The 39th Annual Convention of the Indian Society for the Study of Animal Reproduction (ISSAR) and the National Symposium on "Challenges in Enhancing Reproductive Efficiency of Livestock: An Indian Perspective" was inaugurated today at Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana. The event, scheduled from November 29 to December 1, 2024, attracted a large gathering of veterinarians, researchers, academicians and policymakers from across the nation. 
Dr. JPS Gill, Vice Chancellor, the chief guest inaugurated the convention along with Dr. Gursharanjit Singh Bedi, Director of Animal Husbandry, Punjab, who graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour. The inaugural session set the tone for the three-day event, which promises to be a significant platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration in the field of animal reproduction.
Dr. Gill highlighted the contribution of the university in uplifting the livestock sector and shared that the symposium is expected to play a crucial role in fostering collaboration among veterinarians, researchers, and industry professionals to address the challenges in enhancing reproductive efficiency in livestock. He emphasized the need to provide practical solutions that can help in improving livestock reproduction, health and productivity. 
The president of ISSAR, Dr. Shiv Prasad, highlighted the role of reproductive scientists in the development of health and wealth. Dr. M. Selvaraju, General Secretary, shared the contribution of the society in improving reproductive health of livestock. 
On the first day of the symposium, recent research advancements in veterinary gynaecology, obstetrics, and reproductive biotechnologies were presented by researchers from various parts of the country. The presentations highlighted cutting-edge developments aimed at improving reproductive health and efficiency in livestock, particularly in the context of India’s diverse agricultural landscape. A major highlight of the inaugural session was the Academia-Industry-Farmers Interface. This interactive platform brought together stakeholders from various sectors, encouraging direct communication between scientific researchers, industry experts, and farmers. The session aimed to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world applications, ensuring that the latest scientific advancements can be effectively integrated into farming practices to address the challenges faced by the livestock sector. 
Dr. SPS Ghuman, Chairman and Dr M Honparkhe, organizing secretary expressed enthusiasm about the event and conveyed that the symposium will provide a unique platform for knowledge sharing and collaborations at national level. 
The Vice Chancellor along with other dignitaries awarded lifetime achievement awards and memorial awards to stalwarts and also released the compendium of the symposium. The Convention promises to be a landmark event for the veterinary and livestock industries, creating a platform for forward-thinking solutions that could significantly impact India's agricultural and livestock sectors in the years to come.
