economic conditions.
The manual is a valuable reference book written systematically in simple
English. Dr. Lander, the author, has many years, experience of, and research in,
animal nutrition in India. He was Agricultural Chemist in the Government of the
United Punjab and later Principal of Lyallpur Agricultural College, and as such the
publication is an authoritative statement of the present position of livestock nutrition
in the country and meets the need for a handy, informative and reliable book on the
subject. The manual is well printed and is recommended to those who require an
authoritative book on the feeding of farm animals including poultry. (M.R.M.)
NOTES FOR INTRODUCTORY COURSES IN GENETICS
By CHARLOTTE AUERBACH, PH.D., D.Sc.
Published by Oliver and Boyd Edinburgh and London (1951, 3rd ed., pp. 42,
Price 2s.)
H ERE is a concise and easy-to-understand booklet dealing with the basic concepts
and laws of genetics. These ' Notes ' are the outcome of a successful teacher's
experience extending over a long period, of the needs of the elementary students
attending short courses on the subject. The object of this booklet is, as has been
explained by the author herself; in the foreward, is not to replace any text book on
the subject or to serve as a popular introduction to the science but is intended to sup-
plant the notes, usually taken by the students themselves so that they can
adequately devote their attention to the discussions. This object has been well
fulfilled. The science of Genetics is full of teminologics which require great accuracy
and clarity in understanding. As such, this booklet should be most welcome to the
students as it will relieve them from tedious note-takings. The author is to be
complimented for achieving both brevity and clarity in dealing with basic concepts
and laws of genetics. Technical terms have been very well defined. Many important
topics have been explained very 'lucidly in a concise form. Meiosis, though
without details, is well explained in para. 8, the Mendel's laws in paras. 11 and 23,
blood groups in para. 18 and sex determination in para. 19. The booklet is full
of illustrative examples.
The elementary Agriculture, Animal Husbandry,
Veterinary and Medical students will find the two short appendices at the end,
very useful. (P.B.)
236
REVIEWS
[Vol. XXII, Part III,
SUCCESSFUL POULTRY MANAGEMENT
By MORLEY A. JULL.
(Published by McGraw Hill Rural Activities Series, 437 pp. 500)
T HE author is a national authority in poultry work in the U. S. A. He is well
known as a teacher and poultry author to the students of Animal Husbandry
and Agriculture all over the Globe.
The book should be extremely useful to the graduate students, farmers, com-
mercial poultry producers, hatchery men, feed and equipment manufacturers, and
as a matter of fact to every poultry minded man.
The title of this book is most appropriate as in all the pages is emphasized the
fact that success in poultry farming is mainly a matter of efficient management.
The book presents to poultry keepers up-to-date information on husbandry practices
and marketing methods affecting returns from the poultry business, large or small.
Production of eggs and table fowls economically and how to market these highly
perishable commodities to the fullest advantage are discussed in detail and in a
popular manner. The author stresses on factors affecting the quality of eggs and
poultry meat because the producers hardly appreciate their role in determining prices
paid for poultry products in the course of marketing. Illustrations are most apt,
carefully selected and represent an outstanding feature of the book.
The various facts and working details are drawn from research and the wealth
of knowledge gained by poultry raisers. What kind of stock to keep, is treated in a
unique and different manner. New score cards are included for judging hens on the
basis of laying potentialities and for breeding stock for standard bred and utility
characters. Practical suggestions are also enumerated for broiler as well as egg
production. Special emphasis is placed on the nutrition of chickens as feed costs
represent about 60 per cent. of the total cost of production. Culling birds of all
classes to maintain the efficiency of stock at a high level is discussed under different
headings in a manner which laymen can easily follow.
The Indian poultry keeper is badly in need of an up-to-date text book on poultry
keeping and this book of Dr. Jull should serve the purpose well. (S.G.I.)
PRINCIPLE OF MILK PRODUCTION
By WILLIAM BARBOUR NEVENS.
(Published by the McGraw Hill Book Co., Inc., New York, 1951, pp. 443, Price 5.00)
T HIS is the first edition of an introductory book on the subject. Through this
compact volume of 443 pages the author has directed his efforts to cater the
basic knowledge required for collegiate students on the principles of milk production,
as also to provide the dairy farmer a reference book to serve as a guide in the esta-
blishment and day to day management of a profitable milk-production enterprise.
The text is comprised of 7 parts and 26 chapters. Part I begins with a survey
of the importance of dairy in Agriculture. Part II contains 11 chapters dealing
with milk production records, calculation of balanced rations and feeding of dairy
September, 1952
REVIEWS
237
cattle, general consideration in selection, systems of breeding, artificial insemination
and management of dairy cattle. Part III contains a description of important dairy-
cattle breeds and selection of individual animals on the basis of physical characteris-
tics. Part IV contains 4 chapters devoted to a systematic treatment of such im-
portant aspects as the structure and development of cow's udder, mechanism of milk
secretion, constituents of milk and factors influencing them and clean milk produc-
tion. Part V having 2 chapters deals with the marketing of dairy products from the
farm, the price and price plans and the economics of milk production. Part VI
contains 5 chapters on the soil management, pasture systems, production and conserva-
tion of fodder crops. ' Lastly, a chapter is devoted to the designing of bars and milk
houses.
