All Feed Manufacturers Association (AFMA) conducted its bimonthly seminar at Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) Ludhiana on 17.05.2023. The theme of the meet was Nutrition and Reproduction interaction. Most of the feed millers informed that when a dairy animal falls sick due to any reason, the blame is pointed towards their branded feed. The fodder, straw availability and their quality is not considered before pointing the finger.
Dr Prahlad Singh; Principal Scientist & Former Head, Department of Veterinary Gynecology & Obstetrics GADVASU shared some important diseases related to reproduction problems in the field. He discussed the causes, symptoms and remedies of Repeat Breeding, Anestrous, Prolapse, Abortion, Dystocia and Retention of Placenta. Dr Prahlad explained in details about the mismanagement at the farms, predisposing factors, shortcuts and wrong self treatments by farmers and quacks. He emphasized to take advantage of diagnostic facilities at the University or nearby Polyclinics of the state government. He also was of the view that balanced feed can reduce the incidence of diseases and lot of money can be prevented. He asked the feed millers to prepare special feeds for heifers, dry and transitional animals as nutrient requirements during these stages are different and due to unbalanced feed, immunity during these critical periods become low.
Dr Parminder Singh; Professor Animal Science elaborated the nutrient needs of the dairy animals during different stages. He cautioned the feed millers about the quality of raw materials being used, their storage conditions and improper grinding and mixing. He discussed the efforts of dairy farmers to use imported semen to get more milk in coming generations but due to mismatch with demand and supply of the nutrients the incidence of repeat breeders are increasing. He focused on energy, bypass protein and micro minerals needs of the high producing animals. He also requested the feed millers to train their staff through GADVASU’s various training programs and enable them to face the farmers with confidence.
The seminar was sponsored by M/s SK Minerals Khanna. Dr Jewan Gupta speaking on behalf of the company emphasized the scientific management practices which must be followed by each dairy farm. He advised the feed millers to encourage their farmers to go for farm auditing at least twice a year to focus on lacuna in certain areas.
The meeting was attended by 78 feed millers across Punjab. Mr Vikas Kalra Joint Secretary AFMA coordinated the meeting. All the office bearers of AFMA: Mr GS Sodhi, Awashni Kumar, Hira Lal Bansal, Baljinder Singh, Avtar Singh, BK Bansal, Bhushan Gupta were present. Mr Ashok Kumar President AFMA thanked the organizers, speakers and sponsors. He requested the feed millers to use the knowledge and implement in the form of better feed.
