Sky rocketing price of animal fodder especially wheat straw commonly known as `Bussa' coupled with deficient monsoons has compounded miseries of farmers especially milkmen community for whom bovine animals are the only source of income.

Experts at a press briefing yesterday said initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth can prevent one-third of neonatal deaths in the country every year.

They also disclosed that around 240 under-five children die every day for not having breastfeeding properly.

Prices of dairy products up.

Deficient rain this monsoon has affected milk production, particularly in the northern states of the country, driving up procurement cost of companies such as Mother Dairy and Amul by 10-15 per cent. Consequently, prices of dairy products such as ghee and skimmed milk powder (SMP) have also firmed up.

The failure of the government to form a clear-cut policy to control/treat tuberculosis (TB) in animals has led to spread of the disease in humans.

Non-pasteurised milk is the most common carrier of this infection as mycobacterium is the main cause of tuberculosis in bovine animals, which is transmitted to humans through infected milk and milk products.

Infrared rays can easily detect the contaminant in milk in september 2008, milk contaminated with a chemical called melamine led to renal complications in 300,000 children of China; six died. This chemical, used in producing plastics and glues, is also used in food adulteration. The high nitrogen content in the chemical can make food look more nutritious by increasing the measurable

Restaurant chain McDonald's Europe launched a farming program on Thursday which could lead to cows getting weekly foot baths but water being saved in the production of lettuce and tomatoes.

The company, which has 6,600 restaurants in 40 European countries, is seeking to tackle a wide range of environmental and animal welfare issues through a flagship farm initiative.

Consumers in Punjab are perhaps not aware of their rising intake of carcinogenic elements in the