Preamble

Microorganisms have acquired a special status since time immemorial for their use in enhancing livestock productivity. Ever since their discovery, microbes have influenced human and animal life and shaped the path of human evolution. The emergence and re-emergence of a number of diseases both in human and animals pose significant global challenges.

The research pertaining to use of microbes of animal origin is based on the following fundamental features:

  • To search for novel products from the microbes for the benefit of human kind.
  • To study the pattern in which these organisms behave so as to harness them for overall livestock development and improving human health. This could be achieved through the search of newer products and processes in order to develop safer and cheaper diagnostics, vaccines and therapeutic strategies to combat the harmful organisms on one side and utilizing the useful microbes for efficient utilization of feed and fodder.
  • Their application in the development of livestock products (including dairy products) wherein dairy and rumen microbes play significant roles.
  • To understand microbial evolution in general and the changing pattern of infectious diseases in particular for preparedness in emergency situations.

World Federation for Culture Collections lists more than 20 such repositories in India but none of them cater to the entire gamut of animal microbes including veterinary pathogens. NCVTC is the first facility in animal science sector in India for collection of animal microbes comprising veterinary, rumen, and dairy microbes. The overall benefit of NCVTC activities would result in enhancement of knowledge in all the spheres of animal microbes including exploration and utilization of their useful properties. NCVTC, thus, is a step forward, where microbial biodiversity (of animal origin) is being conserved to be utilized effectively by scientists, researchers and R & D personnel in various organizations including State Agricultural/Veterinary Universities, Drug and Vaccine Houses, Biological Products Units of Animal Husbandry Departments, private industries, public sector organizations and policy-makers for improving livestock & human health, and thereby realizing the goal of “One-Health”.