Poor utilization of artificial insemination is restricting livestock productivity, resulting in lower meat and milk per-animal production compared to developed nations.

Poor utilization of artificial insemination is restricting livestock productivity, resulting in lower meat and milk per-animal production compared to developed nations. It was stated by speakers at training workshop titled “application of diagnostics ultrasound in animal reproduction” arranged by Department of Theriogenology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad. It is the part of ongoing Rabi festival staged by UAF. Students take keen interest in ongoing Food Festival arranged by University of Agriculture Faisalabad. Students take keen interest in ongoing Food Festival arranged by University of Agriculture Faisalabad. Addressing on the occasion, UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan called for adopting value chain methods, genetic resource and artificial insemination in order to ensure the food security. He said that artificial insemination (AI) of animals played a vital role in the improvement of livestock breeding. He added that the country was one of the top producers of milk. But, due to low per animal production and traditional way, we are lagging behind from rest of the world. He stressed upon the need to educate the farming community about shunning the traditional methods and replace it to modern practices. Society of Animal Reproduction Pakistan (SARP) Pattern in Chief Dr Manzoor Ahmad Khan lamented that the per animal milk production in the country was only 1500 litre per annum compared to atleast 8,000 litre in other countries. He said that there are some breeds in Punjab form where we are getting 30 litre of milk per day but we had failed to maintain milk capacity of breeds because of poor AI practices. He said that AI process has failed due to improper selection of quality bulls. Faculty of Veterinary Sciences Dean Prof Dr Laeeq Akbar Lodhi said that they were working on strengthening the livestock. He said the adaptation of the artificial insemination will pave the way to progress for the country. He said that poverty alleviation is directly linked to the agricultural sector and role of livestock sector in this regard cannot be ignored. Department Chairman Prof Dr Zafar Iqbal Qureshi said that his department was taking all possible steps to strengthen the livestock sector through genetic resources, and animal reproductive health. He told the audience that workshop was the step towards building capacity regarding the awareness about usage of ultrasound in animal reproduction. Prof Dr Nasim Ahmad from UVAS Lahore said since 1970, the ultrasounds technology is being used for the animals. He gave the training about ultrasound in animal reproduction in length.