Miscellaneous (Biology) Part-II

Keratin is a fibrous protein that forms the structural foundation of hair, nails, claws, horns, hooves, and the outer layer of skin (epidermis). It's known for its strength and resilience.

Silk fibers are primarily composed of fibroin, another fibrous protein, but one with a different structure than keratin. Fibroin provides silk with its characteristic strength, flexibility, and luster.

Both keratin and fibroin are fibrous proteins, meaning they are long, chain-like structures that can form strong fibers. However, they have different amino acid sequences and structural arrangements, leading to their distinct properties.

• Hair: Hair is primarily made of keratin, a fibrous protein.
• Spider silk: Spider silk is a protein known for its strength and elasticity.
• Hoof: Hoofs are also made of keratin, like hair.

It is now widely grown throughout the tropics and subtropics as a source of green manure, fodder and lignified fibre obtained from its stem. It bears yellow flowers and elongated alternated leaves.

Rashtriya Gokul Mission was launched with the focus on conservation and development of indigenous bovine breeds. According to the livestock census, livestock cattle rate has been declining significantly and in order to tackle the same situation this scheme was launched.

Under the scheme the goal is to increase milk production and productivity of bovines thus addressing the problems of making dairy farming lucrative for rural farmers and fulfilling the rising demand of milk.

With a budget outlay of Rs.2400 crore the scheme is expected to increase the productivity of all cattles and buffaloes all over India, especially for rural and marginal farmers. Rashtriya Gokul Mission is expected to be advantageous for women for they are contributing 70% to the labour force in this sector.

Rashtriya Gokul Mission Scheme has the following benefits:

The scheme will enhance the nation's milk production capacity.

• Rashtriya Gokul Mission promotes livestock rearing alongside agriculture, providing farmers with an economic buffer during crop failures or poor monsoons.
• Increases per capita milk availability across the country.
• Supports the development of indigenous cattle breeds, which are resilient, climate-adapted, and have a lower disease burden.
• Facilitates the establishment of robust dairy infrastructure for processing, procurement, and marketing, creating new employment opportunities.
• Boosts related industries such as fodder production and organic manure.
• Empowers women by offering financial support to those engaged in the dairy sector.