ICAR and Department of A.H.L.F. and V.S. undertake infertility diagnosis and management through ultrasonographic at field level
Sikkim being organic state, the importance of dairy sector becomes paramount for producing manure and sustaining agricultural and horticultural production. There are many progressive dairy farmers in the state maintaining high yielding dairy cows and contributing significant quantity of milk to the state. Wherever production is high the needs of scientific management practices are important otherwise leads to various metabolic diseases and infertility in animals. With this background a progressive farmer Shri. Dharani Neopaney, Taksang, Pakyong, contacted Dr. R.K. Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR Sikkim Centre and sought the help for infertility management of dairy cattle at his farm. Dr. Brijesh Kumar, Scientist (Animal Reproduction) examined each animal through ultrasonography at field level. This is first time infertility management intervention through ultrasonography at field level in dairy cattle in the state has been taken.
Dr. Brijesh Kumar along with Dr. Anjala Pradhan, Deputy Director, Pakyong Subdivision reached the farmers door step and examined more than 20 animals through ultrasonography and infertility cases were diagnosed on the spot and treatment was mated. Dr. Kumar, advised the farmer regarding balance feeding and measures for correct breeding practices. Further, he showed concern on the prevalence of ectoparasites especially ticks that may lead to tick borne haemoprtozoal diseases like thelireosis, babesiosis etc. which leads to anemia and iron deficiency. The iron deficiency leads to immune suppression and chances of developing other diseases and reduced production. It was also suggested to produce vermi-compost at large scale and urine collection, as it has equal economic potential by augmenting increased crop yield uder organic farming. Further, he suggested roof top water harvesting and integration of dairy with agricultural and horticultural crop for better profitability and sustainability of the enterprise.
Dr. Ajala Pradhan, facilitated the infertility management programme and provided the information on proper hygienic practices to check incidence of mastitis, importance of periodic de-worming and regular feeding of mineral mixture, clean milk production, value addition of milk and management of calves and recently calved dairy cows for viable dairy farming. Further, she also informed about various schemes and services available with Department of Animal Husbandry Livestock, Fisheries and Veterinary Services to the farming community.
