Animal Nutrition Society of India (ANSI) a statutory body of around 1500 Animal Nutritionist from India and abroad, chose its new Central Executive team for next two years. ANSI functions closely with scientists, farmers, and feed industry to address the problem of feeding practices, feed resource generation and more importantly, the shortage of quality feeds for livestock. The society regularly organizes Biennial Conference and Regional Workshops in the different parts of the country and publishes its quarterly journal “Indian Journal of Animal Nutrition.”
In this context, its CEC meeting and technical seminar was held on 14.6.2024 at Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana. Dr APS Sethi, Former Professor cum Head, Department of Animal Nutrition Department took over as President of the society. In the meeting outgoing president Dr Udeybir Chahal, Professor cum Head, Department of Animal Nutrition welcomed the members of new CEC and presented his report regarding the activities of ANSI for the last two years. Dr APS Sethi in his presidential address thanked everybody for supporting new team whole heartedly. He discussed some future of the ANSI and creation of some student scholarships in the field of Animal Nutrition. He also gave insurance regarding the travel grant for the needy scientists and students to attend the conferences in India and abroad.
In the evening, Dr Shivani Katoch, Professor & Head, Department of Animal Nutrition CSKHPKV, Palampur and Secretary ANSI welcomed the delegates for the technical seminar and introduced Dr Tejbir Singh, Assistant Professor, KVK Langroya. He talked about the urea feeding in ruminants. He discussed about its history, mode of action, advantages, disadvantages, perception, and legality of using urea in cattle feed. He also talked about the availability of slow-release urea manufactured by few companies.
2nd lecture of the evening was delivered by Dr Amit Sharma, Scientist working in the Department of Animal Nutrition on the role of DDGS in cattle feeding. He discussed the manufacturing process of DDGS and variation in its composition due to different grains and method of processing and drying. The protein content can vary from 28 to 45 percent depending upon the grain. He emphasized to incorporate in the ration initially up to 5 percent then slowly up to 15 percent in dairy animals. He also cautioned about anti nutritional compound present in DDGS. He concluded that since the price of DDGS quite low than soybean meal, it must not be tempted to use liberally.
Mr Pawan Vij, from M/s Vesper Group highlighted the importance of immunity at a dairy farm. He advocated to restrict the movement of strangers in their farm. He introduced the products Toxol, Masticare & Apthocare to the animal nutritionists. He presented their silent features and likely benefits related to liver, toxicity, and immunity of the animals.
The Chief Guest of the evening was Dr Inderjeet Singh; Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University. He congratulated the new team of ANSI and wished that ANSI will continue to do its duty towards upliftment of poor farmer by developing least cost formulations. He talked about certain issues related to quality of the feed especially its aflatoxin levels and excess usage of urea. He emphasized the need to test the feed regularly and educate the stakeholders to produce quality feed to improve the standards of milk.
Dr Parminder Singh, Additional Director Extension, GADVASU and Treasurer of ANSI proposed the vote of thanks to all the dignitaries. He hoped that such seminars would be held regularly in different zones as well. He invited everyone for Gala Dinner.