Chandigarh, August 31:
Punjabi university professor of biotechnology Department Dr Minni Singh and IAS Officer K S Pannu presently Secretary Agriculture Punjab ,in a collaborated research project have derived limonin present in kinnow peel through a 5 year research project using nano technology and bio technology interventions. Limonin has naturally occurring strong antibiotic properties.
The product has been approved for use as a poultry feed supplement with an endeavor to replace the use of antibiotics in poultry farming, informed KS Pannu. The unbridled use of antibiotics in poultry feed is one of the reasons that has been attributed to causing antibiotic resistance in humans, as humans become passive consumers through residues that remain in poultry.
A particular class of phyto constituents found abundantly in kinnow peels, the limonoids have a well documented antimicrobial activity and thereby exhibit antibiotic potential, which formed the basis of its use in this product, he informed.
To improve its absorption capacity upon administration to poultry, nanotechnology intervention has been carried out which exemplified promising results in a trial that was conducted by a team of scientists at GADVASU, Ludhiana. The study revealed improved health in terms of muscle weight and redness, clear indicators of improved poultry meat characteristics, very important for the poultry industry. It is expected that the inclusion of this product will not only lead to better poultry based products for human consumption, but also enhance the export of the same, said Pannu.
In doing so a solution has been provided towards sustainable use of horticulture waste, converting it into a value added product, said Pannu and added that the process of technology transfer for this product is under progress by Punjab agro industries corporation.
Another variant developed as a nutraceutical for human consumption is undergoing human trials for patients with non-alcoholic liver disease with an aim to alleviate this liver condition. This trial is being conducted by dept of Gastroenterologist, DMC, Ludhiana, he informed.
