Daily Current Affairs : 19-August-2023

In a bid to revolutionize livestock management and foster sustainability, the Technology Development Board under the Department of Science and Technology (TDB-DST) recently joined hands with M/s Chemlife Innovations Pvt Ltd. Their collaborative endeavor is centered around the Bio-Trace Minerals Project, a mission that holds the promise of not only elevating livestock productivity but also optimizing the utilization of feed and fodder resources while infusing cutting-edge technology into livestock management.

Project Overview

Revolutionizing Livestock Nutrition

The Bio-Trace Minerals Project is poised to transform the world of livestock and agriculture. At its core, it seeks to bolster animal nutrition, revolutionize livestock, poultry, and dairy production, and establish new benchmarks for eco-friendly manufacturing. One of the project’s standout features is its utilization of the ‘Accelerated Natural Bio Transformation’ (ANBioT) technology, introducing a proprietary nutrient that facilitates chelation reactions under milder conditions, thereby aligning with principles of environmental sustainability.

Driving Circular Economy

This project is not merely innovative but also environmentally conscious. It actively contributes to the circular economy by repurposing silkworm pupae meal, effectively mitigating the waste generated by the silk industry. Products like MinBioZen, a result of this endeavor, directly address the pressing need for bio trace minerals in optimizing livestock health and growth. This innovation seamlessly integrates bioavailability and stability, underscoring the commitment of the collaborators to innovation and environmental stewardship.

The Role of Micro Minerals/Trace Minerals in Livestock Health

Understanding Micro Minerals

Micro minerals, often referred to as trace minerals, are essential components of livestock nutrition. They are found in low concentrations in the animal’s body or are required in smaller quantities in their diet. Some examples of micro minerals include chromium, cobalt, copper, fluorine, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, and zinc.

Powering Metabolic Processes

These micro minerals play a pivotal role in various metabolic, enzymatic, and biochemical activities within the livestock’s body. They are the unsung heroes that keep the engines of life running smoothly. Without these essential micronutrients, livestock would be prone to deficient disorders, experience stunted growth, reduced egg production, and inefficient feed utilization. In essence, these trace minerals are the silent facilitators of livestock and poultry health and performance.

Important Points:

Project Overview:

  • Collaboration between TDB-DST and Chemlife Innovations Pvt Ltd.
  • Aims to enhance livestock productivity and sustainability.
  • Focuses on optimizing feed and fodder resources.
  • Introduces technology into livestock management.
  • Utilizes ‘Accelerated Natural Bio Transformation’ (ANBioT) technology.
  • Eco-friendly manufacturing benchmarks are set.

Environmental Sustainability:

  • Repurposes silkworm pupae meal.
  • Mitigates waste generated by the silk industry.
  • Innovative product: MinBioZen.
  • Addresses the need for bio trace minerals.
  • Integrates bioavailability and stability.
  • Demonstrates commitment to environmental stewardship.

Micro Minerals/Trace Minerals:

  • Examples include chromium, cobalt, copper, fluorine, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, and zinc.
  • Found in low concentrations in the animal’s body.
  • Required in smaller quantities in their diet.
  • Essential for metabolic, enzymatic, and biochemical activities.
  • Deficiency leads to disorders, stunted growth, reduced egg production, and inefficient feed utilization.
  • Vital for livestock and poultry health and performance.
Why In News

Recently, the Technology Development Board under the Department of Science and Technology (TDB-DST) joined forces with M/s Chemlife Innovations Pvt Ltd. to pioneer groundbreaking advancements in the Bio-Trace Minerals Project. This partnership represents a significant step forward in harnessing cutting-edge technology for sustainable mineral development, fostering collaboration between government agencies and private enterprises to drive innovation in the field.

MCQs about Transforming Livestock Management with Innovative Trace Minerals

  1. What is the primary objective of the Bio-Trace Minerals?
    A) Enhancing crop yield
    B) Increasing wildlife population
    C) Boosting livestock productivity and sustainability
    D) Advancing human healthcare
    Correct Answer: C) Boosting livestock productivity and sustainability
    Explanation: The primary objective of the Bio-Trace Minerals Project is to “enhance livestock productivity and sustainability.”
  2. Which innovative technology is utilized in the project to facilitate chelation reactions under milder conditions?
    A) ANBioT technology
    B) Genetic engineering
    C) Artificial intelligence
    D) Solar energy
    Correct Answer: A) ANBioT technology
    Explanation: The project utilizes the ‘Accelerated Natural Bio Transformation’ (ANBioT) technology for this purpose.
  3. Why is the repurposing of silkworm pupae meal significant in this project?
    A) It reduces the cost of livestock feed.
    B) It supports the silk industry.
    C) It mitigates waste generated by the silk industry.
    D) It improves the taste of livestock feed.
    Correct Answer: C) It mitigates waste generated by the silk industry.
    Explanation: The repurposing silkworm pupae meal is significant because it helps in “mitigating waste generated by the silk industry.”
  4. Why are micro minerals (trace minerals) essential for livestock and poultry?
    A) They make the animals grow larger.
    B) They enhance the taste of meat and eggs.
    C) They are required in large quantities in their diet.
    D) They play a vital role in metabolic, enzymatic, and biochemical activities.
    Correct Answer: D) They play a vital role in metabolic, enzymatic, and biochemical activities.
    Explanation: The micro minerals (trace minerals) are essential for livestock and poultry because they “play a vital role in metabolic, enzymatic, and biochemical activities” within their bodies.

Boost up your confidence by appearing ourĀ Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions

Loading