NATIONAL RESEARCH CENTRE ON EQUINES
(Indian Council of Agricultural Research)

Dr. S. N. Tandon, born in 1948, did his graduation in Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry in 1969 followed by M.V. Sc. in Animal Breeding and Genetics in 1972. He then joined Indian Council of Agricultural Research as Scientist in 1972. He did his Ph. D. in service in 1983 in the same discipline as that of his M.V. Sc. from Rohilkhand University, Bareilly, U.P.

As researcher, he worked on various aspects of animal breeding and dealt with many animal species. He conducted research on breed differentiation, lowering the age at first conception, reduction in inter-calving period, off-season breeding and increase in birth weight. He also worked on improving management practices to reduce calf mortality. Housing requirement, feed and fodder requirement including crisis feeding, watering management etc. were studied in camels.

Research work on blood groups and biochemical genetics was conducted in many animal species including cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, horse and poultry. Later, an ad hoc AP Cess Fund Scheme was approved to carry out work on camel. Biochemical genetic work included polymorphic studies of certain red cell/serum protein and enzyme systems. In all 20 systems of blood and milk protein polymorphism were studied. Cytogenetic profile of Indian dromedary was worked out.

Research work on molecular genetics was initiated. The camel genomic DNA was successfully isolated and a detailed programme on DNA fingerprinting/RAPD and RFLP was carried out. Research work on microsatellite was initiated.

Data on different management systems were generated. The results indicated semi-intensive system of management is superior over intensive/ extensive systems in camel. Benchmark survey of camel rearing was conducted in Jaisalmer, Bikaner and Churu districts to assess the socio-economic aspects of camel husbandry.

An extension unit was developed at Equine Production Campus, Bikaner highlighting the research carried out by NRCE. As I/C Extension unit, he organized Kisan Melas/ Kisan Goshthies in animal fares in adopted villages. As Principal Scientist and I/C Equine Production Campus, Bikaner, he made efforts for developing research projects on production aspects, physiology and nutrition, animal breeding and reproduction and initiated collaborative research programmes with Rajasthan Agricultural University and National Research Centre on Camels (NRCC).

A research project on molecular characterization for studying genetic diversity among indigenous breeds of equids was submitted and got approved. In this project, the genomic DNA was successfully isolated and checked for its purity. The PCR-RAPD and RFLP techniques were standardized. The research work on studying genetic diversity using micro satellite technique is in progress. The other aspect of studying genetic characterization using genetic polymorphism using protein/ enzyme polymorphic studies have been initiated for haemoglobin, transferrin, albumin, amylase and alkaline phosphatase polymorphism, about 30 blood/ serum samples have been subjected to the study.

He was actively engaged in publication of Annual Reports, Brochures, Monographs, handouts etc. at NRCC and purchase of breeding male/female camels and horses. He has been invited as external examiner for conducting examinations in different universities at UG and PG level. He was associated with conducting an international seminar on 'Camel Applied Research and Development' as organizing secretary during 10-11 August 1998.