Prof. Neven's book is written in simple and good style and the subject matter
has been interpreted with great latitude. Special topics such as the simple and
practical method of calculating balanced rations, good soil management and grass-
land farming, not commonly presented in a book of this type, enhances the value
of this publication. It is a useful book for the collegiate student, teacher and all
those interested in dairying. The printing and get-up of the book speak of the
obvious thoroughness of the American publishers and printers. (K.C.S.)
FARMER AND STOCK BREEDER YEAR BOOK 1952
(Published by Farmer and Stock Breeder Publications Limited, 76th edition (1951)
Dorset House, Stamford Street, London, S.E.I. Price 10s. 6d., net postage 6d. pp.
412, over 170 illustrations)
M ORE useful information than ever before is included for stock breeders and those
interested in any phase of livestock and general farming. The table of contents
includes a valuable breeders' table—special article of topical interest to farmers and
breeders of livestock—pedigree year in pictures, a section on poultry, and a unique
reference section with its own index.
The breeders' table is included for the first time and is a valuable calendar for
all the 12 months to record service date and an easy calculation and facility for re-
cording the birth date in respect of mare, cow, ewe and sow.
The special article section is well illustrated and is informative and each is
written by a contributor possessing considerable experience and knowledge in their
respective fields of work. The articles cover such wide range of subjects as, seedtime
to harvest, sheep, pigs, controlled grazing, silage making, root crop, feeding dairy
cows, horticulture problems, and farming equipment.
The pedigree year in pictures is a section of numerous very beautifully got up
photographs of the year's best and topmost champions which parade out of the
year's best livestock shows. The stock of fine British cattle, pigs, sheep and horses
of which Britain may take pride can be well appreciated and studied in this section.
The poultry section is devoted to producing turkeys all the year round and the
policy of selling out pullets in spring. (M.R.M.)
238
REVIEWS
[Vol. XXII, Part III,
The reference section is perhaps the most valuable of all as it gives full information
to all interested as to who is who in official and semi-official organisations and insti-
tutions, principal shows, Artificial Insemination centres, Insurance, weather, rations,
composition of feeding stuffs, British farming records, statistics, prices, pedigree sales
and buyer's guide, etc. If for no other reason, the book is worth more than its value
or all the information in one place that anyone interested in livestock may obtain
and be proud to possess.
The book is well printed and bound. Fine quality paper is used throughout.
A galaxy of all kinds of advertisements on farming are included. The book is of
value and interest to all concerned with any phase of livestock industry. (M.R.M.)
NOTE.
XV—INTERNATIONAL VETERINARY CONGRESS, 1953.
T HE members of the veterinary profession in India will be interested to know that
the Organising Committee of the International Veterinary Congress has announ-
ed that the XV International Veterinary Congress will be held in Stockholm from the
9th to the 15th August 1953. Stockholm, the Capital city of Sweden is to be the
venue of this Congress. The Organising Committee of the XV International Congress
has drawn up a preliminary programme according to which the scientific part of the
Congress will comprise of a Plenary and Sectional meetings. The Plenary meetings,
will cover a wide range of subjects of Veterinary Science like Infectious Diseases,
Mastitis in cattle, Metabolic Disturbances, Food hygiene and Comparative pathology.
To facilitate detailed scientific discussions it is proposed to split up the Sectional
meetings into 9 separate Sections which will cover all the important aspects of
Veterinary science and Animal Husbandry such as Infectious and parasitic diseases,
Poisonings, Problems of Metabolic disturbances, Deficiency diseases, Allergies,
Diagnosis, Therapy and Surgery. The Physiology and Pathology of reproduction
and Lactation; Animal Husbandry subjects comprising of breeding including
artificial insemination, feeding, and management will form separate sections. One
of the most important sections will be on the co-ordination of Internatinal Veteri-
nary Problems. Under this the Congress will discuss International standardization of
sero-diagnostic methods of bacteriological preparation like sera, vaccines and
allergins ; transport of quarantine regulations, international transmission of semen ;
and the International co-operation for producing veterinary educational films.
The above preliminary programme is subject to ratification by the Permanent
Commission for International Veterinary Congress. Thereafter the Organising
Committee will issue invitations to read papers giving particulars concerning the
names of plenary lecturers and the titles of the papers. Invitation to the membership
of the Congress will be distributed in August 1952.
The address of the Organising Committee is: XV International Veterinary
Congress, Organising Committee, c/o Isaksson, State Veterinary Medical Institute,
Stockholm 50, Sweden.
MGIPC—M—25 AR—11-3-53—830.