Training Program to Augment Fertility and Productivity of Livestock & Pets at GADVASU

Three weeks advanced faculty training program on “Current Knowledge and Future Challenges in Domestic Animal Theriogenology” under the aegis of ICAR started in Department of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, GADVASU, Ludhiana. 23 scientists from 10 states will participate in this program. This advance training program is aimed at augmenting the fertility and productivity of livestock and pets to ultimately maximize the financial profits of farmers. The advanced training program is being conducted to update the scientific knowledge and imparting hands on training in the field of animal reproduction to scientists of state veterinary universities, agricultural universities and central research institutes.

Scientists of the advanced training program along with Dr. Ajeet Kumar visited Kartar Dairy Milk Farm, Dalewal, Hoshiarpur to weigh dairy farming and value added entrepreneurship. The aim of the visit was to evaluate and getting onsite feedback about herd reproduction, productive performance and value addition to the milk. The entrepreneur, S. Maninder Singh Cheema informed that the Kartar Dairy Milk Farm was started around 12 years back with the herd size of 20 cows. Now, the average herd size is of 600 cows, out of which 400 cows are HF crossbred and 200 cows are of Sahiwal breed. Mr. Cheema further informed that the indigenous cows are allowed grazing daily in 20 acres of fields, while crossbred cows are stall fed. There have been occasional dystocia and pyometra cases. He enquired about the feasibility of oestrous synchronization protocols and artificial induction of lactation. The results of using sexed semen were not good and hence discontinued subsequently.

During winter season, green pea coverings are being used as green fodder. The average milk production during summer was around 2000 litres and during winter around 3500 litres. He showed the modern facilities like high altitude animal sheds, automatic milking machine, chilling plant and value addition infrastructure for Khoya, Paneer, Cheese, Curd, Flavoured milk and Sweet lassi. He also discussed about the limitations of dairy sector. He told that the market rates of premium milk and milk products are not self-sustainable despite having own value added production units, restaurants and sale points. He also showed concern over the fate of male calves born at dairy farm. The scientists answered his queries and suggested suitable measures to improve reproductive efficiency of dairy herd.