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SARGODHGA, Dec 31 (APP): The Livestock Department is set to launch a comprehensive flagship initiative aimed at herd transformation in the district to strengthen the dairy and meat sectors.
Talking to APP here on Wednesday, Additional Director Livestock Dr Tanveer Ashraf Klyar said that the department was implementing a wide-ranging breed improvement programme for cattle and buffalo. Under the initiative, high-genetic-potential semen of both exotic and indigenous breeds is being made available at all veterinary hospitals across Punjab, including Sargodha, on a cost-to-cost basis and at subsidized rates.
He said the pioneering programme focuses on developing specialized breeds for dairy and beef production. Special emphasis is being laid on beef semen propagation, coupled with feed-lot fattening through the Livestock Card, to boost meat production in the province.
Dr Tanveer Ashraf Klyar further stated that, in the near future, and as part of the Chief Minister’s initiative, several innovative steps would be introduced. These include the provision of sex-sorted Holstein Friesian (HF) semen at a 70 percent subsidy in 10 selected districts, including Sargodha. Meanwhile, sex-sorted semen of indigenous breeds such as Sahiwal, Cholistani, Dhani and Nili Ravi will be provided free of cost for PTP-registered animals.
He added that Dajal semen would be made available in the districts of Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur and tribal areas to support local livestock farmers. The department also plans to adopt advanced technologies such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and genomics to further enhance breed improvement efforts.
Dr Klyar urged that the initiative be widely publicized through social media and by displaying panaflexes at Union Council offices, DC and AC offices, Zila Council buildings and other areas frequented by farmers, to ensure maximum awareness and participation by livestock farmers.