Directorate of Extension Education, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University organized one day workshop on “Recent advances in Livestock management for enhancement of livestock productivity” for scientists of livestock production from KVKs of Punjab. Dr. Inderjeet Singh, Vice-Chancellor, GADVASU highlighted the efforts being undertaken by the University for enhancing livestock productivity. He urged the scientists to encourage the farmers for record keeping and identification of elite animals for the propagation of superior germplasm. He also stressed on the need to unify the extension services of Veterinary varsity and it's line departments for the benefit of farmers. Identification of elite animals is the most important intervention for breed conservation and improvement, he said.
Dr. Rajbir Singh Brar, Director ICAR ATARI emphasized on the scope of enhancing livestock productivity through scientific management. Nutritional management of dairy animals must be stressed upon to boost production of livestock. He also spoke on the menace of ectoparasites in dairy animals. Dr. Rajbir advocated the need to develop model villages in each district as “Tick free villages”.
Dr. Parkash Singh Brar, Director of Extension Education welcomed the dignitaries and participants to the workshop. He also invoked the participants to provide their inputs during the discussion to strengthen the extension services in the state.
Dr. Vaneet Inder Kaur discussed the possibilities of integrated farming systems to increase the income of pig and fish farmers. Pig farmers can take benefit by incorporating the waste of farm in fish pond and further pond water to agricultural farms to decrease the use of chemical fertilizers. Dr. R S Grewal, Director of Livestock Farms emphasized that a smooth transition between pregnancy and lactation must be the priority of every dairy farmer. It has huge potential to improve milk yield of cattle. Dr. Nirbhay Kumar Singh weighed up the possibilities of biological control of ticks in dairy animals. Dr. B K Bansal, Professor Veterinary Medicine apprised the participants of the losses due to mastitis in dairy animals and its control. Seven scientists from KVKs were awarded for their outstanding performance in the field. Dr. Y S Jadoun and Dr. Arunbeer Singh coordinated the workshop. A special mention was made to the Director of Extension Education, Punjab Agricultural University, Dr. J S Mahal for his contribution in organizing the workshop.