Research at UAF - Dissemination of Technologies for Profitable Dairying at Farmers’ Level
Name of PI: Dr. Muhammad Qamar Bilal,
Associate Professor,
Deptt of Livestock Management, UAF
Total project cost : Rs.2.319 million
Funds released : Rs.0.631 million
Funds utilized : Rs.0.443 million

Progress Reports

Objectives

  • To introduce the technologies in field with farmers’ participation to reduce calf mortality and age of maturity in heifers.
  • To train farmers about technologies related to feeding management of dairy animals.
  • To introduce dairy herd health management packages at farmer level.

Achievements during the period under report:
Technologies related to calf management (in-time colostrums feeding and artificial feeding to calves) were disseminated through training (lectures, discussions and practical demonstrations), trials and distribution of literature. In-time colostrums feeding significantly reduced the mortality rate and decreased the time of placenta expulsion. Similarly, artificial feeding method proved useful for keeping healthy calves and dams as compared to direct sucking method which damage the dam teats and calves remain under-fed/over-fed.
Two farmers’ days were organized on 11.03.08 and 12.06.08. Farmers responded very well and showed extra-ordinary interest towards the adoption of recommended practices.