A two weeks “Specialized Dairy farming” training programme was organized by the Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension Education, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), Ludhiana, with the motto- “Dairy farming on scientific terms for self-sustainability”. On conclusion of the programme, Training Coordinators, Dr. Khuspreet Singh and Dr. Ravdeep Singh informed that total 37 trainees including one women trainee from different parts of Punjab were enrolled for this training. Deliberations on latest nutritional and health management; housing; first aid management; vaccination; deworming; breed improvement; value addition of milk; reproductive and seasonal management were made during the training. Trainees were imparted theoretical, as well as practical know-how of dairy farming. Trainees were provided hands-on-practice for recording basic vital parameters of dairy animals body temperature, respiration rate; and restraining method; weight calculation without weight balance and milk testing. They were trained to differentiate between healthy and sick animals. A mobile app in "Precision Dairy Farming" prepared by GADVASU is also available for farmers for getting tips on profitable dairy farming for assessing the health status of their animals.
Dr. H. K. Verma, Director of Extension Education in his concluding speech said that diversification of livestock sector is moving at a very fast pace, where in, the Veterinary University is always working to improve the socio-economic status of the livestock owners by providing them with recent inputs. He informed that dairy farming is a very profitable venture, but there is an urgent need to do farming on scientific lines. It is an evergreen field and the demand of milk is going to rise in ensuing time due to enormous population. Dr S K Kansal, Professor and Head, Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension Education apprised that Veterinary varsity is organizing training programmes round the year for livestock farmers, which can prepare a trainee to become good entrepreneur in the field of Dairy, Poultry, Goat, Pig or Fish farming. He also informed that Veterinary University also publishes books and magazines for livestock farmers in Punjabi, Hindi and English. Farmers can even get guidance from university experts at Farmer Helpline Number 0161-2414005.
