GADVASU Organizes Sahiwal Day to Promote Indigenous Cattle

Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana has recently organized ‘Sahiwal Day’ on 5th December at Veterinary Polytechnic and Regional Research and Training Centre. Dr. Harish Verma, Director Extension Education, GADVASU, Ludhiana was the Chief Guest on this occasion where a large number of farmers from adjoining areas also participated.

Dr. Verma appraised that this is a peculiar event organized for the promotion of Sahiwal Cattle in the state and its breeding tract. Good quality Sahiwal Cattle are found in border areas; Ferozepur, Amritsar, and Bathinda. Sahiwal Cattle is a ‘Tick resistant breed which is less prone to Mastitis, heat tolerant, Strong Hoofs & can survive even under adverse climatic conditions. Dr. Sittal Dev Jindal, Principal-cum-Joint Director, VP&RRTC, Kaljharani informed that GADVASU is organizing two years Diploma Course in Veterinary Science and Animal  Health Technology at Kaljharani. A herd of 250 Sahiwal Cattle with a peak yield of 16 kg per day is being reared here. Training Facilities are also provided to Dairy and Goat Farmers.

Moreover, this centre is also showcasing Sahiwal cattle to the farmers and providing germplasm as Male calves/bulls for breed improvement.

Experts from the Department of Veterinary Extension, College of Dairy Science, GADVASU, Ludhiana and  KVK Barnala participated and also put up an impressive exhibition in this event. Various Lectures were delivered by experts from University and other line departments.

Dr Simarjeet Kaur, Principal Investigator of the AICRP on Sahiwal cattle discussed Genetic Improvement in Sahiwal Cattle and recently this centre has got a very good ranking from ICAR, New Delhi., Dr Rajesh Kasrija delivered a lecture on Reproductive Management of Sahiwal Cattle, Dr Khushpreet Singh talked about various Training Programmes& Facilities of the university. Award Function was also conducted where Merit Certificates and Trophies were presented to the students of Veterinary Polytechnic College, Kaljharani for their excellence in the fields of academics and co-curricular activities. On this occasion, Dr Simarjeet, Animal Geneticist and Dr Mohinderpal Singh, Farm Manager, were also honoured for their excellent performance.

As per reports, the students showcased their skills by reciting poems on rearing Sahiwal cow. The programme was coordinated by Dr Sumandeep, while Dr Mandeep, Ajaybir and Mohinderpal helped for the success. Farmers were taken to the farm and were shown Sahiwal cows, Heifers, Calves and Male calves/Bulls and many registered their name for training as well as for getting the Sahiwal germplasm.