Hyderabad: In a significant development for Indian biotechnology and veterinary science, the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB) in Gachibowli inaugurated an animal stem cell biobank and laboratory on Saturday. Union minister of state for science and technology Dr Jitendra Singh released five new veterinary technologies developed by the institute during the inaugural of the biobank.
Built over 9,300 square feet at a cost of Rs.1.85 crore, the laboratory houses advanced infrastructure including a stem cell culture unit, 3D bioprinter, bacterial culture labs and high-end facilities. The biobank will supply quality-controlled animal stem cells and cost-effective, indigenous cell culture media to veterinary institutions, clinics and industry across India. It is expected to boost research in veterinary medicine, regenerative therapies and animal cell-based protein production.
Dr Singh also laid the foundation stone for a hostel block and Type-IV residential quarters at NIAB approved by the department of biotechnology (DBT) at a cost of Rs.19.98 crore.
The NIAB developed five testing kits to improve disease diagnostics and combat antimicrobial resistance with the support of DBT. They include diagnostic kits for brucellosis, mastitis, toxoplasmosis and Japanese Encephalitis, and a device for rapid antibiotic sensitivity testing in livestock. The new technologies are BruDIVA, Udder Care, Udder Care, Toxo Antibody Rapid Test and RapiChex JE NS1. These kits, developed over five to eight years at a total cost of `5 crore, will be available for just `50 each.
About 50 farmers from Telangana attended the event and raised concerns over the growing incidence of mastitis in livestock. Dr Singh urged them to promote the use of testing kits to help more farmers and reduce livestock mortality.
Highlighting the Biotechnology BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) policy, Dr Singh pointed to the recently announced Rs.1 lakh crore research and innovation fund under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), which he said would catalyse private sector R&D. He also noted India’s potential in emerging fields such as space medicine and space physiology. “These are the new and emerging areas of research work that students have to pick up,” he noted.
Testing kits developed by NIAB
BruDIVA – differentiates between brucellosis-infected and vaccinated animals, aiding control of a disease that causes infertility and milk loss in cattle.
Udder Care – detects mastitis early, preventing milk loss and improving animal health.
CureCheck – a portable device identifying effective antibiotics for livestock infections within two hours, cutting treatment costs and combating drug resistance.
Toxo Antibody Rapid Test – quickly detects toxoplasmosis, a parasite causing miscarriages in animals, helping prevent herd-level losses.
RapiChex JE NS1 Test – identifies Japanese Encephalitis in animals and humans, enabling early intervention during outbreaks, especially in rural areas.
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