Herd registration for genetic upgrading of milch cattle

By Manan Saini
GURDASPUR: Animal Husbandry Department of Punjab has launched a herd registration programme in district Gurdaspur for milch animals, especially buffaloes and cows. The aim is to ensure increased milk production and genetic upgrading of dairy animals. Under the programme, every milch cattle will be registered and provided with a unique identification number. This will help not only in making a reliable and comprehensive database of dairy animals in the district, but also in preserving local breeds and tackling the problem of stray animals.

Dr Abhinav Trikha Deputy Commissioner Gurdaspur  said the Animal Husbandry department would identify animals that produced milk as per the standard fixed by the department. These elite animals, including various breeds of buffaloes and cows such as Holstein Friesian (HF) cow, Murrah, Jersy, Neeli Ravi and Sahiwal, would be given a unique identification number. "HF cows
that produced 5,000 litre or more milk during the lactation period of 305 days (10 months) will be kept in the elite category. Similarly, the Jersy breed producing 4,000 litre (or above), Murrah giving 3,000 litre (or above), Neeli Ravi and Sahiwal yielding 2,000 litre (or above) will be kept in this category. All of these will be registered with the department," Dr
Trikha said. The data, put on the state and national server, will be available for everyone.

Using these animals, the department would produce male calves that would be reared and their semen stored for producing genetically upgraded breed of milch animals, he said. "This will help in increasing milk production.  Dr Trikha said, "Punjab is the first state in the country to pass a legislation on herd registration. Due to the availability of reliable data,
the value of milch animals will increase further, giving a perfect alternative for diversification."